Montgomery Early Learning Centers is committed to providing the highest quality education and care for your children. With more accredited child care sites (8) than any other organization in Pennsylvania, MELC’s commitment to excellence has been recognized nationally by multiple agencies in the field including NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), NAA (National Afterschool Association), and COA (Council On Accreditation). In addition, all of our centers have achieved at least a STAR 3 rating (out of 4) in the Keystone STARS program, which uses quality standards that measure: staff education, learning environment, leadership and management, and family and community partnerships. To learn more about Keystone STARS visit Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children. Furthermore, MELC partnerships with other organizations such as Head Start, Early Head Start and Pre-K Counts also require centers to meet heightened quality standards. Our families themselves and the surrounding community have also recognized MELC, as readers of the Mainline Media News voted us the Best Child Care Center of 2011.
MELC aims to create a true feeling of community, an extended family for you and your children, and we would not be able to do that without our committed teaching staff. So much of what sets MELC apart is due to the quality and longevity of our teachers. Over half of our teachers have earned a bachelors degree or higher, and the average tenure of our teachers is over 5 years. In addition, MELC teachers have received Teacher of the Year Awards from DVAEYC for two consecutive years. MELC appreciates our teaching staff and recognizes the importance of retaining quality people. In 2009, we were named Best Place to Work by Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC) in recognition of the effort to create a quality working environment in order to provide quality early care and education to our children.
But don’t just take our word for it, hear what some of our parents have to say about MELC:
"I love MELC! I am a single working mother of two small children, ages 3 & 4-yrs old. Words can’t express how extremely lucky & thankful I am to have found such a quality daycare minutes from home in my neighborhood of West Philadelphia. All of the teachers and administration at Families First are exceptional, extremely dedicated and committed. The classrooms are always well maintained, clean and actively engaged. My mind is at ease knowing my children are in a safe, learning and loving environment while I’m at work. MELC’s mission to the children and families of the center far surpasses their Keystone 4-stars rating. MELC is housed on a beautifully manicured playground; another of its many added bonuses! On a personal note, my son, who was diagnosed with both a speech and gross motor delay before attending daycare, has overcome his obstacles thanks to MELC and his therapists. He has been transformed into a confident, social, respectful little person, who eagerly discusses the highlights of his daily activities and shares his expanding vocabulary. My daughter has also been foot-printed with a love of learning, insisting that I read to her nightly. When I pick them up, they often don’t want to come home. Thank you so much MELC for the great job with my babies, it’s truly a “home away from home.” We love MELC! They are & will always be our family!"
- Kamala Boyer-Mayes, Families First Center
"I chose MELC because it seemed like a good school/childcare for both Alexander and Joseph. The environment was just so warm and welcoming. I like all the activities they do with the children and the time the staff spends with them. I have seen my children learn quite a few things."
-Virginia De la Rosa, Norristown Center
"My daughter has been at MELC since she was 6 weeks old. There has been love for our family ever since the first day we walked through the door. I thank MELC for doing such an immaculate job!"
-Zaire Robinson, Norristown Center
"MELC has helped Khalil in many ways. I’m so proud of him. He’s coming along really well thanks to MELC!"
-Lashonda Halle, Pottstown Center
"Kasim has learned a lot since coming to MELC and loves his school and his classmates... I have noticed a big improvement this year and am looking forward for more to come!"
-Fatisha Quainoo, Pottstown Center
"My daughter enjoyed the MELC Day Camp and this was her thrid year attending. The teachers and CITs were wonderful and always available to answer questions. There is a variety of activities, and my daughter would tell me time and time again how much she liked to go to camp. I would recommend this camp to anyone!"
-Carrie McWilliams, MELC Day Camp at Plymouth-Whitemarsh
"My son, Peter Gribbin, first became involved with MELC when he attended P.M. Kindergarten Enrichment after A.M. Kindergarten at Penn Valley Elementary School. Peter has such a wonderful time at MELC as a kindergarten student that when it came time to select a summer camp, MELC seemed like the perfect, most logical option. And what a great fit for Peter and our family! Peter loved attending summer camp during the summers of 2010 and 2011. In fact, Peter would often ask me to drop him of early and pick him up late. I am very grateful to the teaching staff at MELC for providing Peter with such a wonderful summer camp experience. The combination of fun activities combined with educational ones allowed Peter to make friends, stay engaged with school work, and blow off steam! Peter was exposed to new people, places, and things, which is exactly what we wanted for him. I highly recommend MELC's kindergarten enrichment program and summer camp program. As a working parent, MELC provides families with comfort and peace of mind. I know my child is safe and well cared for, and is having fun and learning a lot in the process."
-Kate Szumanski, Lower Merion Kindergarten Enrichment and Day Camp