about
our school
At St. Philip Early Learning Center (SPELC), we are dedicated to providing high quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education in a safe, healthy, and nurturing Christian environment.
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Our programs start for children 1 year of age and independently walking, to 6 years. We offer 1, 2, or 3 day options in our Parent’s Day Out classes and 2, 3, 4, or 5 day options in our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten classes. We also have an Enrichment Program for our Pre-K children.
our leadership
AMY WAGNER, Director
JESSICA STEPP, Assistant Director
Welcome to St Philip Early Learning Center!
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My name is Amy Wagner, and I am honored to be the Director of St Philip ELC. I have had the pleasure of being a parent, teacher and now the Director of this wonderful school. Each position has given me great insight on how special this school really is.
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I grew up in Brecksville, Ohio where I decided at a very young age I was going to be a teacher. My mom was a teacher and taught First grade, Second Grade and a Kindergarten which helped fuel my passion for teaching. I always loved helping my mom get her classroom together in the fall!
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I attended Kent State University and received a degree in Special Education. I began my career in Akron, Ohio as Special Education teacher in a self-contained behavioral classroom with students in grades 3rd through 5th. I taught in Ohio for 2 years then moved to Atlanta, Georgia. I taught for Atlanta Public Schools for 2 years in a self-contained special education room with 3rd through 5th grade students. Teaching in Akron and Atlanta were amazing experiences in which I learned from diverse students, staff, and community members. In 2009, I moved to Denver and began teaching for Jeffco Public schools. I was the special education teacher for the self-contained behavioral classroom with 3rd through 6th grade students at Hutchinson Elementary in Lakewood.
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I decided to take time off from teaching after having my first child. I met my husband, Ryan at Kent State University. We got married in 2009 and have 3 beautiful children. Our oldest Mason was born in 2013, our daughter Jada was born in 2014 and our son Nolan was born in 2017. All 3 of my children went through St Philip Early Learning Center. When Nolan went into the Pearl classroom I decided to return to teaching. I started teaching one day a week in the Topaz classroom. Then I went to two days and began teaching in the Pre-K classroom. By my third year teaching I became the lead teacher in the Pre-K classroom which I really enjoyed. In 2022 I decided to become the Director of our school. It has been an honor being the Director of the ELC. I have really enjoyed building relationships with all our wonderful families.
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Outside of school, I spend my time with my family. Most of my time is spent watching my 3 children during their sporting events. My children participate in Martial Arts, soccer, volleyball, gymnastic, skiing, hockey and swimming. My favorite activities include cooking, hiking, skiing, having cookouts with friends, visiting family and watching my children at their sporting events. Each day is an opportunity to have fun!
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I am thrilled to begin another school year as the Director! I enjoy greeting you in the mornings at drop off and afternoons at pick up. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to email, call, or stop by the office.
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Sincerely,
Amy Wagner
Director of St Philip Early Learning Center
My name is Jess Stepp and I was born and raised in Littleton. I attended school at CHES, KCMS, and CHS. After high school, I attended UNC in Greeley with a focus on Business while I worked part time at Bath and Body Works. I caught the retail bug and started a management career with Bath and Body Works, and then transitioned into running DSW Shoe Stores for 15 years. While running stores, I became a Regional trainer training all new Regional Managers, District Managers and Store Managers in the high volume store near Cherry Creek. I married my husband Brian in 2018. We planned to travel while remaining dedicated to my career. We had our daughter Amara in April of 2020. After becoming a mom, I stayed home for 2.5 years with Amara and quickly realized this was the most important job I would ever have. Amara attended SPELC and when the opportunity to work at SPELC presented itself, I was excited to apply and join the team. Joining SPELC has been a blessing to me and the entire Stepp family. I has expanded on my passion for business management while continuing my education in ECE and contributing to SPELC’s strengths. When I am not at SPELC, I enjoys playing Pokemon Go, spending time with family and friends, and being the best mom to Amara I can be.
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Sincerely,
Jess Stepp
Assistant Director of St Philip Early Learning Center
