About St. Mark Child Development Center (SMCDC)

St. Mark Baptist Church began offering child care services to the Riverton community in the summer of 2002 under the leadership of Pastor John Clay, with an initial enrollment of just 23 children. Since then, the St. Mark Child Development Center (SMCDC) has grown into a trusted and nurturing environment for early childhood education.

Our Mission

The mission of SMCDC is to provide a safe, stimulating, and faith-based learning environment where young children can grow academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Our goal is to holistically prepare each child for school and for life by:

  • Nurturing each child’s self-esteem

  • Supporting their social development

  • Encouraging emotional growth through self-discipline and self-control

  • Promoting academic success through the Frog Street curriculum

At SMCDC, we are committed to laying a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning, guided by Christian values and principles.

Leadership & Governance

St. Mark CDC is a ministry of St. Mark Baptist Church and operates under the daily leadership of Mrs. Essynce Dickerson. Oversight is provided by the St. Mark CDC Board, which works in alignment with the church’s mission and under the spiritual guidance of Senior Pastor Rev. Jeremiah Chester.

Program & Curriculum

  • We follow Alabama DHR Minimum Standards for child care.

  • The Frog Street curriculum is taught in classrooms from Infant through Pre-K4, providing a comprehensive, research-based approach to early learning.

  • Daily activities include a minimum of 20 minutes of gym or outdoor play to promote physical development.

Meals & Nutrition

  • Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided daily.

  • Meals follow USDA nutritional guidelines to support healthy growth.

  • Parents of infants are required to supply bottles, milk, and baby food.

We are proud to serve families in Riverton and beyond by providing quality early education grounded in faith, love, and excellence.