Where bright futures take root
Early childhood education is one of the most crucial stages in a child’s development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, empathy, and emotional well-being.
At St. Mark Early Childhood Center, we believe that every child deserves a nurturing environment where they feel loved, safe, and supported as they begin their journey.
Our program emphasizes the importance of nature, allowing children to explore the world around them, feel the grass between their toes, and experience the wonders of outdoor play.
By connecting with nature, we foster curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of empathy, helping children build the skills they need to grow into confident and compassionate individuals.
Now Enrolling — Inquire Today
Spots are limited. Contact our team to check availability, learn more about our program, or schedule a visit.
Call Danielle or Ashley at 563-552-7244
The Mission of St. Mark Early Childhood Center is to create natural environments filled with Love, Safety and Belonging so that every child has the skills they need to succeed.
Our vision is to enrich the life of every child.
Frederick Douglass"it's easier to build stong children
Than fix broken adults"
our philosophy & core pillars
Social Emotional Health
Fostering emotional intelligence through nature play, exploration, and skill modeling.
Nature Exploration
Learning Lab & Training Model
Creating a ripple effect of positive impact by working and training others to develop a community that embraces social emotional wellbeing.
Danielle Willis"By engaging children with nature from a young age,
St. Mark nurtures emotional intelligence and empowers them
to break negative cycles within the community."
Director of Early Childhood
proven impact
Research-backed Benefits:
- Social-emotional learning increases academic performance by 11%.
- Nature-based play enhances focus, impulse control, and overall well-being.
- Early childhood social-emotional competence is a predictor of future academic and career success.
Supporting Data:
why early childhood matters
invest in our future
HELP US BUILD ST. MARK EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
We need your help to support St. Mark Early Childhood Center! You can help by donating money, volunteering your time, or sharing our mission with your friends and family. Your support is important for creating a safe place where kids can grow and learn about nature.
When you support St. Mark’s Early Childhood Center, you are helping kids become caring and strong individuals. Together, we can make our community a better place, where every child can enjoy nature and learn how to be kind and helpful to others.
P: 563.582.6211 x102
E: alavenarius@stmarkyouthenrichment.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What age groups do you serve?
A: We serve children from birth to 4 years old.
Q: How is St. Mark different from other childcare centers?
A: Our approach focuses on social-emotional health, nature exploration, and building environments where children feel love, safety, and belonging. We emphasize hands-on, child-led play to foster growth and empathy.
Q: How many children are in each class?
A: Our center has a total capacity of 43 children, and we maintain a low child-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention and care.
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: Our hours are 7 AM-5:30 PM, offering flexible options for working parents.
Q: Do you provide meals and snacks?
A: Yes, we provide healthy snacks and meals, ensuring that each child receives nutritious options throughout the day.
Q: Are your staff trained and certified?
A: Yes, all our staff are trained in early childhood education and are either certified or pursuing relevant certifications. They are passionate about nurturing young minds and have extensive experience working with children.
Q: How does nature play fit into the program?
A: Nature play is a core element of our curriculum. Children engage in outdoor activities that promote curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning, such as gardening, nature walks, and sensory play with natural materials.
Q: How can I support St. Mark Early Childhood Center?
A: There are many ways to support us—through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about our mission.