A Private, Play-Based Preschool and Daycare in Bella Vista, Philadelphia
Since 1975, Beginnings Learning Center has provided a caring, play-based early learning environment for children and families in Philadelphia. Located in Bella Vista, Beginnings offers programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with learning experiences that support social and emotional growth, independence, creativity, and a lifelong foundation for learning.
Our Mission
Beginnings provides a loving, caring environment where children learn through play, skills that will be important all through their lives.
Why Families Choose Beginnings
Private, play-based education since 1975
More than five decades serving Philadelphia families.
Learning beyond the classroom
Neighborhood parks, libraries, museums, cultural experiences, and other Philadelphia destinations are part of the program.
Literacy, creativity and movement
Blueprint literacy alongside art, music, movement, and child-led exploration.
Space to play outside
A private backyard gives children regular opportunities for outdoor play.
Experienced educators
Teachers participate in ongoing professional development, and many hold Pennsylvania private-school teaching certification.
Our Childcare Programs
Stars
10-16 months
Tigers
27 months-3 years
Teddy Bears
17-26 months
Pre-K
3.5-5 years
Learning Throughout Philadelphia
Learning at Beginnings extends beyond the classroom. Preschool children regularly experience Philadelphia through visits to neighborhood parks, libraries, museums, and cultural programs. Children take daily trips to Seger and Palumbo Parks and visit places such as Charles Santore Library. The Preschool program also participates in Sound All Around at the Kimmel Center and Museum Looks and Picture Books at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
These experiences complement the learning that happens at Beginnings each day through literacy, art, movement, play, and classroom exploration.
A Tradition of Creative Learning
Beginnings founder Jacquelyn DeLombard was one of five recipients of the 2011 Artstor Travel Award for Teaching Shapes, Colors and Size to Young Children. Her award-winning essay described how Beginnings used works of art and visits to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to help young children explore concepts including shape, size, and color.
