A Warm Welcome to Northern Liberties’ Premier Early Education Center

The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education has daycare and preschool centers throughout the country dedicated to the mission of “making a positive difference in the lives of our children, their families, and the communities we serve.” This mission is being implemented locally in Philadelphia at The Learning Experience Northern Liberties. Since January 2022, TLE Northern Liberties has warmly welcomed families with children from infants (starting at six weeks) to preschool age to its center. “We focus on supporting early childhood education with an amazing curriculum that teaches the whole child,” says Angie Salas, director/co-owner at TLE Northern Liberties. “When children leave here they are ready for kindergarten.”

Engaging Learning Through Animated Characters

TLE Northern Liberties prides itself on their commitment to making daycare and early education “joyful, engaging and fun so children are happy to learn, play and grow.” One way this is accomplished is TLE’s use of an array of animated animal characters who introduce children to everything from basic Phonics to technology. TLE’s most recognizable character, for example, is Bubbles, an elephant who takes  learners on a daily adventure of learning. Another favorite character is Penny Polite, a red panda, who teaches children the importance of having good manners and proper etiquette. “We’re able to consistently refer back to the characters and say things to the children like, ‘Use gentle touch like Penny Polite’ or ‘Say please and thank you like Penny Polite,’” says Salas. Characters like Gibby Gibbon, a cheerful monkey who was born deaf teaches learners how to communicate through sign language.

Little learners are not only gaining basic sign language skills, but also are being exposed to the fact that not all people (or characters) have the same abilities and that that’s ok. Studies have proven that children love to learn from characters, which Salas agrees with. “The children love these characters,” she says. “We have them displayed all over our classrooms and have books featuring them in stories. The characters are a big part of the learning here and one of the main ways we are set apart from others in the early education field.” 

Holistic Child Development: From Social Skills to Academic Readiness

Starting with infants through preschool age, TLE focuses on the child’s whole development, including the child’s social emotional development. Teachers at TLE talk to children about showing empathy, how to get along with others in their groups by sharing and playing nicely, and having patience with others. Play is the main way children learn these concepts best.  “Play is so important at this age,” Salas explains. “Their thinking skills and their ability to make decisions and plan comes from play.” Dramatic play where children pretend and use their imagination to work out scenarios is also encouraged. “We have a play kitchen where the children love to pretend to cook meals and serve their friends,” says Salas. “They’re learning how to play together and really get along. That is crucial learning at this age.”

L.E.A.P. Curriculum: Preparing for Kindergarten Success

At TLE, children from Infant to Preschool age start a curriculum, L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program), that prepares the children for kindergarten. Children are learning pre-reading skills, along with early math concepts, along with much more. In the classrooms, touch screen technology allows children to play interactive games geared towards learning. Age-appropriate introductions are also made in STEM subjects. In addition to the L.E.A.P. curriculum, TLE also provides students with enrichment programs like music, art, sports, and coding. “These enrichment programs are so important because every child has different talents and interests,” says Salas. “Through enrichment, children are exposed to all of these different subjects and they’re going to feel positive and good about that experience.” 

Staying Connected: Communication Between TLE and Parents

Ease of communication between TLE and parents is of highest priority at the center. A convenient TLE smartphone app allows parents to communicate directly with teachers and provides an inclusive way to provide info to parents. The app also has games and videos, featuring the lovable characters mentioned above, which “helps strengthen the school/home connection.”

Other ways TLE remains committed to staying connected with parents include: monthly newsletters; invitations to community events; monthly calendars; daily photos of their child; a blog filled with relevant topics for preschool age children; and regularly updated social media accounts.   

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Parents are also invited to participate in TLE Northern Liberties’ annual spring fundraising event. “We have two characters, Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua, who teach the children the importance of philanthropy and giving back,” says Salas. “So we teach our little learners how to give back to the community through raising funds.” This past spring, TLE Northern Liberties raised enough money to grant three wishes through the Make-a-Wish Foundation. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our teachers, parents and kids working together,” Salas explains. Parents love to get involved, according to Salas. “These events are great ways for parents to meet other families so they can form relationships outside of school,” she says.

TLE Northern Liberties also supports parents by offering extended hours, welcoming children as early as 6:30am and allowing parents to pick up as late as 6:30pm. “We understand how busy working parents are and we want to make their day easier,” says Salas. From the moment children are dropped at TLE Northern Liberties, parents are reassured that their child is going to be engaged in a full day of fun and learning. That makes for happy, satisfied and confident TLE children and parents. 

Schedule a tour today to learn more!

This story for The Learning Experience Northern Liberties was written by Tara Behan Marmur, and supports the Philadelphia Family Community. Read more about The Learning Experience Northern Liberties and visit the Philly Family Education Guide and Back to School Guide for more about schools and enrichment for parents raising families in Philadelphia.