Early childhood is a time of remarkable brain development. The education that children receive during these years creates the foundation for their future growth, development and learning potential. At The Learning Experience®, we are dedicated to cultivating creative, compassionate and innovative young minds through our proprietary curriculum and enrichment programs that increase learning during six critical stages of early development. Our programs have been built to help children maximize their cognitive, physical and social potential. Or as we say at TLE®, we help children "learn, play and grow!" We believe that how children learn is as important as what they learn, that's why our educational programs are designed to inspire children's love of learning through hands-on lessons that make their educational experience fun! Daily lessons promote positive engagement throughout the day and include phonics, sign language, manners and etiquette, philanthropy, foreign language and hands-on technology. Enrichment programs such as yoga, soccer, drama, dance and music are also offered at no additional cost. Whether you have an inquisitive infant, tenacious toddler or passionate preschooler, put your child on the path to success and discover how we help children reach their full potential at The Learning Experience®!
Meet Our Team
Melissa Balarezo
Business Manager
- Joined on: September 10th, 2012
- Years in Industry: 25
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Education
- CDA
- Associate's Degree in Photography from SCCC
My aunt was my inspiration for why I got into this field! I saw the impact she made on the lives of her students and how much joy it brought her. I have worked with all ages throughout my career. I love interacting with the parents and children and watching them learn and grow in a positive way!
Karrah Winans
Center Director
- Joined on: July 9th, 2010
- Years in Industry: 16
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Education
- Quinnipiac University; Bachelor's in Communications
Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I started working in childcare as an assistant when I was 16 years old and quickly learned how rewarding of a job being an educator really was. I began working at The Learning Experience in July of 2010 as a Toddler teacher. Throughout my time at The Learning Experience I was able to float in all classrooms and help educate all age groups! I became Business Manager in January of 2016 and then Center Director in September of the same year. I enjoy that I still get to interact with the children throughout the day but, being a part of admin, I have the opportunity to create relationships with all the families!
Valarie Gideon
Twaddler Teacher
- Joined on: November 9th, 2015
- Years in Industry: 10
I chose to work in the childcare industry because I love kids (I have three of my own!) I enjoy the feeling you get when you see them accomplish something you have been teaching them- it's an empowering and humbling feeling to be able to help mold the minds of children.
Liz Figueroa
Preschool 3 Teacher
- Joined on: September 11th, 2014
- Years in Industry: 5
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Education
- Associate's Degree in Education; PSY
Being an educator has always been a dream of mine and I often thought of being able to make a difference in a child's life. I began going to school for Elementary Education and then I was offered the opportunity to be a part of this awesome team at TLE. Since I started at TLE, I have worked with every age group and have been able to help each child in my care hit many milestones! I love being able to create an entertaining and positive atmosphere for the children to grow to their greatest potential!
Connie Cammalleri
Infant Teacher
- Joined on: October 4th, 2004
- Years in Industry: 15
Before coming to TLE, I was a stay-at-home mom and enjoyed every minute of raising my two kids; which led me to pursue a career with TLE in October of 2004. My passion has always been to make a child feel comfortable in a new environment away from their home and TLE provides that environment through the facility and the staff. My bonus is being rewarded with big hugs, smiles and baby kisses everyday- and NOTHING is more rewarding that that!
Melissa Burd
Toddler Teacher
- Joined on: September 3rd, 2010
- Years in Industry: 23
I pursued childcare during my senior year of high school and have loved it ever since! With raising two children of my own, I was able to bring that experience with me to TLE in September of 2010. While having the opportunity to work with all age groups, I felt my strongest connection was with the Toddlers! Introducing letters, numbers, shapes, colors and watching it click for them is so rewarding- and being a part of helping them grow is one of the best feelings!
Bubbles' Bugle Latest Edition
Volume 1 Issue 11
Winter 2016
Your source for TLE® News, Parenting Information and Tips, and Children's Activities
What our parents are saying about us…
“I am writing to recognize the great staff at the Ledgewood location. My daughter Lily has been there since she was an infant and is excelling and having fun in the pre-school program. Lily is now a big sister, and after spending an amazing time bonding with my son Cameron while on maternity it was now time to go back to work. The wonderful women in the infant room Ms. Shanaz and Ms. Janet made what can be a very stressful time for a mother, a very easy transition. They are very attentive, organized and nurturing and should be recognized. Thank you ladies!!! ”
—Jennifer Santiago“My daughter has been going to TLE since she was in twaddles and now she is in PS3. The programs are fun and have great learning experience for her, she has learned writing, manners, all about safety it is wonderful. The summer program is Great!, lots of fun. The teachers and director Jessica are wonderful, not only do they make the kids comfortable, but they make the parents too!. Brooke will be going to school next year and I know she and I will miss TLE lots. TLE is a great experience and we are lucky to participate, I would recommend everyone too! ”
—jennifer“My daughter Madisyn has been at TLE for the past 4 1/2 years. She has had amazing teachers, and has learned so much while at the center. The staff is kind, professional, and always wants the best for their kids. Thank you!! ”
—Christina“I just wanted to express my appreciation for the hard work and creativity that Jessica, Sasha, and the TLE Ledgewood team put into the "Prom" they held for the pre-K and K class. They did pictures, pizza, and dancing. The kids (and parents) had a great time. I thought it was a very fun, creative event and I appreciate the work that went into it! Thanks Everyone!”
—Jen“I just want to thank everyone at TLE. My Daughter Brooke has been at this center for 2 1/2 years. She has learned so much, can start to read, writes very well, etc. All the teacher are wonderful, you can talk to them whenever you need to. Jessica and Sasha are wonder, any concern they will address them asap. The prom was wonderful, Jessica and Sasha did a wonderful job! I will always recommend TLE! Great learning experience for both my daughter, husband and myself. WE will Miss you all lots!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
—jennifer“Our daughter has been attending TLE for the last 4 years. We are extremely happy with the love and care she has received there. All of the teachers and administrators truly have the best interest of our child in mind at all times which puts my mind at ease every day. The center plans fun and educational activities for the children to enjoy. This is our last year at TLE and although we are looking forward to what lies ahead for our child, everyone at TLE will be greatly missed!”
—Theresa Mahoney“Our daughter Emily started at TLE Ledgewood when she was 6 months old and just graduated preschool in June of 2016. From day 1 we felt a connection and were happy with the staff and curriculum. We watched our daughter grow into a beautiful little girl with the help and patience of the TLE staff. Our daughter loved every teacher and staff member and I believe that due to the dedication of the staff, Emily has made an amazing transition to Kindergarten. When I was diagnosed with cancer, the staff made sure that Emily always got some extra TLC and for that I will always be grateful. We look forward to working with TLE Ledgewood in the future with our second daughter. ”
—Jean-Marie Molinaro“We have been at TLE Ledgewood for over 6 years now. Our first daughter started when she was just 5 months old and now our younger daughter attends. Both girls have loved the school and so have we! We have always felt so comfortable at TLE, knowing our girls would be safe, loved, and learning new things everyday! When my older daughter left TLE to begin public kindergarten, she was and still continues to be in the highest reading group in her grade. We have always been so happy with our decision to attend TLE. Mr. Peter, our business director, always has a smile and is super friendly and helpful. The children love all the teachers and you can tell how much the teachers care for them. We want to thank everyone at TLE Ledgewood for so many great years! ”
—Jennifer McGrath
