A Nurturing Childcare Environment
That Builds Confidence, Independence, And Character
About Active Learning Centers
Providing Learning, Care, and Family Support Since 2005 — Here’s Our Story
Founded in 2005 by Paul Miller and Dana Eldridge, Active Learning Centers grew out of the philosophy that children thrive when they feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to believe in themselves.
Building on their experience as martial arts school owners, Paul and Dana brought confidence, independence, and character development into a nurturing childcare environment.
Today, ALC serves families across five Lehigh Valley locations. As we’ve grown, we’ve stayed true to what makes us special: hands-on learning, caring relationships, and a family atmosphere where every child has room to grow.
We’re Still Rooted In The Values That Inspired Us Over 20 Years Ago
Our families love that they can rely on us for the same quality commitment to quality we launched with in 2005.
A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow. A Place to Belong.
At Active Learning Centers, we believe childhood should be filled with discovery, movement, friendship, and opportunities to say, “I can do it!”
From an infant’s first milestones to a school-age child’s growing independence, we help children build the skills and confidence to take their next step. Along the way, we give families something just as meaningful: a caring community where their children feel known, encouraged, and valued.
It’s why so many parents tell us, “It feels like family.”
Our Mission
To believe in, push, and inspire everyone in our family to continually become a better version of themselves.
For children, that means we believe that each is capable of amazing things. So we guide with patient encouragement, meaningful challenges, and support when something feels difficult. For our team, it means bringing compassion, curiosity, and purpose to the moments we share with your child.
Learning Through Real Experiences
Children learn by doing. At ALC, they explore, create, ask questions, and solve problems.
Our screen-free environment makes room for conversation, imagination, and connection. Daily outdoor play gives children opportunities to move, explore, and enjoy being kids.
Through experiments and experience, and by learning about the world around and the people in it, they develop the skills to express themselves, listen to others, and achieve their goals.
Whether they’re building a tower, sharing materials, practicing letters, or working through a disagreement, your child develops skills they can carry into school and everyday life.
Growing the Whole Child
Academic readiness matters. So do confidence, kindness, responsibility, and the ability to keep trying.
Our teachers help children practice respectful communication, make thoughtful choices, and become more independent. Using Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits as a foundation, we weave character development into everyday interactions.
Our partnership with Lehigh Valley Martial Arts adds another opportunity for growth. Three- and four-year-olds participate in martial arts as part of their childcare curriculum, practicing focus, respect, coordination, and perseverance.
Support for Every Stage
We serve children from infancy through age 13, with infant and toddler care, preschool and pre-K, before- and after-school care, and summer camp.
As your child grows, our approach grows with them, from nurturing early milestones to preparing for kindergarten and helping school-age children build friendships, responsibility, and independence.
A Partnership With Your Family
You know your child best. We value your insight, welcome your questions, and work with you to celebrate progress and navigate challenges.
Across our five Lehigh Valley locations, our goal is the same: to help your child feel that they belong, believe in their abilities, and grow into the person they can become.
Come see what it feels like to be part of the ALC family.
Choose Care That Guides Your Child With Heart
What Parents Are Saying
4.6★ across 300+ Google reviews — and counting.
My 3 year old son has been attending for about 4-5 weeks and he has grown so much in discipline, confidence, and leadership. Family and friends have noticed as well.
— Parent, ALC Martial Arts Program
We spent 2 years at ALC in Emmaus and we are happy that we chose them. Teachers and staff are very kind and helpful… We highly recommend Active Learning Center.
— Katarina Weaver, Emmaus
Miss Kim is truly a special teacher... kind, patient, and genuinely cares about every child in her classroom.
— Ronald L., Bethlehem
Our family has had a wonderful experience with Active Learning Centers: Palmer... The staff grows to be family.
— Sady Payano, Palmer
More glowing reviews from our families on Google