Administrator: Alicia Mumma | Lic. #C06PA0101 (727) 376-2330 staecc@aol.com
Welcome to St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center
St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center is a ministry of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and is part of the Diocese of St. Petersburg Catholic Schools and Centers.
● We seek to provide faith filled, qualified teachers to work with our children.
● At St. Thomas Aquinas E.C.C. we continually strive to offer you the best possible program at an affordable rate.
● At our school, children are given the opportunity to develop spiritually, socially, physically and intellectually.
About Us
St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center is a Catholic school where two, three, four, and five year olds are given opportunities to develop spiritually, physically, and intellectually. We are dedicated to the goal of providing developmentally appropriate programs aimed at the whole child.
We seek to provide faith-filled, qualified teachers to work with our children. At St. Thomas Aquinas E.C.C. we continually strive to offer you the best possible program at an affordable rate.
Our Philosophy
The Early Childhood Center at St. Thomas Aquinas prepares children for success in Kindergarten and beyond through creative, productive, play experiences. Knowing that preschool children are concrete thinkers and need to touch, hear, see, smell, taste and move in order to understand their world, our teachers create and recreate activities that encourage children to learn through exploration and discovery.
Our Program
In providing a quality, affordable program, it is necessary for St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center to utilize its teachers and classrooms to full capacity as often as possible. Our two year old and three year old programs offer several options. These children, who are experiencing school for the first time, are able to ease gradually into the school environment. Our four year old VPK program is offered five mornings per week (mandatory).
Why Choose Us?
- Low student/teacher ratios
- Experienced, degreed staff
- Active parental involvement
- Age appropriate playgrounds
- Nurturing Christian environment
Our Staff
Administration
Alicia Mumma (STAECC Director)
Hello, my name is Alicia Mumma, and I am the Director of St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center. All 3 of my children attended STAECC, and I am so happy to continue to be a part of this school. I earned my bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Central Florida in 2003 and worked for a few years in the sports and entertainment industry. After having children of my own, I changed career paths, and now I thoroughly enjoy every day I get to spend here with our preschoolers. I feel blessed to be a part of such a special place.
Kari Glenny (STAECC Administrative Asst.)
Hi, my name is Kari Glenny and I am the administrative assistant at St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center. I grew up in New Port Richey and returned after receiving my Bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Central Florida. I have three children, who all attended preschool at St. Thomas. I loved St. Thomas so much that when an opportunity arose to work at the preschool, I jumped at the chance. I truly love working with our amazing staff and families every day!
Teachers
Deanna Azzue (EC2 Teacher)
Hi, my name is Deana Azzue, and I will be teaching in the two year old classroom this year. I have retained my CDA and am always looking forward to continuing my education.I am married to my high school sweetheart, Vincent Azzue, and we have lived in the Pasco area for over twenty five years. We raised our family and opened my husband’s optometric practice in 2002.I look forward to a wonderful year with my colleagues and children of STAECC.
Amanda Brandenburg (EC3 Teacher)
Hi, my name is Amanda Brandenburg and I am an EC3 teacher. I was born in South Bend, IN and moved to Florida after graduation from Ball State University in Muncie, IN., with a Bachelors degree. After graduating college, Amanda worked as a pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) technician at a local hospital. After finding the love of her life, Marcus, she married and had three children. Sam, Sara and Paige are all graduates of STAECC. Amanda joined STAECC in 2018 as a teacher assistant to the 3’s class.
Magda Grabowski (EC2 Assistant)
My name is Magda Grabowski, I am the EC2 assistant. It is a blessing and honor to be a part of the STAECC family for the past three years. I obtained my National Child Development Associated in 2023. I have been a catechist for almost ten years, I graduated from the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute of the Diocese of St. Petersburg with the LPMI Diploma. I have worked in the corporate world, but decided to devote my time to take care of our two children, when they were going to school. I am looking forward to our new school year to learn, play and build new relationships.
