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. 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.
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, a love for God and a friendship with Jesus.
St. Jerome ECC inforporates 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. 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.
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, a love for God and a friendship with Jesus.
St. Jerome ECC inforporates 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.