Building Blocks Learning Center expands in Wilkes-Barre
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A learning center in Luzerne County will soon be expanding with hopes to tackle the nationwide teacher shortage.
28/22 News Reporter Sydney Kostus was at the center Monday morning to talk about how it’s involving the community in its mission.
A new mural lines the side of a building on South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre. Its vibrant colors grab attention to its message — for children to make a mark and see where it takes them.
“Children have such an opportunity to have an impact in their community and in their family, and the creativity that comes out of that can just mean so much so much to them in their life,” said Allison Ritsick.
Allison Ritsick is the regional director of Building Blocks Learning Center, the group behind the mural. It’s an early childhood center that combines learning experiences and structured play for kids’ success.
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“The ages from zero to five is when a child is the most moldable. They’re learning the most about the world around them and the imprint you make in those years lasts a lifetime,” explained Amy Hoyt, managing director, of Building Blocks Learning Center.
“We want to make sure when children walk in, when families walk in, they feel valued and respected and it’s a home away from home where they feel comfortable because we feel that when children are in a safe, loving, comfortable environment, they’re only going to grow and learn,” added Zubeen Saeed, CEO/President of Building Blocks Learning Center.
Not only focusing on the success of children, Building Blocks also aims to inspire those interested in teaching to work with high school and college students through its bridge the gap program to help the nationwide teacher shortage.
“We’re creating the pipelines for these students to go from class into the workforce and we have had several interns become employed by us, which is just so great to see that path and that pipeline grow,” said Morgan Park, director of education experience at Building Block Learning Center.
Partnering with the Main Street Art District, the center will celebrate its new expansion on May 11th in a block party with hopes to start conversations and enrich the culture of students.
“Just enriching the culture of the students that are here. Whether they are in our infant program or our pre-k program, all of the students would benefit from going to the art galleries and seeing the arts and seeing the different things that the community has to offer,” said Elizabeth Foss, chief of staff at Building Blocks Learning Center.
The Building Blocks Learning Center Block Party will take place on May 11 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
The event is free to the public.
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