The earliest years in a child’s life are key in predicting ultimate success in school and life. Nationally, fewer than 50% of all poor children are ready for school at age 5, compared to over 75% of children from families with moderate to high incomes.
Statistics like this are what inspired The Learning Center at St. John to open its doors in January 1995 with a commitment to offer quality preschool education to children in West Tampa, regardless of their family’s income. For more than two decades, our Board of Directors has provided financial assistance in the form of tuition scholarships to hundreds of hard-working, low-income families who do not qualify for any other school readiness assistance. The Learning Center has prepared more than 1,300 children from underserved neighborhoods for success in kindergarten and beyond by serving its mission – To provide high quality early childhood education that develops the whole child.
Our programs are designed to enrich every aspect of a child’s intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, creative and physical development. The Learning Center accepts children from all faiths, ages 3 months to 5 years of age. The Learning Center strives for diversity in its student body which reflects the broader community to which it belongs and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and national or ethnic origin in its admissions or administrative policies.
Since its inception, The Learning Center has continued to grow and adapt to the needs to the children, families and community it serves. In 2013, we embarked on a journey to reconnect children with nature by introducing the concept of well-designed, nature-inspired learning environments that provide daily opportunities for exploration, experimentation, discovery, play and learning. Our goals now focus on creating opportunities to inspire a sense of wonder and to enhance children’s learning by incorporating nature education into curriculum and daily activities. We believe that children who are allowed to experience the natural world, will not only find jo in the great outdoors, but will thrive in nature-based learning program that enhances cognitive abilities and improves creativity and problem-solving skills.
The Learning Center is frequently chosen as a model site for various agency programs. Our program has been featured in television programs and training videos that highlight quality early childhood education. TLC was awarded a second 5-Star Quality Rating from The Early Coalition in 2016.
For more information, contact:
The Learning Center
4110 N MacDill Ave
Tampa, Florida
The Learning Center at St. John
Call (813) 872-6826