A Faith Filled Beginning
In the fall of 1990, St. Jerome Early Childhood Center opened its doors for the first time, in response to the needs of parishioners who were seeking a quality educational program for their pre-school age children. St. Jerome ECC is licensed by the Pinellas County License Board and is supported by St. Jerome Parish.
In 1993, St. Jerome Early Childhood Center first received accreditation with the National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC). Reaccreditation is required and sought every five years. While NAEYC accreditation isn't a licensing requirement, St. Jerome ECC chose to pursue it to meet a higher standard of quality in early childhood education. Additionally, St. Jerome ECC is a VPK provider and a Gold Seal School.
The curriculum at St. Jerome ECC encourages children to be actively involved in the learning process, to experience a variety of developmentally appropriate activities and materials, and to pursue their own interests in the context of life in the community and God’s world. Faith development is the foundation of our program, as the children grow in acceptance of others, in love for God, and in friendship with Jesus.
St. Jerome ECC incorporates the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds. Our daily schedule is intentionally planned to include indoor-outdoor, quiet/active, individual/small group/large group, large muscle/small muscle, and child initiated/teacher initiated activities. These activities are selected to foster self-concept; develop social skills; encourage children to think, reason, question, and experiment; encourage language development; develop physical skills and creative expression; and to enhance sound health, safety, and nutritional practices.
Families are the first educators in a child’s life, and we welcome parents as observers and contributors to our program. Throughout the year, families will have many opportunities to volunteer their time, talent, and treasure to enhance the early childhood program offered to your children.
We know St. Jerome Early Childhood Center will grow and flourish in the years to come as we continue to nourish the hearts and minds of all the children who pass through our doors. We respectfully welcome children of all faiths and backgrounds with the belief that together we form one human family of God.
In 1993, St. Jerome Early Childhood Center first received accreditation with the National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC). Reaccreditation is required and sought every five years. While NAEYC accreditation isn't a licensing requirement, St. Jerome ECC chose to pursue it to meet a higher standard of quality in early childhood education. Additionally, St. Jerome ECC is a VPK provider and a Gold Seal School.
The curriculum at St. Jerome ECC encourages children to be actively involved in the learning process, to experience a variety of developmentally appropriate activities and materials, and to pursue their own interests in the context of life in the community and God’s world. Faith development is the foundation of our program, as the children grow in acceptance of others, in love for God, and in friendship with Jesus.
St. Jerome ECC incorporates the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds. Our daily schedule is intentionally planned to include indoor-outdoor, quiet/active, individual/small group/large group, large muscle/small muscle, and child initiated/teacher initiated activities. These activities are selected to foster self-concept; develop social skills; encourage children to think, reason, question, and experiment; encourage language development; develop physical skills and creative expression; and to enhance sound health, safety, and nutritional practices.
Families are the first educators in a child’s life, and we welcome parents as observers and contributors to our program. Throughout the year, families will have many opportunities to volunteer their time, talent, and treasure to enhance the early childhood program offered to your children.
We know St. Jerome Early Childhood Center will grow and flourish in the years to come as we continue to nourish the hearts and minds of all the children who pass through our doors. We respectfully welcome children of all faiths and backgrounds with the belief that together we form one human family of God.