Walk into Building Blocks Early Learning Center in Wilton on any given day, and you’ll likely find children experimenting with light and shadows, building creations from recycled materials or asking the kinds of big questions only young minds come up with.
That’s by design, and it’s something Dori Levy has been building on since she took over as the school director in August.
Don’t miss hearing from Dori directly in the video at the end of this story!
The school follows the Sustainable Education™ approach, developed by Babilou Family, the global early childhood education organization behind Building Blocks. Grounded in research on child development, it comes to life in ways families can see: children get outside every day, they rest when their bodies need it rather than on a rigid schedule, and teachers shape activities around each child’s interests and stage of development.
Here’s what that looks like in one classroom: When a group of preschoolers became fascinated with dirt and construction vehicles, their teachers ran with it. They mixed up a batch of “homemade dirt” from cocoa powder and flour, safe enough for little hands to squish and dig through, and then brought out the trucks and diggers and let the children take it from there. Nobody handed out instructions. The teachers simply noticed what the kids cared about and built the experience around it.
“We try to give children meaningful opportunities to explore the things they’re interested in through play,” Levy said.
Levy brings a background in early childhood education, special education and child development. For families, that means a director who pays close attention to how each child is growing and who knows that no two kids learn the same way. Her focus is simple: a school community where children and families feel supported and welcome.
“I want parents to know that we are an extension of their family,” Levy said. “Leaving your child in someone else’s care is a very big deal, and I don’t take that lightly.”
The school serves children from infancy through Pre-K. For families just starting out, Levy checks in regularly as their child settles in, so parents know how the adjustment is going and can feel confident their child is happy, safe and having fun. Throughout the day, parents also get updates through the school’s family communication app, giving them a window into their child’s day instead of leaving them to wonder how it’s going.
Families at the school say that care shows.
“Choosing Building Blocks Wilton has been the absolute best decision for our family,” Heather M., a Building Blocks Wilton mom of two, said. “Our son started at 6 months old and just entered kindergarten perfectly prepared, highly social and enthusiastic about learning. Our daughter, now almost 2 years old, started at the same age and is thriving just as much.”
Katie C., another Wilton parent, sees it every morning.
“My daughter loves going here and excitedly yells, ‘School!’ before we even reach the parking lot,” Katie said. “We get pictures of our daughter throughout the day where they sometimes go outside on the playground, run in the gym, or do an arts and crafts project. The director has been very hands-on with the children, and the staff seems very happy.”
Levy is also focused on what happens outside the classroom. She’s bringing families together through events like Grandparents and Special Visitors Day and a new family partnership group, giving parents a chance to get to know the teachers and each other.
“I want families to feel included in everything we’re doing,” Levy said. “I want Building Blocks to be a place where children, families and teachers feel connected and supported.”
Building Blocks Wilton holds an Open House on the first Saturday of each month, where families can tour classrooms and meet Levy and the teaching team. The next one is Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. Families can RSVP here.