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They ARE the most important work.”-C.S. Lewis
Margarita Suhwiel (EC3 Assistant)
Janine Penland (EC2 Teacher)
Hi! My name is Janine Penland and I am an EC2 teacher. I am looking forward to a year of learning, fun, and adventures. I am a graduate of the University of South Florida. I began my career as a social worker and after seven years I decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I earned my teaching certificate while working as a Special Education Teacher in a middle school. In 2002, I switched gears and began teaching preschool at St. Thomas Aquinas ECC. I earned my National Child Development Associate as well as my Director’s Credential while working here. In 2008 I decided to open my own school in Spring Hill, Florida. I opened with 25 children, and it grew with great success to serving 250 children, annually. Recently, I sold my business to go back to what I love, which is being a teacher in the classroom. I am married and have two children that are graduates of St. Thomas Aquinas ECC. My son and daughter both attend the University of Central Florida. You may see my daughter volunteering here from time to time, as she still remembers wonderful things about being a student here! I am so thankful for my return to St. Thomas and look forward teaching your children to love learning!
Pam Stein (VPK Teacher)
Hi, I’m Miss Pam and I’m excited to share with you a little bit about myself as well. I am married and have two boys. My son Michael, who attended STA, graduated from USF with a B.S. in Marketing. He returned for two semesters and earned a B.S. in Economics. My younger son, Adam has an A.S. degree in Computer Programming and Analysis. I am entering my twentieth year teaching at STA. I received my National Child Development Associate in October 2007.
Adrianne Wilson (VPK Teacher)
Hi, I’m Miss Adrianne and I’m excited to share with you a little bit about myself. I have two boys, Zachary and Blake. Both boys graduated from Mitchell High School and Blake attended STAECC for two years. I hold a B.A. in Speech Language Pathology from the University of South Florida and have worked in the Pasco County School District as a Speech Therapist at the elementary school level. I am so excited to be teaching VPK again this year!
Andrea Leto (EC3 Teacher)
Hello! My name is Andrea Leto, and I’m thrilled to be EC3 teacher this year. This will be my fourth year as part of the STAECC team, and I’m excited to continue growing with this amazing community. I hold an Associate of Arts degree from Pasco-Hernando State College and Staff and Director credentials through the Department of Children and Families. I’m looking forward to working closely with families to support each student’s growth and to create a safe, engaging learning environment for all. My husband, Vincent and I are proud parents of two amazing children who are both STAECC graduates! Dominick is in 8th grade and Elijah is in 2nd grade. We are a busy family who loves to travel, read and stay active with basketball, drumming, piano and soccer!
Gina Vega (VPK Assistant)
Hi, my name is Gina Vega and I will be teaching VPK with Ms. Alli this year! My husband’s name is Tony and we have two wonderful boys; Enzo and Luca. Both of my children attended/attend STAECC and I was an active participant in the parent group for the past 3 years. I received my Bachelor’s of Science from Northern Illinois University and worked in Human Resources for nearly 10 years at an IT firm before deciding to stay at home with my children. I fell in love with teaching and watching them grow. I’m looking forward to continuing to teach young minds at this amazing school and meet our new parents and class!
Emily Moore (VPK Teacher)
Hi! I’m Emily Moore and I am so excited to be joining the STAECC family as one of the teachers in the EC3 class. I was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved around the Midwest for 8 years before my parents finally settled us in Lutz, Florida. My husband, Jason and I are parents to three awesome kids and are Starkey Ranch residents. Our daughter, Harper is 8 and our boys, Carson (6) is an STAECC graduate & Walker (4) is a current VPK student. I attended FSU, USF & St. Leo University. I have a Bachelors Degree in Exceptional Student Education (VE) & a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. My previous experience has been in Hillsborough County Public Schools & with the Diocese of St. Petersburg at Tampa Catholic High School, where I am also an alumni. I am so excited to be back in the classroom and to have the opportunity to work with all of the precious students and their families. It’s a team effort & I am very much looking forward to helping your child grow & flourish.
Ana Johnson (EC3 Assistant)
Hi! My name is Ana Johnson, and I’m so excited to be returning to St. Thomas Aquinas as an assistant teacher! I’ve been married to my husband, Dustin, for 21 wonderful years, and we have three amazing children. Our oldest, Octavio, is entering his sophomore year at Jesuit High School in Tampa and plays on the football team; our middle daughter, Sasha, is starting 8th grade and enjoys playing volleyball and basketball; and our youngest, Camila who attended St. Thomas years ago, is now going into 5th grade at MTC and is a passionate competitive dancer. I have a Master’s degree in Education and am bilingual in Spanish, which I love incorporating into the classroom. After many years at home raising my children, I’m thrilled to return for my second (non-consecutive) year helping at St. Thomas. It’s truly a joy to be part of this community and to support and nurture our youngest learners during such a special time in their growth!
