About
We engage children in active learning through the world around them. Learning through play, means teaching them how to discover and learn new things all the time. It means learning throughout the life span. It means learning inside and outside the classroom. It means learning is limitless.
Mission Statement
Our vision is to provide a quality early childhood education program for children and families. We focus on teacher-parent partnerships and utilize research informed teaching practices to create a high quality program. It is our mission to build a community where our children fee safe to play and learn by touching the hearts and minds of our staff, children, and families.
Summary of our School
Play and Learn Children’s Place provides quality child care to the children of Washtenaw County. While adhering to the HighScope curriculum, state, and federal guidelines, we provide our teachers the ability to mold and shape young minds while continuing their development of skills through state certified training. We develop our classrooms to be the best learning environment for kids to play and learn in. We maintain a house area, toy area, block area, and art area with age appropriate materials, to aid in child development. As a core part of our learning environment, we use natural materials (ie: rocks, shells and wood), real materials (ie: phones, pots and pans), sensory materials, and culturally diverse materials, to maintain a well rounded learning environment. Our teachers use anecdotal observations to assess the children’s development from birth through preschool.
Meet our Teachers
Joe
Joined P&L in 2019
Owner/ Director since 2021
Co-Owner and Director. Studied at the University of Michigan Flint, Bachelors in Early Childhood Studies, Minor in Literacy and Mathematics. I am very passionate about the Early Childhood field. I am an avid reader, writer, and singer. I enjoy the outdoors and traveling the country. My wife and I have a senior long haired siamese cat named Nova.
Directorship is a new opportunity for me to take on a role that is challenging and rewarding. I enjoy providing the children with exceptional care as they transition to their next academic adventures. Another passion of mine is helping our teachers at Play and Learn become professionals and bright examples of educators in the community.
Cassie
Joined P&L in 2018
Owner/ Director since 2021
Hello. I am Cassie, Co-Owner/ Director at Play and Learn Children’s Place. I was born and raised in Ohio. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a focus in child development, and Human Development and Family Studies, from Kent State University. Afterward, I moved to the great state of Michigan to continue my education. I went to the University of Michigan to complete my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. I interned with the Washtenaw ISD, and have taught preschool and GSRP since 2017. I have been director of Play and Learn since February of 2021.
I love scaffolding young learners, and they have taught me much throughout my career. I am very passionate about sharing my knowledge with staff and parents. As director, I focus most of my time on child development, ensuring staff’s knowledge and assisting kids who need a little extra love. Directorship has amplified the joy I get, sharing knowledge and helping adults learn about child development. I am a certified professional development trainer, and I am also pursuing a certification as a parenting coach, so I can share my knowledge and experience with staff and families.
My hobbies are hiking, cooking, gardening, arts and crafts, and singing, which are all things I love to share with staff and the kids. We are always laughing and having fun, it’s the best way to learn!
Emily
Emily - Joined P&L in 2012
I’m Emily Hatfield. I’m a mom, wife, and teacher to all littles. I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade. I started working on that goal while still in high school and as a result have been in the teaching community since 2009, and I joined Play and Learn in 2012. I graduated from MCCC with honors and with both a degree and extra certification in Early Childhood Development. I love fostering independence, social and emotional development, and hands-on learning through play. My hobbies are interior decorating, going on walks, and traveling. I love coffee and food.
Megan
Joined P&L in 2012
Hello! Im Megan! Currently one of our Lead Infant-Toddler Teachers and in the past, preschool teacher. I started my childcare journey back in 2008 but grew up in a home where Play and Learn was first established. I went to Washtenaw Community College and recieved a Childcare Development certification and in 2014 I became extremely passionate about children and family nutrition along with the importance and positive impact it has.
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to teach children and since I became a mother, my love and understanding for children has only expanded. My goal for the children at Play and Learn is to inspire them, build self-esteem and confidence, encourage creativity, provide emotional and mental support and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. My goal for parents is to partner with them while we build a solid foundation by having a trusting relationship, genuine connection and excellent communication.
