About Us
Nurturing Your Child's Development
Our Philosophy
Play & Learn is dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where your child can learn and grow. Our passionate team focuses on play-based learning and individualized attention, ensuring that each child develops socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically at their own pace. At Play & Learn, we strive to maintain a warm and caring atmosphere for children, parents, and staff alike, making every day a joyful experience for all.
Our Health & Safety Commitment
The health and safety of our children is our top priority at Play and Learn Daycare and Preschool. We maintain rigorous standards to create a secure and healthy setting for all children in our care. From cleanliness and hygiene to emergency preparedness, we adhere to best practices and state regulations to provide parents with peace of mind while their children are with us.
Certifications & Recognitions
Five S.T.A.R.S. Program
Vermont's STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS)
The state of Vermont Department of Children and Families Child Development Division has recognized Play & Learn Daycare and Preschool Center with the highest rating of 5 STARS through the STep Ahead Recognition System. STARS is Vermont’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System for child care, preschool, and afterschool programs. Participation in STARS means that a program is striving beyond licensing regulations to meet higher quality standards, uphold professional practices, and commit to continuous quality improvement.
S.E.E.D. Certified School
Schools Excelling in Emotional Development
Play and Learn is proud to be a S.E.E.D. certified school, committed to implementing research-backed practices that foster emotional intelligence in our students. By prioritizing the well-being of both our learners and educators, we create a supportive environment that not only enhances academic growth, but also reduces teacher burnout. Our focus on emotional development ensures that every child thrives socially and emotionally, preparing them for success in and out of the classroom.
We care for the whole child.
We are here to support you and your child not only through education, but also through nutrition, socialization, and communication.
Enriching Programs
Our programs are designed to engage your child in creativity, physical activity, and social skills development. We align our curriculum with the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) and incorporate the Second Step Social Emotional Development curriculum within our preschool program.
Nutritious Meals
We believe in promoting healthy eating habits from a young age, and our menu is thoughtfully designed to meet the dietary needs of growing children. Each meal is prepared and served on site and aligns with the Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines, ensuring your child receives the best nutrition possible.
Parent Involvement
We believe in the importance of parent involvement in a child's early education journey. Stay connected with your child's progress through our parent-teacher app, regular updates, events, and parent-teacher conferences.
Our Staff
Mariko Raymond
Owner/Director
Mariko Raymond is our dedicated and experienced Director who oversees the operations and curriculum development and implementation at Play and Learn and is the teacher for the school-aged program. With a passion for early childhood education, Mariko ensures that our programs provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to learn and grow.
Stephanie Kallahan
Preschool Teacher
Stephanie Kallahan is our enthusiastic Vermont Licensed Preschool Teacher who brings creativity and innovation to the classroom. With a focus on play-based learning, Stephanie fosters a love for exploration and discovery in young minds, laying a strong foundation for future learning.
Lisa Dufour-Valley
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Lisa is a passionate and dedicated infant/toddler teacher with over twenty five years of experience in childhood education. She believes in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where young children can explore, learn, and grow. Lisa's warm demeanor and creative teaching methods help foster a love for learning in the kiddos under her care.
Deste Relyea
Assistant Teacher
Deste Relyea is our caring Assistant Teacher who supports and encourages children in their daily activities. With a warm and nurturing approach, Deste creates a supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves and learn through engaging experiences.
Delaney Raymond
Assistant Teacher
Delaney Raymond is our cheerful Assistant Teacher, who is committed to enhancing children's gross motor skills while fostering a dedication to active and healthy living. As a student pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Sports Management at Colby Sawyer College, Delaney brings valuable insights into the role of physical activity and encourages children to participate in movement with enthusiasm.
Katie Cushing
School Age Teacher
Katie Cushing is a dedicated part time teacher at Play & Learn, known for her special connections with children across all age groups. With a recent BS in Inclusive Childhood Education from Vermont State University, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our center. We are thrilled to have her continue with us through the summer, enriching the lives of our children even further!
