Teaching Philosophy & Curriculum

The mission of St. Mark’s Children’s Development Center (CDC) is to guide each child in his or her emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual growth through meaningful, developmentally appropriate play. We believe in the development and enhancement of the whole child. The main source of security and identity for the young child are the parents. At St. Mark’s CDC, we reinforce this security for the child by providing a loving, safe and home-like atmosphere. The program also provides a balance of structure, free choice and consistency while providing age-appropriate experiences.

Recognizing that children grow in predictable stages, we treat each child as an individual, working from the level each child has attained and moving forward a step at a time. We teach a love of learning by allowing children to experience their own stage of development and helping them to feel success without pressure. Based on the theory that children learn through intentional play, classroom routines encourage active involvement, meaningful experimentations and building relationships.

Under the direction of the CDC director and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, the CDC is an extension of the educational ministry of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. We share our faith with children through experiences in Christian living, showing love, forgiveness, discipline and acceptance.

St. Mark’s CDC utilizes the Reggio Emilia approach, a student-centered educational philosophy and pedagogy. This approach is grounded in the belief that children are fully capable, creative individuals who have the right to make meaningful decisions in various ways. Key principles of the Reggio Emilia approach include the image of the child, the project approach, the role of the teacher, hands-on discovery, participation, and the environment as the “third teacher.” We honor these principles in our everyday practice while fostering independence, community, and lifelong learners. We incorporate Frog Street curriculum as a tool and guide for meeting the state requirements for early child hood education.

Our Hours

Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 3 PM
Extended Day Hours: For children ages 18 months and older, extended day hours from 8 AM – 9 AM. and 3 PM – 4 PM are available during the regular school year. Extended day hours are not offered during the summer sessions.
St. Mark’s CDC generally follows the HISD calendar during the school year.