Nurturing Creativity & Education
In Mountain Lakes, NJ, Since 1984
At Scribbles Preschool, we believe in the power of education and imagination. Founded in 1984 by Mimi Lyons and Karen Schwinger, Scribbles began as a home-based program, quickly growing into a cherished institution in Mountain Lakes, NJ. A non-profit, non-sectarian school licensed by the State of New Jersey, Scribbles serves children from over 12 neighboring communities, fostering a love for learning and a sense of community since its inception.
In 1985, Scribbles moved to its current location within the Community Church of Mountain Lakes, where it became a beloved part of the local fabric. Over the years, our school has continued to grow, adapting to the evolving needs of our students while maintaining our commitment to quality early childhood education.
Today, Scribbles is led by co-directors Deborah Kasel and Denise Laden, both of whom have been integral members of the Scribbles family since 1998. Deborah, with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and Denise, with a strong background in business, provide the perfect blend of educational expertise and operational insight to ensure Scribbles continues to thrive and serve future generations.
We are proud to be a trusted partner in the early educational journey of children in Mountain Lakes and beyond, providing a foundation for academic success, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Our Philosophy
We believe that every child is destined for greatness. Whether they become engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, or community leaders, their journey begins with the experiences they have today. Right now, they are little bundles of curiosity and wonder, learning from every interaction, every object, and every moment. We take great joy in seeing the world through their eyes.
In our classrooms, we prioritize a child-centered approach to learning. We tailor our teaching to their unique perspectives, using examples, objects, and situations that resonate with them. Our multi-dimensional teaching method ensures that each child is engaged, no matter their individual learning style.
As you’ll discover on our Curriculum Page, while our students are enjoying fun activities with friends—singing, playing, creating, and moving—they are also achieving important developmental milestones. Guided by the creativity and dedication of our teachers, children are progressing in key areas such as Speech & Language, Math & Measurement, Movement & Motor Skills, Science & Discovery, Artistic Expression, and Social & Emotional Development.
THE APPLE
We believe that learning opportunities exist everywhere—in everything we see, touch, and experience. With the guidance of our creative educators, learning becomes an exciting adventure! Take, for example, something as simple as an apple. How might we explore and learn about an apple at Scribbles?
Through these activities, a simple apple becomes a tool for exploring the world around us. In the process, children develop critical and creative thinking, scientific understanding, mathematical concepts, problem-solving skills, socialization, artistic expression, and more. These experiences prepare them not only for school but for life itself.
The Preschool Brain: A Little Science Behind Our Philosophy
The brain of a preschooler is fundamentally different from that of older children or adults. Between the ages of two and six, children don’t learn in the same ways as school-age children or grown-ups. This is why at Scribbles, we meet children where they are, presenting material in ways that align with how their brains learn best—scientifically proven methods tailored for their stage of development.
Did you know that a preschooler’s brain is twice as active as an adult’s? It’s true! From about age three to ten, a young child’s brain is at its metabolic peak. However, the nervous system isn’t fully “hardwired” yet, which is why young children often experience the world in such a unique way. According to educator and psychologist Thomas Armstrong, this heightened brain activity calls for dynamic, creative, and multisensory experiences. He believes that children’s play is the best way to meet these developmental needs—and we agree!
Play is a dynamic, ever-changing process that is multisensory, interactive, and full of imagination. It stimulates every part of the brain. In fact, some scientists believe that play was a key factor in the development of human frontal lobes. Play is more than just fun—it is the foundation of growth, learning, and development.
At Scribbles, we embrace the power of play, knowing it’s the single most important way young children grow, explore, and prepare for the future.
Visit us for a tour to discover more about how we apply this philosophy in our curriculum and how it shapes the learning journey for every child at Scribbles.
Our Families Say It Best
“Program is excellent and well run. As a working parent, it is sometimes hard for me to be involved at the level I would like, but the school does a great job of keeping me informed.”
“Scribbles Preschool continues to give my children one of the most invaluable gifts of all; the absolute love and joy of learning. My oldest daughter never wanted to miss a day of school, and would even hide a cough to make sure she could go. Appointments had to be postponed to fit around her school schedule as she loved it so much. This love and dedication to her education has continued in Kindergarten where she has settled so comfortably and contentedly into the next phase of her life. The Scribbles environment allowed her to be socially agile, emotionally aware and within a few months of starting Kindergarten she has been able to read stories which I know from her foundation in pre-K, a passion for reading was nurtured especially from the amazing Book Nook Enrichment Class. The care, nurture and support of the teachers and the whole administration staff at the preschool is phenomenal – we are extremely happy and grateful for our Scribbles Journey and its wonderful Teachers.”
“After six years, and four children, I’ve seen how well prepared my kids were for kindergarten and beyond!!!”
