BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR OUR FUTURE LITTLE LEADERS

The Preschool Learning Center

For more than two decades, PLC has provided a safe, nurturing, and academically enriching environment where every child is seen, valued, and prepared to thrive.

Who We Are

The Preschool Learning Center operates two licensed early childhood education centers proudly serving families in New Orleans East and the Greater New Orleans area, with hours of operation Monday thru Friday, 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

Our Standards of Excellence

Louisiana Pathways Trainer (Level III)

• CDA, ECAC, Associate-Master’s Level Credentialed Staff

• Monthly Professional Development & Instructional Coaching

Louisiana Pathways Trainer (Level III) • CDA, ECAC, Associate-Master’s Level Credentialed Staff • Monthly Professional Development & Instructional Coaching

Highlights from The Preschool Learning Center's 2026 Pre-K 3 & 4 Graduation Showcase, featuring remarks from Executive Director Ms. Smothers.

The Preschool Learning Center exterior.

LDOE 4-Star, High Proficient

The Preschool Learning Center

6054 Hayne Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
Ph: (504) 246-7995

LDOE 5-Star, Excellent

The Preschool Learning Center 2

9290 Morrison Rd.
New Orleans, LA 70127
Ph: (504) 267-4516

Members of NOLA Public Schools visit The PLC, where students hold a welcoming event.

Education Begins Here

For more than two decades, The Preschool Learning Center has been a trusted pillar in early childhood education, providing safe, nurturing, high-quality learning environments rooted in academic excellence, love, and community.

Founded in 1999, PLC was created to expand access to meaningful early learning experiences that strengthen children, support families, and uplift the community. What began as a commitment to care and education has grown into a respected early childhood program dedicated to preparing children not just for school—but for life.

Every child is seen, valued, and supported through intentional learning experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and growth. At PLC, early childhood is the foundation for lifelong success.

Have questions about enrollment or availability?

Leadership Spotlight

Portrait of Ms. Lakenja Smothers, owner and operator of The Preschool Learning Center and The Preschool Learning Center 2.

Ms. Smothers, Executive Director

Ms. Smothers has served as the Executive Director of The Preschool Learning Center for over two decades, providing steady leadership grounded in integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to children and families.

Her leadership reflects a balance of operational excellence and educational advancement, with a strong focus on workforce development, program growth, and continuous quality improvement. Under her guidance, PLC has expanded its impact while maintaining a strong culture of excellence, accountability, and family engagement.

Her leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, integrity, faith, empowerment, and the belief that strong foundations create stronger futures.

Our Values

The values that guide our classrooms, our relationships, and our commitment to children and families each day.

Excellence

We are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education that inspires academic growth, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Love & Nurturing Care

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, supported, and genuinely cared for in an environment that encourages confidence and growth.

Family & Community

We believe strong partnerships between families, educators, and communities create stronger outcomes for every child.

Equity & Inclusion

We are dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities and an inclusive learning environment where every child and family belongs.

Leadership & Legacy

We strive to develop future little leaders by nurturing confidence, responsibility, character, and a belief in their potential.

Want to see how our values come to life in the classroom?

What Makes Us Unique

At PLC, our approach is rooted in relationships, excellence, and the belief that every child deserves a strong foundation.

  • Family-centered care built on trust and strong relationships

  • Whole-child support for academic, emotional, and creative growth

  • Strong community partnerships that support children and families

  • High-quality instruction guided by CLASS-aligned practices

  • A balanced environment with love, structure, and high expectations

  • A philosophy centered on “Education Begins Here”

We believe that when children, families, and educators are supported together, entire communities grow stronger.

Our Programs

At The Preschool Learning Center, we provide high-quality early childhood education designed to support each stage of your child’s development—from infancy through preschool and beyond.

PLC’s Educational Approach

We use a combination of research-based curriculum and intentional teaching practices to support the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively.

  • Frog Street Curriculum

  • Tier-1 Curriculum (LDOE-aligned)

  • CLASS-aligned instructional practices

  • Social-emotional learning (SEL)

  • Literacy-rich instruction

  • Music, movement, and creative expression

  • Technology integration

  • Hands-on, play-based learning experiences

Our classrooms are designed to foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

A hands-on activity being lead by a teacher at The Preschool Learning Center.

Programs By Age

At PLC, we recognize every stage of childhood as an opportunity for growth and discovery. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to support development while fostering confidence, independence, curiosity, and foundational skills for lifelong success.

6 WEEKS - 12 MONTHS

Infants

Responsive care, sensory exploration, music, movement and developmental support.

1 - 2 YEARS

Toddlers

Language growth, independence, social interactions and hands-on discovery.

2 - 3 YEARS

Two-Year-Olds

Early literacy, math readiness, communicaiton skills and social-emotional growth.

3 - 4 YEARS

Preschool

Creative learning experiences focused on literacy, science, mathematics and exploration.

4 - 5 YEARS

Pre-Kindergarten

Kindergarten readiness, problem-solving, leadership and academic excellence.

5 - 12 YEARS

Before & After Care

Homework assistance, enrichment opportunities, social development, and structured recreation in a supportive environment.

6 WEEKS - 12 YEARS

Seasonal Programming

Continued learning, creative exploration, peer interaction, and engaging enrichment experiences during school breaks.

Enrollment at PLC

We are committed to making the enrollment process simple, transparent, and supportive for every family. Enrollment is based on availability and classroom openings. Families are encouraged to join the waitlist early due to high demand for placement.

Our Application Process

Children participate in a dental health promotional event sponsored by local community partners.

Tuition & Funding Support

We participate in several early childhood funding and support programs, including:

Tuition varies based on age group, schedule, and program eligibility. Our team will walk families through all available options during the enrollment process.

Ready to Join PLC?

Join a nurturing learning community where children are supported, celebrated, and empowered to thrive every day.

Community Partnerships

PLC is proud to partner with organizations that support early childhood education, family services, and community development across the Greater New Orleans area.

Tulane TIKES logo.
EarlySteps logo.

Contact Us

We’re here to answer questions, support enrollment, and help your family find the right program and location for your child.

Our Locations

The Preschool Learning Center exterior.

The Preschool Learning Center

6054 Hayne Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
Ph:
(504) 246-7995
Fax: (504) 246-7996

The Preschool Learning Center 2

9290 Morrison Rd.
New Orleans, LA 70127
Ph:
(504) 267-4516
Fax: (504) 267-4521

Send Us a Message

Have a question about enrollment, programs, availability, or anything else? Our team is here to help and will respond as soon as possible.

Administrative inquiries: theplclearningcenter@gmail.com