St. Mark Early Childhood
invest in our future:
Launch St. Mark Early Childhood Center
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.
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:
st. mark current programs
Overview
For 35 years, we’ve been dedicated to creating safe spaces where children can thrive. Through our after-school and summer programs, we offer elementary school children an environment filled with love, safety, and a true sense of belonging. These nurturing spaces consistently lead to academic success and the development of strong social and emotional skills.
School Year with Afterschool
- Sites: Audubon, Lincoln, Marshall, & Peosta Elementary
- Times: End of school until 5:30 p.m.
- Serves up to 130 kids.
- Partner with Boys & Girls Club
Enrollment is open to kids in K-5 who attend schools served. Registration opens every spring.
Summer with St. Mark Heroes Camp
- Dubuque Center & Dyersville Elementary
- Offered June - July
- Healthy snack (Dyersville) or breakfast & lunch (Dubuque)
- Helps maintain learning and reading skills to curb the “summer slide”
- Serves up to 150 kids.
Enrollment is open to kids going in to K-5. Registration opens every March.
Program Highlights
Afterschool & Summer Programs
246 students served, 79% regular attendance*
91% of parents report student improvements in respect, emotion identification, and relationship-building skills*
*2023-24 School Year & 2024 Summer 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.
Join us for a lunch & Learn
Want to learn more about how you can be a ground-breaking supporter? Call or connect about becoming an early investor.
Beth McGorry (CFRE)
Major Gifts Coordinator
P: 563.582.6211 x110
C: 563.590.2806
E: bmcgorry@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.