ABOUT BEGINNINGS LEARNING CENTER
A Philadelphia Preschool Since 1975
Founded by Jacquelyn DeLombard in 1975, Beginnings Learning Center is a private, play-based preschool and early learning center in Bella Vista, Philadelphia, serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. For more than 50 years, generations of local families have trusted Beginnings to provide a caring environment where children can learn, explore, and grow.
Beginnings is supported by an experienced team of early childhood educators. Teachers bring previous child care experience to their classrooms and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Many hold Pennsylvania private-school teaching certification. Beginnings is licensed by the City of Philadelphia as a child-care center and by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Private Academic School and Kindergarten.
Our Vision
Beginnings Learning Center has served the South Philadelphia community for over 50 years by providing hands-on, discovery-based early childhood education where learning is led by student curiosity. Through experimentation, creativity, literary connections, dramatic play, and play-based learning, students develop confidence, empathy, and an early love of learning.
Beginnings is home to an experienced, dedicated, and nurturing staff and takes great pride in the longevity of our team and their enthusiastic instruction. Our hand-crafted early childhood curriculum covers a broad spectrum of disciplines and subjects, allowing our classrooms to explore beyond state standards.
Beginnings also values strong family-school partnerships, celebrating parent-teacher collaboration, classroom involvement, and community connection. As a result, students graduate from Beginnings as respectful and responsible global citizens, ready to navigate an ever-changing world.
Our Leadership
JACQUELYN DELOMBARD - FOUNDER
Jackie DeLombard is the founder/owner of Beginnings. Jackie started the school in 1975 to meet the needs of professional parents who wanted an exceptional preschool-kindergarten environment for their children. Prior to starting Beginnings, Jackie established and headed a preschool at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and was involved in the original Head Start program in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She holds a State of Pennsylvania Directors Certificate, and a State of Pennsylvania Private School Teaching Certificate. Ms. DeLombard has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan University, and attended graduate courses at the University of Michigan.
PETER SCHIMPF - BUSINESS DIRECTOR
Peter Schimpf has been the Business Director at Beginnings since the Summer of 2011. Peter moved to Philadelphia with his wife and daughter in early 2010 after living and working in Manhattan for 15 years. Upon moving to Philadelphia, they immediately enrolled their daughter at Beginnings. With his background in business and relationship management, Peter focuses on supporting Beginnings families, enrollment, and the continued growth of the school. He loves getting to know all the wonderful families and children. For enrollment inquiries or to set up a tour, please contact Peter here.