About Us.

We know that our most important learning happens in our earliest years. We also know that these building-block years are critical to putting children on the path to happy, healthy and successful lives. That’s why our centers are safe, fun and inclusive. We emphasize learning through play, using hands-on activities to engage your child's interests and softly teach them the concepts that will benefit them for life. Each child is unique and our experienced educators inspire them to grow at their own pace, from as early as six weeks of age. At Building Blocks, we are building a brighter future, one fun-filled day at a time.

Building Blocks was founded in 2001, with our first learning center on Route 315 in Wilkes-Barre. As of 2024, we have expanded to a dozen early learning centers. We provide services to children from six weeks to 12 years of age with more than 1,200 children serviced in Northeast Pennsylvania at any given time.

Our Endorsements

Building Blocks is licensed by the PA Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) for infants to pre-K care. Building Blocks is also licensed and certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in all of their Preschool and Pre-K programs.

Building Blocks is accredited through Keystone STARS, with consistent STAR 4 ratings which is the highest rating offered in Pennsylvania.
kids sitting on floor in having fun in class

Our Mission

To nurture children through learning and play so they grow as successful and kind individuals prepared to excel in school and life.

Our Leadership Team

Our more than 160 educators, specialists, staff, and administrators are dedicated to providing nurturing learning environments where children can reach their full potential. Small classroom sizes allow us to give each child individual attention while offering age-appropriate content to develop them from an academic, social, physical, and emotional perspective. And we do so in a positive and empowering environment with a foundation of kindness and respect.

“Conscious discipline” is our guiding principle, but what does that mean? It means we emphasize what our students can do, not what they can’t. It means giving them tools to respond to conflict with patience, reason, and kindness. It means leading by example and helping children recognize when their emotions are in control and teaching them ways to reestablish calm within themselves.

Conscious discipline is a work in progress. When addressed in these critical early ages, it helps to root our students in emotional intelligence, a sought-after trait now and in their futures.
Administration
Lake Ryan Gemzik
President
CEO
Zubeen Saeed
Founder
COO
Lauren Devers
Associate Vice President, Business Affairs
Gayle Sekel
Associate Vice President,
Programming & Operations
Allison Ritsick
Director of Programs & State Licensing
Neil Eddinger
Controller,
Finance & Accounting
Elizabeth Foss
Chief of Staff
Office of the President
Zachary Berg
Manager,
Marketing & Communications
Katie Cobleigh
Coordinator,
Admissions & Family Services
Ryanne Harper
Staff Accountant,
Finance & Accounting
Kelly Billig
Coordinator/Recruiter,
Human Resources
Danielle Shutt
Coordinator,
Admissions & Family Services

Our Community Commitment

The Building Blocks commitment and impact goes far beyond the children we teach and the families we serve. We are a neighbor with a vested interest in our community. We are a source of good, an economic driver, and a revitalization partner. We aim to create jobs and increase foot traffic, the kind that can help neighboring businesses grow. It is our goal to help make our communities a wonderful place to live, full of the young, vibrant, and curious.

We are pleased to have been recognized for this commitment:
2024 Pride of Place Award
From the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce 
Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce Logo
2021 Emerging Business of the Year Award
From the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce 
Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce Logo
In addition, we boast strong relationships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve our community and address crucial needs.
i2M
King’s College
Northeast Sight Services
Wilkes University
United Way
Wyoming Valley Chamber
Children’s Service Center
Early Learning Resources Center
Wyoming Valley Children's Association
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Maternal Family Health Services
Diamond City Partnership

Schedule a visit to one of our locations today!

We welcome this opportunity to meet you and tell you more about our programs. When you visit Building Blocks, you will discover that our centers have been designed to provide a warm and loving atmosphere for your child.
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