WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Families throughout NEPA strive to give their children the best possible future, which starts at a young age.
A Luzerne County woman has spent the last two decades dedicating her life to early childhood education and, in return, creating a stronger community.
During story time in Mrs. Anstett’s pre-kindergarten classroom, children are encouraged to use their imagination.
Down the hall, you’ll find infants engaged in play time.
The woman who created the inviting space for growth and learning is one of a kind.
“I love the fact that between the age of zero and five, you can mold a child and build a foundation so they can have the love for learning,” said President and CEO of Building Blocks Learning Center Zubeen Saeed.
Zubeen discovered the importance of early childhood education in college as a part-time babysitter.
In 2001, she turned that passion into a reality.
“An opportunity came in Luzerne county for a childcare center that was up for sale// and opened my first center. It was about 25 hundred square feet. I had about 30 children,” Zubeen added.
That was the start of the legacy of building blocks with the goal to ensure that all children, especially those from under-served families, have access to the critical foundation of quality early education.
“I think I was driven with the passion of making a difference to empower and to give children a voice, and I think that took me down a road of just growing this business,” Zubeen continued.
A leader in and out of the classroom, Zubeen’s vision thrived, expanding beyond her wildest dreams to 12 locations.
Together, Building Blocks serves more than 1,000 families in Luzerne County and currently employs 165 people.
“Our goal is impact-driven, so if we can go into a community and be a stronger foundation for families so they can go to work for children so we can create the love for learning, then that’s our whole goal and purpose,” Zubeen said.
Building Blocks offers specialized daycare, childcare, and pre-school programs for children 6 weeks through 12 years old.
Zubeen says no matter what age your child is, the program’s mission focuses on making a difference in the community.
“For us, early education is so critical because it’s not letters, numbers, shapes, we teach. We teach self-respect. We feel when children get valued and respected, they’re only going to be successful in school,” Zubeen explained.
The newest location opened in May of 2024.
It lies in the heart of Downtown Wilkes-Barre on South Main Street.
Every classroom provides a nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment where children can reach their full potential.
Zubeen says for women thinking of starting their own business, perseverance is key.
“I think as an entrepreneur, it’s just when you know what your mission is or what you want to do, don’t give up,” said Zubeen.
As a part of Women’s History Month, each week, 28/22 News will be highlighting a Remarkable Woman in your community, leading up to this year’s winner on April 1.
