Luci Keeler fills her classroom at Bright Minds Preschool with warmth, creativity, and hands-on learning, helping her students build the academic, social, and emotional skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. From imaginative play to meaningful traditions, she makes every child feel special and supported.

Luci Keeler is a 2025 Main Line Parent A+ Educators Award Winner

Main Line Parent’s A+ Educators Awards celebrate exceptional educators making a lasting impact in our community. Luci was nominated by her students’ parents and chosen for her achievements, innovation, and dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences. Each A+ Educator has committed to supporting Family Focus Media’s core values, helping foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.

Nominations for the 2026 A+ Educator Awards open with the launch of our Spring Education Guides on March 22, 2026, and will remain open through July 4, 2026.

Making Every Child Shine

One of Luci’s most beloved traditions is “Star Student Week,” customized each year to fit her classroom’s theme. Students take home Honey the bear for weekend adventures, then share journal entries, family photos, and favorite books with their classmates throughout the week. “They absolutely love it—they can’t wait for their turn,” Luci says. From sitting in the teacher’s chair during show-and-tell to choosing their own classroom job, every child gets their moment to shine.

A Teacher Inspired by Joy

Luci’s teaching philosophy was shaped by her own kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Piccone, who made every day fun and inclusive. “She just made every day special—you wanted to go to school to see what was going to happen next,” Luci recalls. “I want all of my students to have a great first school experience and to love books and learning.” That inspiration ultimately led her to a career in early education, where she now strives to bring the same joy and creativity to her students.

Building Strong Foundations

At Bright Minds Preschool, Luci leads a comprehensive kindergarten readiness program that combines academic growth with social-emotional learning. Students progress through Handwriting Without Tears, moving from wooden letter pieces to chalk, crayons, and eventually pencils. “Everything builds each year so that by pre-K, they’re writing their name and starting to feel confident with letters and sounds,” Luci explains. Singing is a core part of the classroom, from morning meeting “hello” songs to songs for months, days of the week, seasons, and letter sounds. Fingerplays like Itsy Bitsy Spider and Five Little Monkeys help students stay engaged while improving language, fine motor, and gross motor skills. “I’ve been told I have a song for every occasion, which really made me proud,” Luci says.

Projects such as making applesauce tie science, math, and teamwork together, helping students invest in their learning. When students struggle with skills like fine motor development, Luci finds creative ways to help. One student who disliked coloring enjoyed painting with watercolors, decorating small pumpkins in October, and using dot markers to create his favorite book character, Grumpy Monkey. By following his interests, Luci helped him strengthen his skills, and by year’s end, he had made tremendous progress.

Imagination at Play

Every classroom at Bright Minds Preschool includes a dramatic play area, a feature Luci helped establish. Rotating themes, like airports, ice cream shops, and construction zones, spark creativity and build communication skills. “There’s always one coveted item, like the cash register or being the pilot,” Luci laughs. “It teaches them patience, turn-taking, and how to ask a friend for what they want.” Supported by her co-teacher Miss Brittany, assistant director Miss Maggie, and Bright Minds Preschool owner Angela, Luci balances her dual role as teacher and director while ensuring the school is a place where both staff and students thrive.

Meeting Children Where They Are

When students face challenges, Luci emphasizes individualized support and collaboration with families. She recalls working with a student who needed extra fine motor practice. By trying a variety of activities and tying them to the student’s interests, Luci helped him develop skills and gain confidence. “It’s about meeting them where they are and helping them feel successful,” she explains.

Lasting Impact

Through her creativity, compassion, and leadership, Luci Keeler makes Bright Minds Preschool a place where children feel excited to learn and confident in themselves. As both teacher and director, she not only guides her own students but also shapes the supportive environment that helps the entire school thrive. Her students leave not only prepared for kindergarten, but also carrying the joy, curiosity, and kindness she instills every day.