I want to teach because I want to be one of the reasons a child is successful and feels loved and appreciated for who they are. The first few years of brain development is so crucial, I want these children to flourish as they grow into the amazing human beings they were created to be. Even when the routine is the same, everyday they are learning, growing and moving closer to their next milestone.
As for myself, I am a wife and mother of two beautiful boys. Our oldest is Callahan and our youngest, Caelan. We have a pup at home named Ren and he means the world to us. We live a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well, exercise and making sure we get enough time outdoors in nature all throughout the year. I love animals, cooking, baking, dancing, art, practicing photography and volunteering at my church. I am an artist at heart so you can count on plenty of art work coming home if I am your child’s teacher! Thank you for taking the time to read about me, I am looking forward to meeting you!
Sam
Joined P&L in 2021
Hi! My name is Sam! I’m from a small town called Delton but I moved across state for school. I live in Ypsilanti with my doggie named Millie (she’s my favorite)! I’m currently wokring on my CDA. I’ve always loved kids, of all ages. They’re my favorite to be around because they are so full of joy and happiness! I enjoy watching them play and explore while they learn simultaneously. I have three younger siblings, which I absolutely adore. I’ve nannied, been a “big sister” for the YMCA, and I’ve worked in daycares.
I have been at Play and Learn since early 2021 and am currently a Lead infant/toddler teacher. My favorite part about coming to work is seeing the smiles of all my babies and getting the extra snuggles! (It’s really the best part!)
My favorite things include spending time with freinds and family, staying in and having a movie night, and shopping. When its warmer, I love spending time at the beach and in water. I love traveling, so I try to do it as much as I can!
Barbara
Joined P&L in 2022
Hello I am Barb Lead Teacher in the infants at Play and Learn Childrens Place I was born and raised in Michigan.
From 2012 to 2017 I received a Certficate and Degree in Early childhood Education from Baker College of Allen Park.
I worked at my church daycare in Dec. 2021 Merriman Road Baptist Church
I love watching my babies learn to play, explore new foods, and takeing care of the infants and the other children. I love giving care to children that may need extra love. Playing music and watching the babies interact with it is so cool to me.
My hobbies are to be with my family, going to the movies, bowling with hubby, and going to church to be with good people and have fun.
Karen
Joined P&L in 2022
Hello, my name is Karen and I am a toddler teacher. Although I am relativly new to teaching, children have always been the center of my life. I am a proud mom of four grown children and have actively been involved in child groups throughout my life. I was born and rasied in Pennsylvaina and moved to the mid-west 12 years ago. I love reading and walking my golden retriever, Bailee.
My favorite part of teaching is seeing the kids face light up when learning through play and knowing that I made a difference in their lives. I am also a huge fan of cuddles and hugs.
Jocelyn
Joined P&L in 2021
Hello! Name is Jocelyn. I joined the Play & Learn family in 2021. Prior to this, I have always loved working with kids. My teaching journey started in Sunday school at age 12, continued in Africa where I assistant taught for 2 years, and now continues at Play & Learn. I am in the process of my CDA and am a mother myself to a lovely little girl. As a mother, I value my students safety first and love having lots of fun! I am extremely outgoing and was gifted with much patience. My classroom is a safe place for your kids to feel their emotions and grow into the little world changers they were made to be. Every child has the ability to ripple effect the world and I’d love for them to start in my class!
Kathryn
Joined P&L in 2022
Hi! My name is Kathryn. I was born in Tennessee, but moved to Ohio in 2007 and I have been lived here ever since then. I have an Associates in General Education from the University of Toledo. Some of my favorite hobbies include hiking, swimming, and watching movies.
I have been at Play and Learn since winter of 2022. Before Play and Learn, I worked at another daycare from 2020 to 2021 in-between schooling.
