Gutman Early Learning Center
Now enrolling children ages 6 weeks to 4 years in Melrose Park, PA
About The Center
Opened in 1985, Gutman Early Learning Center is located on 28.6 beautiful acres where children explore, play and learn. Playgrounds are designed for the specific needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Focused on instilling children with a love of learning, while preparing them for Kindergarten and beyond. With a mix of independent and organized activities, education, and recreational opportunities, our program offers experiences requiring investigation, exploration and discovery, where active and enthusiastic children can develop and refine their skills and knowledge. In 2002, to better meet the needs of the Orthodox community, the Gan Simcha program opened and currently serves preschoolers in the Melrose Park area.
Embracing hands-on, collaborative, and joyful learning
The Federation Early Learning Centers use The Creative Curriculum®, a comprehensive, research-based, and developmentally appropriate curriculum that follows children’s interests as they work together to explore, investigate, and make discoveries about the world around them and the people, places, and objects that are relevant to their lives.
Programs We Offer
Gutman Early Learning Center – located on the Philadelphia city line in Montgomery County, PA – offers Gutman ELC also offers Pre-K Counts. full- and part-time options for toddlers, and pre-schoolers. There are also full-time options for infants. Gutman ELC also offers Pre-K Counts.
A+ Accreditations
We are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the gold standard for early childhood programs across the country, and have attained the highest Keystone STARS rating available – 4 STARS.
Exceptional Instruction
According to parents, our teachers are warm, patient and loving. They encourage children to explore, experiment and reach their own conclusions by thinking for themselves. They create an inclusive, nurturing environment where intellectual curiosity is applauded and children are proud of their accomplishments. Many have been with us for 10 years.
Celebrating Diversity
Our curriculum provides an age appropriate introduction to Jewish culture, traditions, and rituals and celebrates diversity by recognizing and embracing a variety of ethnic backgrounds and traditions.
Information
Features
Ages 6 weeks to 4 Years
NAEYC accredited since 2003
Keystone STARS 4A since 2003
Infant, toddler & preschool specially designed playgrounds
Gan Simcha Program
State subsidy accepted
In-ground pool & summer camp; enrichment specialists, special events, weekly themes
Enrichment Programs
Gutman’s dynamic and exciting enrichment programs fall into three categories; Enrichment Specialists, Trips & Center Events and Outdoor Fun & Play. Enrichment Specialists frequently visit Gutman to lead various activities, while older children are further engaged with field trips to nearby locations. Center Events are frequently focused on a holiday or celebratory occasion. Outdoor Fun & Play is a critical component of the FELS philosophy, and Gutman offers dedicated outdoor space with individual age-appropriate playgrounds for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. There is also an in-ground pool for summer fun!
Enrichment Specialists
Skilled specialists visit our center to provide engaging activities for all children. Some of these include music, yoga, gymnastics, languages, and soccer.
Trips & Center Events
Older children visit museums and arboretums, take in theater performances and more. All children take part in special events that are brought to our center.
Outdoor Fun & Play
We recognize the value of outdoor play, and our enclosed playground area helps to ensure our children get all fresh air and outdoor activity they need!
Center Director
Alexis Greer
We are excited to welcome Alexis Greer as the new Center Director at Gutman! With a strong background in early childhood education and a passion for creating nurturing learning environments, Alexis brings both experience and heart to her leadership. One of the most pivotal moments in her career was helping to develop and implement curriculum that supports educators in designing developmentally appropriate programs. This hands-on work not only deepened her understanding of high-quality early learning but also reinforced her commitment to empowering both children and teachers.
Alexis’s vision for Gutman is rooted in connection, inclusion, and growth. Over the next year, she aims to foster an environment where every child, family, and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. She believes children should play an active role in their learning—whether it’s through choice-based centers, morning meetings, or sharing their everyday interests. Equally important to her is strengthening the bridge between school and home, ensuring that what children experience in one setting is celebrated and supported in the other. She is also focused on supporting staff through professional development and maintaining a curriculum that reflects best practices and aligns with Gutman’s mission.
At the heart of Alexis’s philosophy is a powerful message she believes every child should hear: You matter. You are seen. You are heard. From infants learning to walk to preschoolers preparing for kindergarten, she is dedicated to honoring each child’s unique journey—and guiding them with care every step of the way.
What Parents Have To Say
Conveniently Located
Gutman Early Learning Center is well-situated for families living or working near Melrose Park, Jenkintown, Cheltenham, Wyncote, Rockledge, Rydal and Glenside.
Take the First Step on Your Child’s Early Education Journey.
Meet our passionate, experienced teachers; see our exciting curriculum in action, and experience the loving, educationally rich environment that makes us special.
