Business Details
Reggio-Inspired Preschool in Durham for Ages 1-5
Our PlayHouse Preschool is a Reggio-Inspired, project-based educational institution dedicated to fostering creativity, engagement, and lifelong learning through play. Established with a commitment to child-centered education, we serve children aged 1 to 5 years in Durham, North Carolina. Our curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, kindness, and collaboration, guided by experienced educators who prioritize individualized learning paths. With flexible scheduling options and a focus on outdoor exploration, we create an environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.Our team includes certified professionals with decades of combined experience in early childhood education, ensuring a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere. We integrate art, nature, and community connections into daily activities, preparing children for future academic success while celebrating their innate curiosity. Accredited and community-focused, we partner with families to support each childs unique developmental journey.
Services
Preschool Programs
Summer Camp
Pre-Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten
Art Studio
Outdoor Exploration
Community Trips
Flexible Scheduling
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Home Visits
Highlights and features
- We implement a Reggio-Inspired, project-based curriculum fostering creativity and inquiry.
- Our experienced educators have over 20 years of combined expertise in early childhood education.
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate diverse family needs and preferences.
- Daily outdoor exploration and nature-based learning promote physical and cognitive development.
- We prioritize social-emotional growth through kindness, collaboration, and community connections.
Services
Preschool Programs
Our Reggio-Inspired preschool programs for ages 1-5 emphasize play-based, child-led learning. With flexible scheduling and a focus on social-emotional development, we cultivate creativity and curiosity through hands-on projects, art, and outdoor exploration. Our experienced educators tailor activities to individual interests, fostering foundational academic and interpersonal skills in a nurturing environment.
Summer Camp
Our summer camps blend sensory play, art, music, and nature exploration for children aged 2-5. Weekly themes like 'Dinosaurs' or 'Under the Sea' encourage imaginative learning, while outdoor activities promote physical development. Flexible half-day and full-day options accommodate family schedules, with pricing starting at $260 per week.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our full-day pre-kindergarten program offers low student-teacher ratios and inquiry-based projects. Children develop academic skills through play while building emotional readiness for elementary school. Daily outdoor time and community trips deepen learning, ensuring a smooth transition to formal education with a focus on holistic growth.
Art Studio
The art studio (atelier) supports project-based artistic exploration, integrating creativity into core learning. Children use diverse materials to express ideas, collaborate, and refine fine motor skills. Guided by art specialists, students engage in storytelling, sculpture, and mixed-media projects, aligning with Reggio principles of open-ended, process-driven art.
Outdoor Exploration
Daily outdoor activities in our wooded campus promote risk-taking, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Children explore gardens, hike trails, and engage in unstructured play under magnolia trees. This nature-focused approach enhances physical health, scientific curiosity, and emotional resilience through hands-on interaction with natural ecosystems.
People
Emily Bell
Co-Director
Emily Bell, a Co-Director, brings 15 years of experience in early childhood education, including leadership roles in children's fitness centers. She advocates for student-centered learning and integrates music and movement into daily activities, fostering collaborative relationships with children and families.
Liz Lenn
Co-Director
Liz Lenn, Co-Director, transitioned from financial services to education after relocating to Chapel Hill. Passionate about the Reggio philosophy, she emphasizes classroom collaboration and community partnerships, drawing on over a decade of teaching experience in Reggio-inspired settings.
Kathryn Gernstein
Assistant Director
Kathryn Gernstein, Assistant Director, has eight years of experience in early childcare and therapeutic settings. She champions student-centered learning, creating opportunities for creativity and independence, and contributes to outdoor education initiatives within the Durham community.
Cindy Adams
Teacher
Cindy Adams, a Durham native with over 20 years in early education, teaches in the Nest classroom. Her expertise spans infancy to age five, combining play-based learning with a focus on reading, art, and family engagement since joining Our PlayHouse Preschool in 2013.
Josh Rodgers
Teacher
Josh Rodgers, a Maple House teacher, holds an AAS in Early Childhood Education and specializes in nature-based learning. With 25 years of experience, he designs play-based curricula emphasizing risk-taking and environmental stewardship, enriching the Reggio-inspired approach.
Questions
What educational philosophy does Our PlayHouse Preschool Preschool follow?
We use a Reggio-Inspired, project-based approach emphasizing child-led exploration, collaboration, and creativity through play and real-world learning experiences.
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 1 to 5 years in preschool, pre-kindergarten, and transitional kindergarten programs.
Are there flexible scheduling options?
Yes, we offer 3-, 4-, or 5-day schedules with half-day or full-day options, plus early care and aftercare services.
Is summer camp available?
Our summer camp runs weekly for ages 2-5, featuring themes like science, art, and nature, with half-day and full-day pricing.
How do you support social-emotional development?
We prioritize kindness, cooperation, and empathy through curriculum design, community-building activities, and guided peer interactions.
What is the enrollment process?
Families must tour before applying. Applications are reviewed for availability, with acceptance notifications sent via email starting in February.
