Early Learning Program

Our Early Learning Program, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, provides a safe, nurturing, and loving environment.

ELP I is designed for children who have reached their first birthday by September 1.
We plant a seed for a love of learning through organized lessons, wonderful resources, and guidance from a caring and experienced staff.

Our play-based curriculum is designed to enhance development in the areas of fine motor, gross motor, personal-social, verbal-communication, and problem-solving skills.

The ELP I program averages a maximum of 12 children with one teacher and one assistant per classroom.

ELP II is for children who have reached their second birthday by September 1.
Play activities are used in the teaching process to enhance development in the areas of fine motor, gross motor, verbal-communication, personal-social, and problem-solving skills.

Our program incorporates fun, love, and encouragement in the daily life of our students. Circle time consists of unit discussions along with discussions about the weather, the day of the week, the daily super star, and Bible stories.

The ELP II program has a maximum of 14 children with one teacher and one assistant.

Click here for details about our Early Learning Program (pdf)

Our ELP teachers and assistants have diverse backgrounds with over 50 years of collective teaching experience. In addition to workshops in continuing education for both teachers and assistants, the Early Learning Department is trained annually in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid, and all St. Mark’s employees are trained in the prevention of child sexual abuse (Safeguarding God’s Children).

Click to see our tree-shaded outdoor playground!

Class Options
Classes are offered five days a week, with a choice of a two day, three day, or five day class. The day begins at 8 a.m. and ends by 12 noon. 

Extended Day Program
ELP students may also stay in our Extended Day Program, which begins at 7:15 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Summer Camp is also available in June and July for this age group. Click here for more information about the ELP Extended Day.

• Rooms are neat and clean and are decorated to stimulate the child’s development. It is a bright and happy environment.
• Music, library, Spanish, and Chapel enrichment programs are provided for both ELP I and II programs. Children attending five days a week will enjoy every resource enrichment. ELP II students also enjoy Mandarin Chinese language exposure.
  
• We focus on the whole child and teach using all the sensory motor areas: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
• Children have the opportunity to develop both large and small motor skills through outdoor and indoor activities. The children have access to an age-appropriate playground with equipment that promotes motor skills, science, and social development. A fence with childproof locks on all gates secures the playground.
• Art projects that coordinate with thematic units stimulate gross and fine motor skills.

Classes fill quickly! Contact the Director of Enrollment, Susan Kwartler, (904) 388-2632  x21 for space availability.