Looking for Childcare in Northeast Philadelphia? Here's What Families Should Know About FELS Early Learning Center
Why Choosing the Right Early Learning Center Matters
Choosing an early learning center or preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions parents of younger kids need to make. For many parents, this is the first time they are leaving their child and they want to ensure they are in a place where their child is cared for, safe and having a great educational experience.
In this community spotlight, I sat down with Senate Alexander where he told me all about the amazing history, care and support that Federation Early Learning Services (FELS) provides children from all over Philadelphia. With over 100 years backing their play based learning approach, FELS is an early learning center where parents can feel certain their child is getting the best care.
As a parent myself, I know how hard it is to make the right decision and the amount of questions that run through your mind.
- Will my child be safe?
- Will they be loved?
- Will they be learning?
- Will they be ready for kindergarten?
- Will I feel comfortable leaving them there every day?
Those are exactly the questions I asked during my recent conversation with FELS Early Learning Center President and CEO Senate Alexander. After speaking with him, one thing became very clear: FELS isn't simply providing childcare. They're helping children build the foundation they'll carry with them for years to come. Their philosophy is simple: every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and educational environment where they feel valued and excited to learn.
You can watch the video interview we did here!
What Is FELS Early Learning Center?
FELS (Federation of Early Learning Services) has been serving children and families for more than 100 years. What started as a small volunteer effort to help working mothers has grown into an organization that now serves nearly 500 children throughout Northeast Philadelphia, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
According to CEO Senate Alexander, early childhood educators are much more than caregivers.
"We are brain architects."
His point? The first five years of a child's life are some of the most important developmental years, and quality early childhood education can have a lasting impact on intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
What Ages Does FELS Serve?
One of the things parents often struggle to find is infant care, especially for children younger than one year old.
FELS offers programs for:
- Infants (beginning at 6 weeks old)
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Pre-kindergarten students
- School-age children in after-school programs
- Summer camp participants (kindergarten through eighth grade)
Families can also access publicly funded programs through FELS, including Head Start and Pre-K Counts opportunities at select locations.
What Makes FELS Different From Other Childcare Centers in Northeast Philadelphia?
1. A Play-Based Learning Approach
If you hear the word "play" and think children are simply having fun all day, think again.
At FELS, play is considered one of the most important ways children learn.
Children participate in:
- Art
- Music
- Storytelling
- Science
- Sensory activities
- Math
- Literacy
- Dramatic play
The philosophy is simple:
Play is learning.
2. Small Class Sizes
Parents often ask about teacher-to-student ratios because they want to know how much individual attention their child will receive.
FELS follows these classroom ratios:
Program | Teacher-to-child ratio |
Infants | 1:4 |
Toddlers | 1:5 |
Two-year-olds | 1:6 |
Preschool | 1:10 |
Small class sizes allow teachers to individualize learning and better support each child's unique developmental needs.
3. Exceptional Outdoor Spaces
The physical environment matters, especially for young children.
The FELS Paley location includes:
- Seven acres of outdoor space
- Multiple playgrounds
- A blacktop play area
- A swimming pool
- A wading pool for younger children
These spaces allow children to learn through movement, exploration, and active play.
What Does a Typical Day at FELS Look Like?
Children thrive when they have both structure and opportunities to explore.
A typical day at FELS includes:
- Morning arrival
- Breakfast or a morning snack
- Learning centers
- Story time
- Music and movement
- Art projects
- Outdoor play
- Lunch
- Rest time
- Afternoon activities
The goal is to create a day that's both predictable and engaging while allowing children to learn through hands-on experiences.
How Does FELS Partner With Parents?
One of the strongest themes throughout my conversation with Senate Alexander was the importance of family involvement.
"Families are a child's first and most important teachers."
Parents can expect:
- Daily communication
- Classroom updates
- Photos from their child's day
- Open communication with teachers
- Volunteer opportunities
- Parent-teacher organizations
- An open-door policy
For many parents, these regular updates can provide peace of mind during those early years when leaving a child in someone else's care can feel overwhelming.
Where Are the FELS Early Learning Centers Located?
FELS currently has two Northeast Philadelphia locations:
- 10800 Jamison Avenue, Philadelphia
- 2199 Strahle Street, Philadelphia
Families do not need to live in those specific neighborhoods to enroll. Many families choose a location based on where they live or work.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Mark Your Calendar: The Free FELS Family Festival
Looking for a fun family event in Northeast Philadelphia?
FELS will host its fifth annual Family Festival on September 27, 2026, from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Families can enjoy:
- Moon bounces
- Face painting
- Music
- Food trucks
The event is free and open to the community, with nearly 1,000 attendees participating in previous years.
How to Schedule a Tour at FELS Early Learning Center
If you're considering childcare, the advice from Senate Alexander was simple: schedule a tour.
Meeting the teachers, seeing the classrooms, and asking questions can help families feel more confident about their decision.
Enrollment is open year-round, although some programs may have waitlists. Families can schedule a tour online or contact a center directly.
Phone: 215-676-7550
Email: info@FELSkids.org
