About Us
Early Childhood Services at FCTC is an early learning lab preschool located on the First Coast Technical College campus. Our mission is to provide a high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages three to five through our Head Start, VPK, and ESE Pre-K programs. Our blended Pre-K classrooms are led by highly qualified teachers who are dual certified in both Pre-K/Primary Education and Exceptional Student Education (ESE), ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of young learners. Each blended classroom maintains a student-to-staff ratio of 1 certified teacher and 1 paraprofessional (teacher’s assistant) to 18 students, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. For students requiring more individualized support, our intensive ESE classroom features a lower ratio with 1 certified teacher and 2 paraprofessionals, allowing for increased attention and tailored instruction. This staffing model reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive early childhood education for all children.
As a model lab site, we support the training and professional growth of dual enrollment, secondary, and adult students enrolled in FCTC’s Early Childhood Education program, as well as high school students from the St. Augustine High School Teaching Academy. High school students and technical college students gain valuable, hands-on experience by working in our preschool classrooms alongside our certified teachers and under the supervision of our school administrator. This collaboration allows these future educators to apply what they are learning in the classroom while working toward the credentials required to begin a career in early childhood education. Their presence also enhances the preschool environment by providing additional support, engaging activities, and more individualized attention for our young learners.
Together, we are building a foundation for lifelong learning— both for the Pre-K children in our care and the future educators we help prepare.
Contact Information
Address – 2980 Collins Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 (back side of building E)
Office – 904-547-3327
Fax – 904-547-3322
School Hours – 8:25 a.m – 2:45 p.m (Arrival from 8:00-8:25am and Dismissal from 2:45-3:00pm)
Every Wednesday Early Dismissal – 1:45 p.m.
Leadership & School Administrator
- Mrs. Ashley Moore
- 904-547-3328
School Secretary and Bookkeeper
- Mrs. Sheila Lawshe
- 904-547-3327
Pre-K Teachers (Headstart, VPK & ESE)
- Ms. Appleget
- Ms. Goldman
- Ms. Kestner
Pre-K Paraprofessionals
- Ms. Budeiri
- Ms. Finch
- Ms. Knight
- Ms. Leonard
- Ms. Simms
- Ms. Weintraub
Family and Student Handbook:
- 2025-2026 Handbook coming soon
Supply List:
Communication:
- School Messenger is used to send early dismissal reminders, weekly Family News emails, and other important updates. Messages will be delivered via automated phone calls and emails sent to the parent/guardian email address on file.
- Teaching Strategies Family App is available for both Android and Apple devices and provides a quick and convenient way for teachers and families to stay connected. Follow the instructions linked here to download the app and connect with your child’s teacher.
- All faculty and staff respond to email communications within 24–48 hours. For more urgent matters, please call the school office.
School Access (Visitor & Volunteer Application):
- A cleared school access application is required for every individual that is not a staff member of the St. Johns County School District. This application is required if you are volunteering in some capacity or simply visiting a student or staff member. All parents and guardians and encourage to complete a school access application. https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/volunteer/
Health Services:
- Illness guidelines on when to keep you child at home: https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/health/illness/
- Guidelines on administering medication at school and required forms: /https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/health/medication/
Food Services:
Our school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision program. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all students free of charge. Menus will be provided to all parents/guardians at the start of each month.
Transportation:
- Students arrive and dismiss from school through the Parent Pick-up line (car riders) or as a bus rider (only for eligible students). We only release students to a parent, guardian, or emergency contact. To make changes to emergency contacts or daily dismissal needs, parents/guardians must email Mrs. Sheila at [email protected] before 2:00pm (1:00pm on Wednesdays).
Extended Day Program:
Our school offers an Extended Day program from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. daily, and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on early dismissal Wednesdays. We are a School Readiness provider, which means families receiving financial assistance for childcare through Episcopal Children’s Services can use those funds to cover the cost of Extended Day.
25-26 ECS Ext Day Registration Form
Community Partnerships & Collaborations:
Our school follows the St. Johns County School District calendar. Please use the links below to access the current school year calendars.
Once your child has been determined eligible for ESE services, accepted into the Head Start program or received a VPK certificate, your child must be enrolled through the district’s enrollment process. Click on the link below, then scroll down to the current school year, and click “Register a Pre-K Student…” as shown in the photo below.
https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/student/enrollment/
