ECS early learning programs are guided by the latest research showing the impact of early activities on brain development. Our environment encourages child-directed exploration with engaging playthings that stretch young imaginations and develop motor skills. Developing language skills are supported throughout meaningful conversation, where teachers expand on children’s ideas and explore new ideas together.
The Early Learning Center at Good Shepherd is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving children ages one to five, including a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program with optional wrap-around care for early morning and/or afternoon hours. The Creative Curriculum guides daily engaging experiences in all classrooms with a holistic approach through research-based activities aligned with state standards. Lower teacher-to-child ratios provide opportunities for individualized learning to meet the developmental needs of all children. Families stay connected to their children’s daily explorations through the Watch Me Grow camera system. Healthy snacks and meals are provided in a language-rich setting that promotes positive social interactions.
Episcopal Children’s Services provides programs based on the latest research showing the impact of early activities on brain development.
Toddlers are curious and exploratory, and our toddler program supports those new and exciting skills. Children enjoy dramatic play, creative movement, and artistic expression. Hands-on activities encourage child-directed cognitive development and social skills.
Our early preschool programs nurture curiosity, initiative, persistence, reasoning, and problem-solving – the essential elements of lifelong learning. Each day’s lessons include learning centers and group activities to provide children the opportunity to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.
In our preschool programs, children explore their world with curiosity and delight. To ensure that our preschoolers develop the skills they need to enter school ready to learn, our thematic curriculum emphasizes early math and literacy skills, including book knowledge and appreciation, phonological awareness, alphabet recognition, print awareness, early writing, and oral language development.
Voluntary Prekindergarten is a state-funded program that prepares young children for successful kindergarten experience by fostering emergent literacy skills, socio-emotional growth, and a love of learning. Children who are four by September 1st are eligible to participate in Florida’s free VPK education program during the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Episcopal Children’s Services’ Preschool provides full-day programs designed for working parents who desire full-day education and enrichment programs for their children. Tuition includes a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack.
Initial Registration Fee: $150 (due upon enrollment)
Annual Registration Fee: $50 (due September 1st each school year)
Weekly Tuition: $235
Initial Registration Fee: $150 (due upon enrollment)
Annual Registration Fee: $50 (due September 1st each school year)
Weekly Tuition: $220
Initial Registration Fee: $150 (due upon enrollment)
Annual Registration Fee: $50 (due September 1st each school year)
Weekly Tuition: $205
Initial Registration Fee: $150 (due upon enrollment)
Annual Registration Fee: $50 (due September 1st each school year)
Weekly Tuition: $140
VPK Holiday and summer care: $205.00
“I have had two children in school at ECS, Good Shepherd and would recommend them to anyone. Especially during this time of the pandemic, they have been careful, attentive, supportive, and wonderful. Both my children are developing friendships there that I hope endure into school. They will miss their teachers desperately, since they fall in love with them each year.
Their curricula are well thought out and open for parent inspection. They host parenting nights and childhood development courses. Before social isolation began, they were hosting seasonal activities that seek to involve parents and children with other families at the school.
They use advanced digital tools for parent communication and have active classroom video monitoring so there isn’t any wonder or secrets. Their accountability and training are top notch. 5 stars.“
“Good Shepherd ELC is definitely 5/5 stars. I am saddened by the negative reviews – I assume they are fake or bots, so please disregard them. We have had our daughter enrolled in ELC for 3 years and have had nothing but an amazing experience. It is safe, clean, friendly, welcoming – the kids and teachers all appear very happy. I have recommended this daycare to all my friends. I honestly believe it is the best daycare in the Riverside area. I do not have a single negative thing to say about ELC.”
“Our child has been at Episcopal ELC from 14 months of age to nearly 3 years. The classrooms are clean with lots of windows, the playground is large and mostly shaded (a must for Florida!), and most importantly of all: the staff is happy and consistant. Unlike our intial corporate run daycare where the afternoon staff changed out daily depending on the headcount, the staff at ELC is stable and consistent. It’s such a pleasure to see the same faces day after day and to have your child know ALL the teachers.
Now, given the pandemic, having consistent staff (and not interchangeable people from various facilities all around town) is a safety measure for my child and helps avoid unnecessary exposure.
I cannot recommend this facility and their staff enough.“
Location: 1100 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
School Hours: Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Telephone: (904) 723-4413
Center Director: Tierrah Crawford