About
The ELC at St. Paul’s is an early learning center in Cedar Rapids, IA, founded in 1981 and located inside St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. It provides year-round childcare and preschool with flexible scheduling, allowing families to choose specific days and times, with options for core and extended-day care. Childcare serves children from birth to age 5 in a play-based setting that supports social-emotional growth, early literacy, and school readiness through hands-on, age-appropriate activities. A Summer Care program runs June through August with outdoor play, creative projects, and themed activities to sustain learning and routine.
As a mission of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the center integrates opportunities for children to experience God’s love alongside learning and imagination, while operating as its own dedicated program. Small group sizes and a collaborative, family-first staff culture support strong relationships with families. Most teachers hold education degrees and pursue ongoing professional development. The ELC at St. Paul’s has served Cedar Rapids families for more than four decades and is led by Executive Director Julie Hanlin, who has been with the center since 2012 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a National Program Administrator Credential.