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Little Friends Early Childhood Education Center logoLittle Friends School

Welcome to Little Friends!

A second home where little friends learn, play & grow.

A safe, nurturing, and inspiring preschool and childcare center in Mercerville, NJ for children 18 months to 5 years — with summer camp up to age 12.

Tour line: (609) 375-1525Serving families for 35+ years
A Little Friends teacher with a smiling group of children at a classroom activity tableChildren playing together on the playground slideTwo young friends smiling during an outdoor snack

35+

years in our community

A child sitting on a bench under a Welcome Back to School sign
Four friends standing together on the playground

“A safe, nurturing, and inspiring space.”

Our mission

Growing with the needs of our community for over 35 years

At Little Friends, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that celebrates the uniqueness of every child aged 18 months to 5 years old. Our mission is to ignite the flame of curiosity, imagination, and a love for learning in the hearts of our young learners.

Guided by the belief that early childhood education is the cornerstone of a promising future, we are committed to providing a dynamic curriculum that combines the latest research in early childhood development with the uniqueness of our dedicated educators.

Our aim is to create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring space where children can grow, explore, and discover their full potential.

How we learn

Creative Curriculum & a child-centered approach

Our classrooms use Creative Curriculum — combining structured learning with hands-on, play-based experiences that foster creativity, confidence, and independence.

Knowledge, Growth & Joy

Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child is unique, and we are committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where each child can flourish.

Toddlers, Preschool & 3’s

Our curriculum for toddlers, preschool and our 3-year-old class supports the development of the whole child with high-quality, comprehensive resources for intentionally teaching and caring for our youngest learners during these most critical and formative years of development.

Pre-K & Kindergarten

Our curriculum for our Pre-Kindergarten is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features inquiry, exploration, and discovery as the foundation of all learning.

Our Kindergarten follows NJ state regulations and is accredited.

Why families choose us

What makes Little Friends special

More than just a childcare center — a second home where children grow, learn, and create lasting memories.
  • 35+ years in the community

    Little Friends has been growing with the needs of Mercerville and Hamilton families for over 35 years.

  • Creative Curriculum

    Research-based learning that blends structure with hands-on, play-based discovery.

  • Toddlers through Kindergarten

    One caring school from 18 months through Kindergarten, plus summer camp up to age 12.

  • Integrated Therapy on site

    Therapists and educators collaborate on personalized plans, with a focus on early intervention.

  • Daily updates for parents

    Procare shares daily reports, photos, and videos so you never miss a moment.

  • Field trips & extras

    Pre-K and Kindergarten enjoy educational excursions, plus soccer and music classes.

Top 3 Preschool in Mercer County — BusinessRate 2026 Award Winner, based on Google Reviews

Top 3 Preschool in Mercer County

BusinessRate 2026 Award Winner, based on Google Reviews

Donna Bohnet, Director of Little Friends School

Donna Bohnet

Director

Meet our director

Hello from Donna!

With over 15 years of experience in childcare administration and program development, Donna Bohnet proudly serves as the Director of Little Friends while also supporting multiple centers as a Regional Support Specialist.

Life at Little Friends

Moments from our days together

A group of children cheering together around a long table
Two classmates smiling and giving peace signs
Children playing on the playground slide
Two toddlers playing in the classroom play kitchen
Two friends enjoying an outdoor snack
A child sitting outside with a soccer ball

Follow along for daily smiles on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Enrollment inquiries

Ready to join the Little Friends family?

Tell us a little about your child and we’ll reach out about availability, schedules, and a time to visit.
  1. 1

    Send an inquiry

    Fill out the short inquiry form or call our main office. Tell us about your child and when you hope to start.

  2. 2

    Schedule a tour

    Visit our classrooms, meet our team, and see a day at Little Friends. Call our tour line or request a time online.

  3. 3

    Talk with our director

    Ask about availability, schedules, and tuition for your child’s age group. We’ll answer every question.

  4. 4

    Complete enrollment

    Our office will guide you through the enrollment paperwork and help your family get ready for the first day.

Prefer to talk to a person?

Tours: (609) 375-1525
Main office: (609) 890-9164

Inquiry form

It only takes a minute.

I’d like to… *

e.g. Tuesday mornings

We’ll only use your information to respond to your request.

News & events

What’s happening at Little Friends

All news & events
Integrated Therapy Services

Support for every child’s journey

Integrated Therapy involves a collaboration between our skilled therapists and dedicated educators to create personalized care plans for each child. From initial evaluations to seamless implementation and ongoing support, we focus on early intervention for developmental delays.

Learn about Integrated Therapy
Integrated Therapy Team — supporting your child’s journey

Come see what makes Little Friends special

Tours are the best way to meet our teachers, see our classrooms, and picture your child’s day with us.

Prefer to call? Tours: (609) 375-1525 · Main: (609) 890-9164