Our Story

Fine motor practice using Q-tips to paint!

In 1972, St. James Child Care Center opened as the first to offer child care in the Burnsville/Savage area. It was a non-profit organization licensed by the State of Minnesota's Dept. of Human Services to serve 60 children.

Recently, St. James Child Care Center changed its name to St. James Lutheran Early Education Center in order to better represent the educational early childhood programs that it offers today.

SJLEEC is not only a child care center but a center that is committed to providing loving care while educating the whole student:

 

soul, mind and body

offering preschool-only programs, preschool plus extended day child care, hourly care, and before/after school care.

At SJLEEC, your child will develop socially and emotionally while they grow in their cognitive skills all while feeling safe, loved, and cared for in a Christ-centered environment learning Christian values.

 

See what our families are saying

“We are so thankful to have stumbled upon St. James when we moved into the area a few years ago. Both our son and daughter have had wonderful experiences with this school! They talk about their teachers Miss Anita, Miss Kristin, Miss Jeni, and Miss Sharon like they are family - they adore their teachers and this nurturing environment. The teachers truly care and love these kids, and love their jobs - that is not always the case with childcare and we feel supremely fortunate to have such a wonderful place for our kids to go to. The days have a set curriculum to help prepare kiddies for kindergarten and learn skills needed to be successful at school. Equally important, they teach important core principals such as kindness, inclusivity, sharing, loyalty, being a good friend and helper and being an overall good person. The teachers reflect these principals themselves and that shines very strongly! Miss Jeni and Miss Kristin are highly communicative as director and assistant director, and we always feel included in our kids’ days. Highly recommend!”
— Kate (Current Parent)
 

Non-Discrimination Policy

St. James Lutheran Early education Center admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. SJLEEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies and athletic and other school administered programs.

 

SJLEEC Offers…

  • Small class sizes of 1 teacher with up to 10 students.

  • Age appropriate classrooms, equipment and curriculum.

  • Teaching of Christian education and Christian values.

  • A flexible start date throughout the year for children at least 33 months old and potty trained.

  • Open enrollment to everyone. Church membership is not required to attend.

  • A large motor room for exercise on cold or rainy days.

  • A contained preschool classroom for each developmental age/ level.

  • A calm, quiet, loving Christ-centered environment.

  • Caring, experienced and state qualified staff with current CPR/First-Aid certification.

  • A year-round program

  • Open enrollment to everyone. Church membership is not required to attend.

  • A large motor room for exercise on cold or rainy days.

  • A contained preschool classroom for each developmental age/ level.

  • A calm, quiet, loving Christ-centered environment.

  • Caring, experienced and state qualified staff with current CPR/First-Aid certification.

  • A year-round program