SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Building Blocks Learning Center celebrated the grand opening of its first Lackawanna County location Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 130 Wyoming Ave. in downtown Scranton. The celebration also gave guests a chance to tour the facility and meet members of the Building Blocks team.
The Scranton center provides care for infants through pre-kindergarten and is able to support about 150 families. The facility includes classrooms and learning spaces designed for different stages of early childhood development.
Building Blocks is marking its 25th anniversary this year after being founded in 2001 on Route 315 in Wilkes-Barre. The organization has since expanded throughout Northeast Pennsylvania, continuing its growth with the new downtown Scranton center.
Founder and COO Zubeen Saeed said Building Blocks places an emphasis on creating experiences that help children grow academically, socially and emotionally while developing confidence and a love of learning.
“I think our whole mission and focus has been to create an environment that respects and values children and creates a positive experience for our families. Our goal has always been not quantity, but quality and impact. We want to go into neighborhoods and communities where we can make a difference and help support them,” said Saeed.
The Scranton facility carries that child-centered philosophy into its design through a natural, neutral aesthetic featuring light wood furniture, toys and play structures, with bright colors used more sparingly. Saeed said the Scandinavian-inspired look and use of materials such as wicker baskets are intended to reduce overstimulation and create a calmer environment that can help children focus and learn.
The facility includes an infant learning and development area focused on responsive care, individual routines and early motor development; structured learning environments centered on learning through play and exploration; and an “Atelier” studio intended to encourage creativity, problem-solving, communication and fine motor development.
Saeed added that the Scranton facility also serves a role beyond early childhood classrooms. The center is used as a training site for high school and college students pursuing careers in education. Building Blocks also works with programs including Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and other state funding opportunities to help families access its services.
For more information, visit the Building Blocks Learning Center website.