High Quality, Early Education for Children 0-5
KenCrest offers a variety of programs to support families and caregivers, including:
- Head Start and Early Head Start Childcare Partnership
- Pre-K Counts
- Before and After Care
- Summer Care
- Free nutritious breakfast and lunch
At KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers in Philadelphia, we know school is more than academics. Our HighScope early childhood education curriculum promotes kindergarten readiness through active play and hands-on learning experiences with teachers, peers, and materials. Each inclusive classroom features interest areas like art, blocks, dramatic play, music, problem-solving toys, and a library to support child development. All staff are trained in Trauma Smart techniques to support trauma-informed care.
We encourage every child’s natural curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning through quality preschool education and family-focused support.
About Our Centers?
KenCrest’s seven Early Learning Centers in Philadelphia are safe, well-maintained, and Eco-Healthy Childcare endorsed by the Children’s Environmental Health Network. Each center includes an enclosed outdoor play space with age-appropriate materials to support child development and active play.
Our commitment to family peace of mind is reflected in secure drop-off and pick-up procedures and a strict visitor policy. All staff at our inclusive classrooms hold Pennsylvania child abuse history clearances and criminal clearances from the Pennsylvania State Police, ensuring a safe environment for quality preschool education and early childhood learning.
What Do Our Early Learning Centers Offer?
For Children
KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers in Philadelphia provide quality preschool education and early childhood programs designed to support child development and kindergarten readiness. Our inclusive classrooms encourage curiosity and lifelong learning through:
- Art, music, and dance programs to foster creativity
- Daily planning and recall activities so children can express what they’ve learned
- Environments that nurture natural curiosity and promote early childhood education
- Focus on kindergarten readiness, independence, responsibility, and confidence
We understand that a child’s first learning experiences begin at home, so we build a strong home-school connection to create a solid foundation for success.
For Families
KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers in Philadelphia strengthen the home-school connection and support child development through quality preschool education and family-focused resources, including:
- Lending-library bags with books sponsored by the Raising a Reader program at three locations to encourage reading at home
- English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for families
- Trauma-informed parenting support groups to promote resilience and well-being
- Electronic communication systems between school and home for consistent engagement
These programs complement our inclusive classrooms and early childhood education approach, fostering strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Child Care SWIFT Support
In 2020, KenCrest launched the Child Care SWIFT Support Program, an innovative early childhood intervention designed to help children with behavioral challenges remain successfully enrolled in early learning centers. This program provides behavior support for children at risk of expulsion and struggling in the classroom.
KenCrest’s SWIFT Support Specialists partner with early childhood educators to identify root causes of challenging behaviors and implement positive behavior strategies that work for both the child and the classroom. Through hands-on coaching, collaboration, and modeling, instructors help teachers build confidence and create an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
Together, families, teachers, and KenCrest specialists strengthen social-emotional development, reduce behavioral stress, and promote long-term success in quality preschool education and beyond.
Find the Early Learning Center Closest to You
KenCrest Adams
Early Learning Center
575 Adams Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: 215-342-4304 / Fax: 215-342-4307
E-mail: ADAMS@KenCrest.org
KenCrest Kensington
Early Learning Center
901 East Ontario Street (“H” & Ontario St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: 215-739-4547 / Fax: 215-739-4987
E-mail: KENSINGTON@KenCrest.org
KenCrest Lehigh
Early Learning Center
2600 B Street (“B” & Huntingdon St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: 215-427-1570 / Fax: 215-427-9277
E-mail: LEHIGH@KenCrest.org
KenCrest North
Early Learning Center
3907 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 215-227-0534 / Fax: 215-227-1592
E-mail: NORTH@KenCrest.org
KenCrest Northeast
Early Learning Center
7200 Rising Sun Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Phone: 215-342-9800 / Fax: 215-342-5424
E-mail: NORTHEAST@KenCrest.org
KenCrest South
Early Learning Center
504 Morris Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-271-8908 / Fax: 215-271-5694
E-mail: SOUTH@KenCrest.org
KenCrest West
Early Learning Center
5900 Elmwood Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Phone: 215-726-2310 / Fax: 215-726-2314
E-mail: WEST@KenCrest.org
Contact Us
To learn more about our Early Learning Centers, please contact Wil Padilla at wil.padilla@kencrest.org or call 215-726-0892.