Federation Early Learning Services

"When we heard about the Buerger Center opening, we were intrigued. After we saw the new space and met Morah Megan, we knew our search was over. But, in November 2010, we unexpectedly found out about an established day care operation opening up a new center right in our neighborhood. It seemed like a good deal—a 10 minute walk from our house (much closer than the Buerger Center), also NAEYC certified, with nice teachers and staff in a brand new space, and it was substantially less expensive. What’s not to like? The staff were pleasant, the space was clean and filled with fun toys, and the walk was easy. But it wasn’t like being at Buerger.

We missed the morning and afternoon kibitzing. We missed the teachers who actively loved our son the way we did. We missed the community of teachers and parents. So, we asked if Sammy could come back to Buerger. Fortunately for us, a spot opened up, and Morah Megan was gracious enough to let Sammy come back. It felt like coming home."

"Gutman is the right choice for my family since we come from two different religious backgrounds. My children are exposed to different cultures as well as different religions at such an early age. I especially like the diversity within the staff at the center. Gutman teaches a priceless lesson in cultural diversity. "

"After 8 glorious weeks at Kol Ami, our sons not only had new friends, new skills and an increased sense of competence, they didn’t want camp to end. What better words could a parent hear than “I don’t want to go home, Mommy?” I found that the mature and experienced staff made all the difference. ... The weekly themes and special events (e.g. Olympic Day, Pajama Day, Pizza Party, At the Beach) and ongoing programs (e.g. arts & crafts, gymnastics, sports, water activities, yoga, nature & science, music, sign language, pony rides, Israeli dance, computers and lots more!!!) were the reason my children were up early every morning asking me if it was time to go to camp yet. "

"The Orthodox program at the Gutman Early Learning Center has been the answer to my prayers. My husband and I were in search of a preschool program that reinforced our lifestyle, values and beliefs. Well: we found it here! ... I would recommend this program to anyone."

"We are a mixed race, non-denominational couple. Even before we relocated, we were certain we would be sending our kids to Gutman. In Elkins Park and the surrounding townships, the school has a reputation for excellence and for diversity which is unsurpassed. It is the place where people who have been unsatisfied with the care their babies have received elsewhere take their kids. The teachers are both educators and nurturers. When I drop my toddler off, he might be sad, but he finds comfort in the arms of his caretakers and that is soothing for me.

One day, our baby had a febrile seizure in school. We had managed his first one at home and hoped it would be his last. As a physician, I could not imagine any daycare being prepared to handle such a health crisis. One of the teachers held my son in her arms and rode with him in the ambulance until my husband got to the hospital. The director left a meeting (away from the Center) to meet my son at the hospital. That night, the director and teachers who did not have my son in their class called to see if he was doing well.

I judge character not only by the mundane, but also by how one responds to the unusual. Gutman has excelled. When you visit Gutman, ask Ms. Bohm, and perhaps she will tell you, why my family calls her 'Granny.'"

"We just wanted to say thank you! Thank you for all that you do each day with the staff at Lokoff to make it such a wonderful and happy environment for our kids. We have been very impressed with Kathleen and Denee and have seen many wonderful things coming home with Emily and Ethan. But more importantly, we have seen many wonderful changes in them as well, as they continue to grow and learn! Kathleen and Denee are really doing a fabulous job in Room 7 and it comes from your leadership."

"As a first time mother, I will never forget how nervous I was dropping Lucas off on his first day [at Paley], and how loving and welcoming the infant room teachers were to him. How happy and relieved I was a few years later to have many of those same faces welcoming Logan and Dylan to the same room. In that first year, I must have called the director, Sandy, personally twenty times, with first time mom questions and concerns. Time and time again, she took the time to talk me through so many things. ... They have grown from sleepy infants into little men under the care of some very special people. They have interest in books, politics, animals, sports, science... so many things! They are growing and learning every day, and I am only part of that equation."

"We wanted to share with you our wonderful experiences at the Lassin Early Learning Center. Our son has been attending this program since shortly after his birth. It has provided him with a positive nurturing atmosphere to grow. His development has been enhanced with the inclusion of basic Jewish traditional themes important to our family. The staff identified his special needs at an early age and connected us to the appropriate support services. Typically, the earlier a special need is detected, the sooner a child can receive the extra help they need and the more progress he will make in the long run. We would never hesitate to recommend this organization to anyone, at any time "

"When we became pregnant, my husband and I spoke to friends and visited many early learning programs. We learned that Federation Early Learning Services has an excellent reputation and a proven track record. With experienced staff and a curriculum that follows national accreditation standards, we knew that our daughter was in wonderful hands."

"Our son, Jacob has had his challenges this year, and as we worked through them we felt that his teachers, Vera and Elaine wanted to work with us to help him grow and learn. They're always respectful to our concerns, but not afraid to give us realistic feedback on how he is doing, and how we can help him to do better at school and at home. Most importantly, we feel that they really know our child and that it matters to them that he grows up healthy and happy.

We are so impressed with all the fun, creative projects he has done this year, and all that he comes home excited to tell us each night (the lastest - "Mommy, did you know penguins eat fish that is not cooked?") His joy in celebrating Jewish holidays with us at home is much enhanced by the fun he has celebrating them at school - exactly what we hoped for when we choose Gutman. ... We leave the little guy every day confident that he will be educated, challenged and loved. It means so much to know we are leaving him in the best hands."

"My son is 4 ½ years old and has been attending K’tonton since he was 5 months old. We are very happy with K’tonton and Thomas has learned so much since he’s been there. After considering a few other childcare centers, we were very fortunate to have found K’tonton. The teachers are fantastic, easy to talk to and they provide the children with a safe, secure and fun learning environment. It’s very comforting to know that when I take Thomas to school every morning, he’s loved and cared for by everyone that he comes in contact with during his day."

Denise B., Parent

K'tonton School for Young Children

"Our son Kyle has taught his family much about Judaism over the past few years! Kyle has learned a lot about Jewish holidays and customs through his time at K’tonton. He has learned how to recite a few Shabbat prayers. He also is eager to tell the stories of Purim, Passover, and Hanukkah when those holidays arrive on the calendar. He tells those stories in an animated fashion. His expanded knowledge base and his interest and enthusiasm related to the Jewish religion is due entirely to the teachers at K’tonton."

"We are so happy with Gina and Nancy's care that we will soon be driving 50 minutes to daycare so that our daughter can remain with Lokoff!"

"We have been attending Paley since September 2006, and it is bittersweet for us to be moving on to a new school next week... We had been in several centers before coming to Paley, and there is no comparison in terms of quality. I am always amazed when Ryan walks through the halls and so many of the staff know him by name. In a school of this size, that is really something and a testament to the family atmosphere. It is a blessing to know your child is somewhere he feels safe and happy every day.

I would happily refer anyone who inquires about daycare in the Philadelphia area to your program."

Parent FeedbacK