Teaching allows me to form positive close relationships with my students. It also gives me the chance to be a role model and mentor for the children in my care. In addition, I can help them learn and grow, and succeed in the process, which is incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy teaching through play and other fun activities, and I love doing art activities with them.
Jenicy
Joined P&L in 2022
Hello I am Jenicy, I graduated with a bachelors of science in Socialwork and Criminal Justice in 2021 from Defiance College. After college I moved back to my home town of Adrian, Michigan and worked in foster care.
I like teaching because of my love for children that was my reason for originally persuing social work. I also enjoy seeing children reach different milestones and how much they grow overtime.
I like reading to the kids and observing their cognitive skills develop through story times.
My hobbies include going to the gym, doing my nails, and shopping!
Yvette
Joined P&L in 2022
Hello I am Yvette, a preschool teacher. I am a proud mother of six kids (three boys, three girls) and three grandchildren. I have worked in the childcare field since 1996. I have worked with all age groups. I worked as a co-director at a previous center. I enjoy working with children and watching them grow and have fun learning. Some of my hobbies include nature and animals, especally monkeys. I enjoy art, the messier the better. The reason why I enjoy teaching is because all children learn differently and its a fun challenge. I look forward to preparing my preschoolers for the ‘big’ school, kindergarten.
Kaylee
Joined P&L in 2022
Hello, my name is Kaylee, I am an assistant teacher. I have worked as both a nanny and a early childhood teacher. I really believe that even the smallest comment or action can brighten someones day. I enjoy reading and nature, often finding ways to incorporate things found outside into the classroom. I became a teacher to provide love and support to growing minds. I am excited to see what my future holds at Play and Learn.
Pammy Sue
Joined P&L in 2001
Ashley
Joined P&L in 2022
I believe the best way to help kids is through fun! I am Ashley an assistant teacher, working with preschool and some older toddler groups. Growing up I worked in a church nursery with all ages, and had an internship at Paddok Elementary. I am studying and working toward my Child Development Assicoiates. My CDA will aid my experience and help me grow as a teacher.
Every day kids show us how important kindness and compassion are; I am passionate about laughter and sillness, and bring that to the kids everyday. I love music and dance parties, with the kiddos. I am excited to get to know all of the children, and all of their favorite things. I am excited for us to grow together.
Dawn
Joined P&L in 2022
Hello, I am Dawn an assistant with the infant and toddler teachers. I have worked in various care centers since 1995. I am a grandmother to six awesome little ones. I am always learning something from children. I strive to make children feel empowered to explore and learn. I enjoy reading, travel, and spending time with my family. I enjoy watching children learn new things. Seeing the joy and accomplishment when they complete a task. I look forward to everyday being a new adventure in a childs life.
Edith
Joined P&L in 2021
I am Edith, assistant teacher at Play and Learn. I completed my higher education at Liberty University in Lyncburg, Virgina in 2013 with an associate degree in education.
I founded the Presbyterian basic school and worked in Sebrepor, Michel Camp in 1989. I worked with 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade before becoming the head teacher in 1993. I moved to Tema, Ghana and taught preschool at the St. Paul’s Methodist school.
After this I migrated to Saline where I volunteered at the Saline Area schools for several years. I worked as a personal assistant at the Evengelical Home of Michigan for almost a decade. I was also an administrative assistant for the Saline area schools.
My hobbies are misson work, cooking, swimming, walking, and playing soccer with my grandkids.
Jaidyn
Joined P&L in 2022
Hi my name is Jaidyn, I love to work here because I enjoy working with children. My very first job as babysitting and I am an aunt of three and I love them so much.
I love hanging out with friends and family my favorite thing to do is play on my phone and play games. I have a cat that I treat like my child, she is my bestfreind.
In the future I plan to attend school and work with children with special needs. Some things I enjoy doing with the children at Play and Learn are reading, arts, learning, and teaching about nature!