Erin Stroupe (VPK Assistant)
Hi, my name is Erin Stroupe and I am thrilled to be joining the STAECC family as a VPK Assistant! My husband Nick and I have three little girls who all have either attended or currently attend STAECC.
Born and raised here in Trinity, Florida, I graduated from Mitchell High School and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications from Florida State University. I built a career as a Communications Professional working in a variety of industries before deciding to stay home to raise my daughters.
After several years of involvement with the STAECC Parent Group and a year as a substitute teacher, I’m looking forward to this new chapter- spending my days in the classroom helping our children learn and grow while also furthering my education in Early Childhood Development. I’m excited for everything this new year has in store!
Kristy Gorman (VPK Teacher)
Isabella Mages (Lunch Bunch Staff)
Downloads
2026-27 STAECC Registration Form
– 2026-27 Application form and documentation list needed to register.
Severe Allergy Form
– Authorization for Emergency Care of Children with Severe Allergies.
Office of Schools and Centers Code of Conduct for Parents
– Code of Conduct for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
Family Handbook
– Give families an overview of our ECC program and the policies and procedures.
Registration
The following materials are needed to complete the application process:
- Application Form (one for each child) Download Here
- Original Birth Certificate (copy made in ECC office). Returning students do not need to submit an additional birth certificate if one is already on file.
- EC2 & EC3 Only
$250* non-refundable registration/re-enrollment fee (includes t-shirt). - VPK ONLY
There is a $200 VPK wrap around fee (if you will be using Early Drop or Lunch Bunch services). If you choose not to use the Early Drop or Lunch Bunch services, you do not need to pay a fee. Choosing not to use the wrap around does not affect your enrollment status. The process for VPK enrollment is not complete until the school receives the Certificate of Eligibility.
*A $25 discount on the registration fee or VPK wrap around fee is available if you are a returning student, sibling of a current student, currently on our waiting list or a registered parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. You must register by March 3rd, 2025 to receive the discount. - VPK Certificate of Eligibility
Parents must obtain the VPK Certificate of by going online to: www.elcph.org. Click on “Family Portal,” “Apply for Voluntary Prekindergarten,” then create an account. Parents must come into the ECC office with all paperwork completed and required signatures. Please do not send registration forms and checks in your child’s backpack. All 2025-2026 fees must be current prior to registration. Please contact the ECC office if you have any questions or concerns.
St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center is, foremost, a Catholic school where two-, three- and four- year old’s are given the opportunity to develop spiritually, socially, physically and intellectually. To ensure that our goals and objectives are met, the administration of St. Thomas Aquinas ECC feels that it is important to maintain a child/staff ratio of no more than ten to one (ratio varies with age group). We seek to provide faith-filled, qualified teachers to work with our children. At St. Thomas Aquinas ECC we continually strive to offer you the best possible program at an affordable rate.
St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center is self-supporting. Tuition, registration fees and fundraising events comprise our total income and families are requested to support all fundraising events during the year. We are a non-profit organization. All income returns directly to the center in the form of staff compensation, low teacher-student ratios, building maintenance, equipment and supplies, and staff professional development. Your children are enrolled in a quality program due to your financial commitment and personal involvement. We participate in numerous programs that provide our center with many items for which we would otherwise need additional funds. Programs include General Mills Box Tops for Education, Scholastic Book Clubs, fundraising events, and grant pursuits.
In providing a quality, affordable program, it is necessary for St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center to utilize its teachers and classrooms to full capacity as often as possible. Our two year old and three year old programs offer several options. These children, who are experiencing school for the first time, are able to ease gradually into the school environment. Our four year old VPK program is offered five mornings per week (mandatory).
