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Early Learning

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.

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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.

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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.

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Teachers and Staff

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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.

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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.

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Dorinda Valencia

Daycare Teacher

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Alyssa Muniz

Daycare Teacher

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Naivi Vera

Daycare Teacher

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Maria Teresa Calvillo

Daycare Teacher

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Michelle Godinez

Daycare Teacher

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Paulina (Polly) Gutierrez

Daycare Teacher

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Dina Martinez

Daycare Teacher

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San Juanita Navarro

Daycare Teacher

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Dominique Segovia

Daycare Teacher

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Yvonne Flores

Daycare Teacher

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Rosa Alaniz

Daycare Teacher

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Genesis Alaysa Pequeno

Daycare Teacher

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Luz Alma Renteria

Daycare Teacher

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Daniella (Dani) Garcia

Daycare Teacher

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Kaitlynn Bagwell

Daycare Teacher

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Lilia Gonzalez

Daycare Teacher

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Tamara Cendejas Davila

Daycare Teacher

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Melissa Roel

Daycare Teacher

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Adriana Oviedo Pequeno

Daycare Teacher

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Ester Cantu

Daycare Teacher

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Daniela Garcia

Chef

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.

St. Paul Lutheran Church, School, and Early Learning Center

(956) 682-2345

300 Pecan Blvd.

McAllen, TX 78501

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