
Welcome to St. Paul Early Learning Center in McAllen, Texas
St. Paul Early Learning Center provides trusted, faith-based daycare, childcare, preschool, and infant care in McAllen, Texas, serving families throughout McAllen and the surrounding Rio Grande Valley.
Our goal is to provide a safe, loving, and Christ-centered environment where every child feels secure, loved, included, and encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our caring and dedicated teachers combine age-appropriate learning experiences, purposeful play, and Christian values to help children grow spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. From infant daycare and toddler childcare to preschool and early childhood education, our programs support each stage of your child’s development while building confidence, curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.
St. Paul Early Learning Center is fully licensed by the State of Texas and committed to maintaining a safe, dependable environment for the children entrusted to our care. Our teachers undergo extensive background checks, and our experienced leadership and teaching staff work closely with families to provide high-quality care, education, and support throughout these important early years.
Families searching for a trusted daycare, preschool, infant care program, toddler, or childcare center can count on St. Paul Early Learning Center for meaningful learning experiences, caring teachers, Christian values, and a strong partnership with parents.
We invite you to learn more about St. Paul Early Learning Center by exploring our programs and resources online, contacting us with questions, or visiting our campus to see firsthand the loving Christian community we provide for children and families.
Infant Care
Our infant care program in McAllen, Texas, provides a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where your baby can feel secure, comfortable, and cared for throughout the day. Our caring teachers provide individualized attention while supporting each infant’s physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs through age-appropriate activities, interaction, and play. At St. Paul Early Learning Center, we partner with parents to provide dependable, faith-based infant care where your child is known, loved, and encouraged to grow.


Toddler Care & Early Learning
Our toddler care and early learning program in McAllen, Texas provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where young children can explore, learn, and grow. Through purposeful play, age-appropriate activities, and caring guidance, our teachers help toddlers develop important language, motor, social, emotional, and early learning skills while encouraging independence and curiosity. At St. Paul Early Learning Center, we combine quality toddler childcare with faith-based early childhood education to help each child build a strong foundation for preschool and the years ahead.
Preschool and School Readiness
Our preschool and school readiness program in McAllen, Texas helps children build the skills and confidence they need for a successful transition to kindergarten and elementary school. Through engaging, age-appropriate lessons, hands-on activities, purposeful play, and Christian education, children develop early literacy, math, language, social, emotional, and problem-solving skills. At St. Paul Early Learning Center, our caring teachers create a supportive faith-based preschool environment where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, develop independence, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.


Hours
Monday : 7:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday : 7:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday : 7:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday : 7:00am - 6:00pm
Friday : 7:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday : Closed
Sunday : Closed
Tour and Admissions
Tour & Program Overview: We invite families to schedule a personalized tour of St. Paul. Please use the link below or call (956) 682-2201 with questions or to arrange your visit.

Teachers and Staff

Maria Elena Rodriguez
Director
Maria Elena Rodriguez, born and raised in McAllen, TX, has spent her entire life in the RGV. Married with four sons, she is also a proud grandmother to two grandchildren who attended St. Paul Lutheran ELC. Ms. Elena has been a dedicated member of the St. Paul Lutheran ELC community since 2006, where she passionately works with children, imparting knowledge about God's love. After serving many years as the assistant director, Ms. Elena was promoted to the Director of the Early Learning Center in 2020.

Stephanie Perez
Assistant Director
Stephanie Perez was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. She is a mother of two: her daughter Hailey, born in 2012, and her son Logan, born in 2020, both attended the Early Learning Center. Stephanie has been a part of the St. Paul community since 2015. She initially started in the three-and-a-half-year-olds' classroom before advancing to the role of Assistant Director. Stephanie finds joy in working with children, as one of the most rewarding aspects is the genuine love they express throughout the day.
Stephanie graduated from McAllen High School in 2009 and attended South Texas College for two years, studying criminal justice.
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In her free time, Stephanie stays active by hiking and working out and cherishes family time with her children.

Dorinda Valencia
Daycare Teacher
Alyssa Muniz
Daycare Teacher

Naivi Vera
Daycare Teacher
Maria Teresa Calvillo
Daycare Teacher

Michelle Godinez
Daycare Teacher

Paulina (Polly) Gutierrez
Daycare Teacher
Dina Martinez
Daycare Teacher

San Juanita Navarro
Daycare Teacher

Dominique Segovia
Daycare Teacher

Yvonne Flores
Daycare Teacher

Rosa Alaniz
Daycare Teacher

Genesis Alaysa Pequeno
Daycare Teacher

Luz Alma Renteria
Daycare Teacher

Daniella (Dani) Garcia
Daycare Teacher

Kaitlynn Bagwell
Daycare Teacher

Lilia Gonzalez
Daycare Teacher
Tamara Cendejas Davila
Daycare Teacher

Melissa Roel
Daycare Teacher
Adriana Oviedo Pequeno
Daycare Teacher

Ester Cantu
Daycare Teacher

Daniela Garcia
Chef

Parent Resources
District Code: SPL-TX​
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours are you open?
St. Paul Early Learning Center is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
What are the child-teacher ratios?
The Texas Childcare Licensing Department minimum ratios are listed below. We always provided more supervision than the minimum required.
Age Group | Child : Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|
4 Years | 18 : 1 or 35 : 2 |
3 Years | 15 : 1 or 30 : 2 |
2 Years | 11 : 1 or 22 : 2 |
6 Weeks to 11 Months | 4 : 1 or 10 : 2 |
12 Months to 17 Months | 5 : 1 or 13 : 2 |
18 Months to 23 Months | 9 : 1 or 18 : 2 |
Do the ELC children need to wear a uniform?
No, the children that attend our childcare are not required to wear uniforms.
Are the teachers trained in CPR and First Aid?
Yes, all of our teachers are required by St. Paul ELC and Texas Child Care Licensing to be CPR and First Aid Certified.
Are we able to visit our children during the school day?
Yes, St. Paul has an open-door policy and parents are welcome to come at any time.
What is your tuition?
Here at St. Paul, we have different options to accommodate you. We have full-time and part-time options available. Please call to set up a time for a personal tour of our facilities.
Does St. Paul Early Learning Center provide educational activities for the children?
Yes, St. Paul uses the Abeka Christian curriculum for 18 months – 4-year-olds.
Do we need to bring in lunch or snacks for our children?
No, St. Paul ELC provides a morning snack, a nutritious lunch, and an afternoon snack for the children. The fee is included in the monthly tuition. You are always welcome to bring your child a lunch or snack if you feel that your child might not like what is being served that day.
