Name changes for Early Learning Centers

Rebranding ‘better reflects’ philosophy, geography

The centers have been renamed Wonder spring to better reflect learning opportunities the centers provide.

NARBERTH >> Montgomery Early Learning Centers — which provides early childhood education to nearly 900 children in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties — has changed its name.

Effective Jan. 13, the centers have been renamed Wonderspring to better reflect the learning opportunities the centers provide — and its geography, according to Surge Ghosh, president of the Wonderspring board of directors.

The name change was part of a strategic planning process undertaken by the organization, according to Lisa Dugan, director of communications and advancement. The name Wonderspring, she said, started being talked about in 2017.

Wonderspring operates 10 early childhood centers in the region, including Pottstown, Narberth, Wynnewood and five before- and after-school sites in the Colonial School District. Two locations are in Philadelphia and a third Philadelphia location will open this spring, according to Dugan.

She added that nothing has changed about the centers — which have served the community for more than 50 years — except the name.

“The name Wonderspring represents our approach to early education, as we nurture children through the most critical learning years of their lives,” Ann O’Brien, CEO, said in a press release. “Children are learning all the time, in every interaction with teachers and each other. Cultivating wonder in young children and sparking their natural curiosity are fundamental to cultivating lifelong learners, which is the most important thing we do.”

Dugan said the organization began a “teaser campaign” on Facebook in the days leading up to the official unveiling of the new name — to let families know that something was coming. The final Facebook posting prior to the announcement of the new name featured a wrapped package, with a slight tear in the wrapping — enough to see a small piece of the new logo. In addition, posters were hung in the centers, followed by a newsletter to families and an email blast.

The centers have also included the children in the process.

“We did a lot of projects about ‘wonder’ leading up to and after the announcement. One classroom did a project about what the children wonder about, while others have done art projects about springs,” she said.

Dugan added that the feedback to the change and the communication have been good, and the organization continues to post photos to its social media of some of the activities related to the name change.

“People are loving it,” Dugan said.

“Our mission and value to the community remain. We are the same provider of high-quality education that our families have come to know and trust,” Zakiyyah Boone, chief program officer, said in the release. “But we need to show that our approach is more upto-date than the old name and logo indicated. Our 21st century approach to learning has led us to a new name and brand identity that reflect the innovative programming we deliver.”

In addition to its early education centers, Wonderspring offers a summer

SUBMITTED PHOTO Montgomery Early Learning Centers, which operates 10 early learning centers in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, has changed its name to Wonderspring. The new name, according to the organization, better reflects its philosophy and geography. This photo shows some of the children at Wonderspring’s Pottstown location at 150 N. Hanover St. showing off an art project featuring springs.

SUBMITTED PHOTO This photo shows the playground at Wonderspring’s Pottstown location at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 150 N. Hanover St. Montgomery Early Learning Centers recently changed its name to Wonderspring.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Students at Wonderspring’s Pottstown location hold up a big sign announcing the new name. Montgomery Early Learning Centers, with 10 locations in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, recently changed its name.