Our Philosophy and Program
Mission Statement
FORMING FAITH • FIRM FOUNDATION • FOREVER FAMILY
At St. Paul’s ECDC, our mission is to guide children in Forming Faith, inspiring them to develop a servant heart, to provide a Firm Foundation for their growth and development, and to nurture their place in our St. Paul’s family, as well as Christ’s Forever Family.
Vision Statement
We envision a vibrant and loving community where children grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). We are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment that embraces play-centered and outdoor learning, enabling children to explore their God-given potential. As part of their Forever Family in Christ, we empower children to build a firm foundation of skills and faith, encouraging them to serve others with kindness and compassion. Together with families, we strive to cultivate our little panthers to be confident, resilient learners who reflect Christ’s love and positively impact their communities.
Purpose Statement
At St. Paul’s ECDC, our purpose is to provide a Christ-centered early childhood education that nurtures the whole child—spiritually, emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively. We are dedicated to creating a loving, play-centered environment where children can explore, learn, and grow in their faith. Partnering with families, we seek to equip each child with a firm foundation of skills, compassion, and resilience, empowering them to serve others and thrive as confident, faith-filled individuals in God’s world.
Philosophy Statement
At St. Paul’s ECDC, we believe that every child is a unique creation of God. Our PANTHERS philosophy is centered on:
P Play-Centered Learning: Essential for growth, fostering curiosity and creativity through engaging activities.
A Adventures in Nature: Encouraging outdoor exploration to cultivate wonder and connection to God’s creation.
N Nurturing Environment: Providing a Christ-like atmosphere of love and care where every child feels valued.
T Together with Families: Cultivating community and belonging, partnering with families to support growth and development.
H Hands-On Learning: Promoting active, experiential learning to help children learn, explore and discover their world.
E Empowered for Growth: Equipping children emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively, fostering resilience, independence, and providing the essential skills for a successful transition to kindergarten.
R Rooted in Christ: Helping children build a strong foundation of faith and guiding them to grow into who God created them to be.
S Service to Others: Instilling kindness and compassion, encouraging children to reflect Christ’s love through their actions.
St. Paul's ECDC accepts children six weeks through five years old. Our infant class is for children 0-12 months by September 1. Our toddler classes are for children between the ages of 1 and 2 on September 1. Our beginner classes are for those who are 2 by September 1. Our junior classes are for children who are 3 by September 1. Our PK/EK classes are for children who are 4 by September 1.
Schedules
Full Day - 7 am - 6 pm
Part Day - 8:15 am - 3:15 pm
Morning (preschool only) - 8:30 am - 12 pm
Each day the curriculum is presented so each child can experience a wide variety of age-appropriate activities. These activities include the following:
Hands-on Learning Centers
Students are encouraged to make independent choices and develop their thinking skills, as they learn at various learning centers. These centers provide opportunities for the individual child, as well as the entire group, to develop sensory, listening, writing, and math skills. We use art materials, easels, manipulatives, dramatic play, and much more, to engage the students with hands-on experiences in an age-appropriate setting, stimulating their curiosity and intellectual growth.
Toys are chosen with safety in mind. A choke test tube is used to check the size of toys in our infant and toddler classrooms, to prevent having choking hazards in the classroom.
Creative Development
Each classroom introduces new songs and creative movement, as well as activities with instruments. A variety of art media promotes opportunities to develop self-expression and confidence.
Motor Development
Gross motor skills are developed with ample play and activities are set-up on our private fenced-in playground, and in the classrooms, to stimulate large muscle development.
Outdoor Classroom
The outdoor classroom is an extension of the activities and learning that is present in all classrooms. Our outdoor space in the preschool has many different areas for exploration. In addition to the equipment, interest centers are set up to encourage and focus the learning of curriculum concepts. Our Bungalow also has large outdoor areas and decks for outdoor learning.
Bible
Children learn Bible verses and are read Bible stories in Large and Small Group settings. We use One In Christ curriculum for all students, including in the Bungalow. Prayer is incorporated throughout the day – Group times, before eating, and for the occasional ouchie.