Meet Our Director

  1. Berwyn Early Learning Academy
  2. Meet Our Director

Meet Our Director, Alex!

Alex Smith smiling in a classroom
Alex Smith, M.Ed., PA-Certified Educator
“Every child is a natural explorer. My job is to make sure our environments, routines, and relationships open doors to discovery—so children feel safe to try, supported when it’s hard, and celebrated when they grow. I’m excited to partner with our families and teachers to make BELA a place where kids love to learn.”

Alex Smith joins BELA with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education. A dedicated educator, husband, and father, Alex brings both expertise and heart to the work of nurturing children and partnering with families.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration from Purdue University Global and a Master’s degree in PreK–12 Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Alex is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher and a lifelong learner who believes every child deserves a safe, joyful, and thoughtfully planned learning environment.

Alex’s Learning Philosophy

  • Whole-child development: Children learn best when their whole selves are nurtured. Learning is about both academics, as well as developing curiosity, confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
  • Purposeful play: Purposeful play and hands-on learning allows children to explore ideas, build skills, and grow into confident, capable learners.
  • Outdoor learning: Learning happens everywhere- not just in the classroom. Daily outdoor exploration on our seven acre campus fuels healthy bodies, imagination, and encourages children to wonder about the natural world.
  • Safety & consistency: Consistent routines, well prepared environments, and responsive teachers provide our students with the security they need to take risks, explore, and grow.
  • Family partnerships: Familes are a child’s first and most important teachers. At BELA, learning is a partnership. We work alongside families to celebrate children's progress and build a foundation for life long learning.
  • Inclusive & welcoming: Above all we must be rooted in inclusion, kindeness, and respect. As a ministry of Berwyn United Methodist Church, we warmly welcome families into a community where every child feels valued, suported and ready to learn.

Connect with Alex & Schedule a Visit

We’d love to meet you and show you around. Schedule a conversation or tour

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