The tuition and payment information for the 2026-2027 school year is as follows:
2026-27 Tuition Fees**:
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Annual Tuition
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Ten Monthly Payments
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5 half days
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$4,550
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5 half days
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$455
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3 half days
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$4,000
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3 half days
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$400
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2 half days
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$3,400
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2 half days
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$340
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**Tuition and Fees published as of January 13, 2026 subject to change**
Tuition payments may be paid as follows: one annual payment, quarterly payments, or ten monthly payments. If a child withdraws during the year, tuition will not be refunded.
The first tuition payment is due by August 1, 2026.
Open registration begins on Monday, February 2, 2026. If you know a family looking for a program “Where Faith, Fun and Learning Begin”, please invite them to visit St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Center. We’d love to have them join our STAECC family! If they register their child and begin school in the fall, you will receive a $25 credit towards tuition or Lunch Bunch.
I trust that every parent will make the decision that is best for their child. Registered families will receive a welcome letter and school calendar in a mailing in June. This letter will outline the Parent Orientation meeting that all families are required to attend prior to school beginning in August. Parents are reminded that our policy does not allow teacher requests or requests to place certain children together.
If you have any questions regarding the upcoming year, please call the school office at 727-372-2330 or e-mail staecc@aol.com. We look forward to having you and your child as a part of our St. Thomas Aquinas family for the upcoming year.
God bless you,
Alicia Mumma, Director
St. Thomas Aquinas ECC
Calendar
IMPORTANT DATES
Aug 7: Parent Orientation 6pm
Aug 8: Meet & Greet all classes 10am-12pm
Aug 11: First Day for VPK & EC3 (MWF)
Aug 12: First Day of School for EC2 & EC3 (T/Th)
Sep 1: Labor Day/No School
Oct 13-14: No School
Nov 24-Nov 28: Thanksgiving Break
Dec 22-Jan 6: Christmas Break
Jan 19: MLK Day/No School
Feb 16: Presidents’ Day/No School
Mar 16: No School
Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
Apr 6: Easter Monday/No School
May 21: Last Day (T/Th students)
May 22: Last Day (MWF students)
May 25: Memorial Day/No School
May 29: Last Day VPK/Farewell Ceremony
VPK
What is VPK?
VPK stands for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program. If you live in Florida, and your child turns 4 four years of age by September 1, your child is eligible to participate in Florida’s FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) education program.
Benefits of early education and VPK?
The most important growth and development in the brain happens by the age of five.
The early years are the learning years. A child’s ability to be attentive and to follow directions emerges in the early years. Structured early learning fosters these abilities for later success in school and in life.
Pre-K prepares children to be ready for school. Children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programs develop better language skills, score higher in school-readiness tests and have better social skills and fewer behavioral problems once they enter school. They are also better prepared for Kindergarten, especially in the areas of pre-reading, pre-math and social skills.
Pre-K promotes a love of learning in children. Pre-K enhances what a child learns at home and instills a love of life-long learning.
Highlights of the VPK Program
- FREE for all children who live in Florida and who turn 4 years of age by September 1
- No tuition/registration fee
- Parents may choose a participating private child care or public school provider
- Early language and literacy focus
Curriculum
- Focuses on reading, writing and social skills
- Prepares children to be ready for Kindergarten
Instructors
- Class size will not exceed 20 children in the school year program.
- Ratios are 1 instructor to 10 children
- Class size will not exceed 18 students.
- All VPK instructors must have a minimum of a child development associate for the school-year program, or a bachelor’s degree in early childhood or related fields for the summer program.
Transportation
- Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation
- VPK legislation was signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush on January 2, 2005. This law created a program to prepare every Florida four-year-old for Kindergarten and to build a strong foundation for their continued educational success.
- The VPK program will better prepare Florida’s young children for a successful Kindergarten experience by focusing the Department of Education’s efforts on early literacy. This legislation assigns responsibilities for the day-to-day management of the program to the Office of Early Learning (OEL); licensing and credentialing to the Department of Children and Families (DCF); and the creation of standards, curriculum, and accountability to the Department of Education (DOE).
Contact Us
How Can We Help?
Please contact us using the information below…
Our Address
STA Early Childhood Center
8320 Old C.R. 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653
P: (727)-376-2330
Email: staecc at aol.com (use the “@” sign for the “space at space” in the email)
