HISTORY OF ST. JEROME EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
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 facility for pre-school age children. Our center offers preschool programs for two, three and four year olds. Morning and afternoon extended day hours are also available for all of the above age groups.
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. Although NAEYC accreditation is not a licensing requirement, St. Jerome ECC sought this national accreditation, which calls us to a higher standard of quality early childhood education. Additionally, St. Jerome ECC is a VPK provider, and a Gold Seal School. St. Jerome ECC was voted Best Preschool in Pinellas County as Readers’ Choice with Tampa Bay News.
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. All children are involved in an integrated religious program building on Christian values, which helps to foster their Catholic faith-life. Faith development is the foundation of our program, as the children grow in acceptance of others, a love for God and a friendship with Jesus, our brother.
Incorporating the most current Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for 2, 3, and 4 year olds, our daily schedule is planned to balance activities, which include indoor-outdoor, quiet/active, individual/small group/large group, large muscle/small muscle, and child initiated/teacher initiated.
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. Advances in the area of technology allow the children in our center to have hands-on experiences with multi-media computers.
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, talents and treasures to enhance the early childhood program offered to your children. Families are continually encouraged to participate and to offer input into our early childhood program.
The St. Jerome Early Childhood Foundation was established in 1993 within the guidelines set forth by the Diocese of St. Petersburg for the purpose of funding the operational and capital expenses of St. Jerome Early Childhood Center. Through parent, parishioner, and business contributions, it is the goal of our foundation to provide an affordable, well-maintained, Catholic environment for children in their early developmental years. In honor of his 60th Anniversary of his ordination, the name of this endowment is being changed to: The Monsignor Brendan Muldoon Endowment.
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.
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. Although NAEYC accreditation is not a licensing requirement, St. Jerome ECC sought this national accreditation, which calls us to a higher standard of quality early childhood education. Additionally, St. Jerome ECC is a VPK provider, and a Gold Seal School. St. Jerome ECC was voted Best Preschool in Pinellas County as Readers’ Choice with Tampa Bay News.
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. All children are involved in an integrated religious program building on Christian values, which helps to foster their Catholic faith-life. Faith development is the foundation of our program, as the children grow in acceptance of others, a love for God and a friendship with Jesus, our brother.
Incorporating the most current Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for 2, 3, and 4 year olds, our daily schedule is planned to balance activities, which include indoor-outdoor, quiet/active, individual/small group/large group, large muscle/small muscle, and child initiated/teacher initiated.
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. Advances in the area of technology allow the children in our center to have hands-on experiences with multi-media computers.
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, talents and treasures to enhance the early childhood program offered to your children. Families are continually encouraged to participate and to offer input into our early childhood program.
The St. Jerome Early Childhood Foundation was established in 1993 within the guidelines set forth by the Diocese of St. Petersburg for the purpose of funding the operational and capital expenses of St. Jerome Early Childhood Center. Through parent, parishioner, and business contributions, it is the goal of our foundation to provide an affordable, well-maintained, Catholic environment for children in their early developmental years. In honor of his 60th Anniversary of his ordination, the name of this endowment is being changed to: The Monsignor Brendan Muldoon Endowment.
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.