About Us
Our Vision
At Our Playhouse in the Pines, we envision a world where every child receives the care and support they need to thrive. We are committed to providing high-quality child care services that promote the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of each child in our care.
Our Programs
We offer a play based preschool program with extended daycare for children between the ages o 2-5. We have a focus on social emotional learning which helps prepare students for their future educational adventures into TK, Kindergarten and beyond!
Being a preschooler is a full body experience! We believe that at the end of the day children should be at least a little bit dirty having played and experienced their environment all day long!
Meet the Team
Director - Jessie Drew
Hi,
Thanks for your interest in our program. I love spending my days at preschool and I'm sure your child will too!
Born and raised in Nevada County, I have deep roots in the Agricultural community and love sharing my passions for growing and living things with the children. I also love to make messes, play in the dirt and glitter! I try to send children home relatively clean everyday, but not promises!
I have been working in Early Childhood Education for 30 years. To me this isn't just a job, it's a passion! I received a BA in Child Development from Chico State and a Master's Degree in Education from National University. My professional experience ranges from teacher's aide to owner and everything in between. I have had many years of volunteer experience with 4-H, youth groups and youth sports. I have been a foster parent as well as a biological parent to two amazing young men and one young lady.
Working with preschoolers and their families is a joy.
Amy Lee
I have had the pleasure of working with Miss Amy for over a year now. Amy has worked hard since joining our team to complete all. of the necessary units to be a certified preschool teacher! She was also born and raised in Nevada County, a 3rd generation "Little Towner" (Washington). She is a wife and mama to an amazing son. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family at the lake, tending to her flock of chickens and loving on her kitties. She loves coming to work everyday and the children love her too.
Erin Liller
I first met Erin about 5 years ago when I hired her to work at another local school that I was running. Erin loves kids and takes such vigilant care of them! She is highly educated in the field and it shows in her interactions with them. She has a quiet dedication that is hard to match!
Another born and raised girl, she holds an AA in Child Development from Sierra College! When she's not working you may find her volunteering at Twin Cities Church or Hospice gift and Thrift.
Nikki Schumacher
Miss Nikki is our newly hired teacher aide! Nikki recently graduated from Forest Charter School and is enrolled in Sierra College for this coming fall semester. Nikki hopes to pursue child psychology and she is also a world traveler. The skies the limit with this girl, watch her go!
Our Playhouse Too Child Care - Where Learning is Fun!
Educational Programs
At Our Playhouse , we believe that learning should be fun! That's why we offer educational programs that are designed to engage your child's curiosity and creativity. Second Step is a research based social emotional curriculum that children love and easily engage with. Through this interactive curriculum children learn about their emotions, and appropriate ways to handle their emotions. They also learn how to ask for help, observe the feelings of others and how to create healthy interactions. All of these things will lead to future school success!
We use this curriculum as a daily part of our circle time!
Creative Play
We believe that children learn best through play, which is why we provide a wide variety of activities that encourage creativity and imagination. Our play areas are designed to be both safe and stimulating, so your child can explore and discover in a fun and secure environment.
Healthy Meals
We believe that a healthy diet is essential for a child's growth and development, which is why we provide nutritious meals and snacks that are both delicious and balanced. Our menu is designed to meet the dietary needs of children of all ages.
We serve breakfast, lunch and two snacks per day.
*these pancakes are made at Early Bird Farm and Mill! You will not find a better for you or tastier product! Check them out @ earlybirdnc.com!
Flexible Scheduling
We understand that every family has different needs, which is why we offer flexible scheduling options to fit your families needs. We offer both full time and part time schedules, full day or half day. There are a few parameters; children need to be enrolled for at least two days per week. I find that one day just isn't enough to create any type of consistency and leads to a more difficult time for the child and staff. Also, we do have a morning cut off time of 9:30 (unless previously arranged). Children who arrive later in the day have a hard time acclimating to the day and just feel "off" all day. We all know what that feels like. We follow a schedule each day and the children know what's coming next and are often looking forward to it! It feels like a bummer to arrive and immediately discover they have missed an important part of their day.