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.

Through child-led lessons, children engage in active learning structured throughout the day, learning important skills, (social-emotional, cognitive, and motor skills) through play. We have small class sizes to focus on each child as an individual. As a best practice, we practice continuity of care to promote security and meaningful relationships between the teacher and the child, and the teacher and the family.

Meet our Teachers

Cassie

Joined P&L in 2018
Owner & Director since 2021

Hello. I am Cassie, 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
Assistant Director

 

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
Infant and Toddler Manager

Hi! I’m Megan—currently the Infant-Toddler Manager at Play and Learn, and formerly a Preschool Teacher. My childcare journey began in 2008, but my roots go deeper: I grew up in the very home where Play and Learn was first established. I earned my Childcare Development certification from Washtenaw Community College and became especially passionate about child and family nutrition in 2014.
Teaching has always been my calling. Becoming a mother deepened my understanding and love for children, and I strive to inspire each child, build their confidence, nurture creativity, and support healthy lifestyle choices. I also believe in strong partnerships with families—grounded in trust, connection, and open communication.
Outside of work, I’m a wife and mom to two amazing boys, Callahan and Caelan, and our sweet pup Ren. We live a healthy, nature-filled lifestyle and I love cooking, baking, dancing, photography, and volunteering at church. I’m an artist at heart—so expect lots of joyful artwork coming home if I’m your child’s teacher! I can’t wait to meet you.
 

Yvette

Joined P&L in 2022
Preschool Manager

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, especially 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. 

Pammy

Joined P&L in 2002
Infant Toddler Associate Teacher

Pammy Bio

Allison

Joined P&L in 2015
Lead Infant Toddler Teacher & PIC

Hello! I’m Allison Huddleston, Infant Teacher at Play and Learn Children’s Place. I joined the team in 2015 as a Infant and Toddler Lead Teacher. I hold a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Easter Michigan University, and am deeply committed to nurturing young children and supporting their families.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy time with my husband Phillip, our cats Dot and Ole Boy, and my stepchildren Candice and Cameran. I love gardening, reading, attending church, and relaxing with a great cup of coffee on our porch

Nicole

Joined P&L in 2019
Infant and Toddler Lead Teacher & PIC

Nicole’s Bio

Jaidyn

Joined P&L in 2022
Preschool Assistant Teacher

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!

Alyssa

Joined P&L in 2023
Preschool Lead Teacher & GSRP Associate Teacher

Alyssa’s Bio

Mike

Joined P&L in 2023
Bus Driver

Mike’s Bio

Stephanie

Joined P&L in 2023
Preschool Lead Teacher

Stephanie’s Bio

Briana

Joined P&L in 2023
Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher

Briana’s Bio

Maddie

Joined P&L in 2024
Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher

Maddie’s Bio

Symone

Joined P&L in 2025
Assistant Teacher - All Ages

Symone’s Bio

Sondos

Joined P&L in 2025
Lead Preschool Teacher

Sondos’ Bio

Miley

Joined P&L in 2025
Assistant Infant and Toddler Teacher

Miley’s Bio

Aimee

Joined P&L in 2025
Lead GSRP & Preschool Teacher

Aimee’s Bio

Kristen

Joined P&L in 2025
Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher

Kristen’s Bio