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.

Our Older Toddlers and 2/3 classes use the Innovations Toddler curriculum, which focuses on development goals, including gross motor skills and self-help skills. The teachers in our 3/4 and Pre-K classes use the Frog Street curriculum to guide their lesson planning.

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.