For more than 40 years, St. Paul Early Learning Center has provided trusted, faith-based daycare, childcare, preschool, and infant care for families throughout McAllen, TX and the Rio Grande Valley.
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Our caring teachers combine purposeful play, age-appropriate learning, Christian values, and the Abeka Christian-based curriculum in a safe, loving, Christ-centered environment. From infant daycare and toddler childcare to preschool and early childhood education, our programs help children grow academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Fully licensed by the State of Texas, St. Paul provides dependable, high-quality care for families, including those taking advantage of opportunities through the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA).
Explore our programs or visit our campus to experience the caring Christian community at St. Paul Early Learning Center.
Christ-Centered
Rooted in God's Word
Safe & Nurturing
Where Every Child Feels Safe, Loved, and Known.
Purposeful Learning
Preparing for a bright future
Whole-Child Development
Mind, body, and spirit
Learn more about our admissions process, schedule a tour, and see what makes St. Paul a special to learn and grow.
Dedicated, caring, and Christ-centered educators who inspire students every day.
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Access important forms, calendars, policies, and helpful information for current families.
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Christ-Centered Early Learning
At St. Paul Early Learning Center, children are nurtured in a safe, loving, and Christ-centered environment where they are encouraged to know God, grow in faith, and show His love to others. Christian values are woven into each day through Bible stories, prayer, songs, classroom activities, and faith formation.
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Our caring and dedicated teachers understand that the early years build an important foundation for a child’s future. Through purposeful play, hands-on activities, and engaging learning experiences, children develop early skills in language and literacy, math, science, creativity, problem-solving, and communication.
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Children are encouraged to explore, discover, create, play, and learn together while building confidence, independence, friendships, and strong social and emotional skills. Above all, we want every child to know that they are a precious child of God, wonderfully made and deeply loved by Jesus.
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Healthy development is also supported through nutritious meals freshly prepared daily by a certified chef on campus, active play, outdoor experiences, and activities that strengthen fine and gross motor skills.
We believe early childhood education is about more than preparing children for school. It is about nurturing the whole child—spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
When your family joins St. Paul Early Learning Center, you become part of a caring Christian community where children can learn, grow, and belong.
Infant Care
Our infant care program 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 and Early Learning
Our toddler care and early learning program 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 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.
ELC Staff
Maria Elena Rodriguez
Director
Maria Elena Rodriguez is a lifelong resident of McAllen, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. She is married, has four sons, and is a proud grandmother of two grandchildren who attended St. Paul Lutheran’s Early Learning Center (ELC).
Ms. Elena has been part of the St. Paul Lutheran ELC community since 2006, working with dedication to support children and share God's love. After serving as assistant director for many years, she was promoted to 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 the mother of Hailey (born 2012) and Logan (born 2020), both Early Learning Center attendees. Since joining the St. Paul community in 2015, Stephanie has progressed from teaching in the three-and-a-half-year-olds' classroom to serving as Assistant Director. She values the genuine love children express each day, which she finds deeply rewarding.
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Stephanie graduated from McAllen High School in 2009 and studied criminal justice at South Texas College for two years.
In her free time, Stephanie enjoys hiking, working out, and spending quality time with her children.
Dorinda Valencia
2 Year Old Teacher
Alyssa Muniz
Infant Teacher
Yvonne Flores
12 Months Teacher
Rosa Alaniz
18 Months Teacher
Genesis Alaysa Pequeno
3 Year Old Teacher Aid
Luz Alma Renteria
2, 1/2 Old Teacher Aid
Daniella (Dani) Garcia
4 Year Old Teacher
San Juanita Navarro
Infant Teacher
Dominique Segovia
Infant Teacher
Tamara Cendejas Davila
12 Months Teacher
Melissa Roel
2 Year Old Teacher Aid
Adriana Oviedo Pequeno
3 Year Old Teacher Aid
Ester Cantu
3, 1/2 Old Teacher
Kaitlynn Bagwell
3 Year Old Teacher Aid
Naivi Vera
Infant Teacher
Maria Teresa Calvillo
18 Months Teacher
Michelle Godinez
2, 1/2 Year Old Teacher
Paulina (Polly) Gutierrez
3 Year Old Teacher
Dina Martinez
After School Teacher
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.