Welcome to The PlayPlace, Early Learning Center
At the PlayPlace, ELC, we believe that play is the heart of learning. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment that fosters the growth and development of each unique learner. Grounded in our core values, we prioritize a learner-led approach that honors individuality, creativity, and the distinct learning styles of our children (learners). Through engaging, play-based experiences, we encourage exploration and discovery, allowing our learners to thrive at their own pace.
We are committed to holistic development and honoring the value of play.
The PlayPlace, ELC, recognizes the importance of nurturing the whole child, including cognitive, physical growth and creativity, while placing a strong emphasis on the each learners social-emotional well being and sense of self. In addition, we honor every family and what they bring to our program. We value the family/school partnership, instilling a sense of belonging and inclusion for every learner and their family. In addition, we are create a school culture based on a sense of community and honoring each family’s culture and values. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is capable of constructing knowledge, and we continuously reflect and adapt our practices to ensure that we provide high-quality early learning experiences. Together, we lay the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, resilience, and joy.
We look forward to sharing our program with you. Children are absolutely welcome to join the tour – in fact we encourage it!
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We pride ourselves in hiring high quality, nurturing, experienced individuals who have a passion for enriching the lives of children.
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Want to learn more about us?! We have several ways to get in touch. Looking forward to connecting with you!
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Thank you for joining us on this journey as we prepare to open our new program in Newhall!
We’d like to share a little background to explain how The PlayPlace ELC was brought to life! About eight years ago now, Wendy Ruiz, full time faculty at College of the Canyons in the ECE Department, and Candice Correa, previous Director at several area corporate run programs in Santa Clarita, were invited to help run Little iLEADers, located next to SCVi in the Castaic area. We were given an enormous gift – to dream up the most amazing play-based learning program that we could’ve imagined, with Wendy steering the Play-Based Learning vision and Candice handling day to day operations for children, parents, and staff. Little iLEADers, renamed later PlayMakers preschool, grew a pretty fond following amongst the parent community in Santa Clarita. In 2024, the Non-Profit company who owned PlayMakers decided to part ways with the program, leaving a full school of families, children, and staff devastated. In response, Wendy and Candice along with some incredible investor friends opened up a new non profit to keep the school running, but this time with our own name – The PlayPlace ELC. The location in Castaic was ultimately not the best choice for us, so we’ve put all of our energy into this quaint new school more centrally located in the middle of SCV. We have a super supportive team at the temple located on the same property that are thrilled to see the program re-emerge in the community!
Meet Our Team
Our team is composed of loving, highly educated, nurturing, experienced individuals who have a passion for working with children. Our staff exceed state guidelines, in regards to both education and experience. All of our staff are certified in CPR/Infant/Adult, First Aid and AED.
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Candice Correa - Co-Founder of The PlayPlace Early Learning Center Candice began working in Preschools during college and quickly fell in love with serving families...
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Wendy Ruiz – Co-Founder of The PlayPlace Early Learning Center Wendy has been in the field for over 30 years. Her professional experience spans from...
“Play is the highest form of research”
Albert Einstein
At the PlayPlace, ELC, we believe that children learn through play. These images provide a snapshot of our day, as our learners explore, engage, discover, research and PLAY!
Family University
Below you will find resources and articles that guide our philosophy, program practices. We hope that you find them informative and helpful!
Including Relationship-Based Care Practices in Infant-Toddler Care
The heart of The PlayPlace, ELC - Relationship Based Care practices, including Primary Caregiving
Children Going Barefoot In An Early Childhood Setting
From: Aussie Childcare Network Children love being barefoot! It's comfortable and it enables them to feel free. Feeling thefreedom of their movements and allows them to feel more liberated. Why not embrace it! Benefits Of Being Barefoot When a child walks with bare feet, not only does it improves walking,...
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Emily C.
Parent
“The format of the school and dynamic was like nothing I’ve experienced before.I could go on and on about The PlayPlace, it was more than a school, it’s a loving community and a big family.”
I enrolled my daughter Tori into the PlayPlace (Formerly PlayMakers), January 2023. Being a first time new mommy I think I was more nervous than she. My mind was put at ease upon meeting Ms. Cheryl, who I had already heard many good things about from my sister who referred me to Playmakers Ms. Cheryl is beyond kind, caring, attentive, and trustworthy. The format of the school and dynamic was like nothing I’ve experienced before. I enjoyed constantly getting updates from Tori’s teachers about her day, including pictures. Like many Tori was one who struggled with potty training. Ms. Cheryl said “No worries mom, just send extra clothes, we got this.” They helped immensely and before you know it no more diapers and pull ups. The entire staff, simply amazing. I could go on and on about The PlayPlace, it was more than a school, it’s a loving community and a big family.
Emily C.
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Hayley C
Parent
“As a first time mom I was scared and nervous, but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. They made everyone feel welcomed, loved, cared for, heard, and most importantly like a big happy family.”
I enrolled my daughter Makenna at The PlayPlace in March of 2020. She was 18 months old, and excited. I was so nervous and worried as any first time mom would be. I soon realized I didn’t have to be. Her teachers Ticha and Kelsey soon made my worries go away. They helped her adjust to school life. I would get updates of her playing in the mud,paint,sand, climbing all over, playing dress up and pretend. She was being a kid and learning all in one. Before I knew it she was coming home telling me sentences about her day and her friends at school. She moved up to the toddler room where she had Cheryl as her teacher. she was nervous to be in a new room and be with new kids but that didn’t last long because shortly after she knew she was still safe and in good hands with Cheryl. Cheryl became her best friend. Cheryl helped her with potty training, saying no in a nice way to friends who aren’t being nice, got her to try new things, and much more. She was with Cheryl the longest. Cheryl knew how to be calm, kind, loving to every kid, and to make every kid feel so special. Makennas next step at The PlayPlace was the biggest step yet. She went to there first Kindergarten class. Kimmy was her new teacher and she had new friends in class. She was excited to have a new adventure. Kimmy had lesson plans that helped them play and still learn how they have been learning this whole time. Kimmy made fun activities like, grocery store, where they learned all about what it took to run a grocery store. They went on a field trip to the grocery store and were able to see it all first hand and ask questions. That was one of many different ways Kimmy made kindergarten fun for them. That was Makennas last step with The PlayPlace because she then was turning 6 years old and had to go to first grade. As a first time mom I was scared and nervous, but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. They made everyone feel welcomed, loved, cared for, heard, and most importantly like a big happy family. I plan to have my second go to there school as well. I will forever recommend and praise this school. I can go on and on about them.
Hayley C
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Bill & Jessica W.
Parent
“We are so fortunate to have found our village”
We are so fortunate to have found our village in Wendy, Candice, and the wonderful staff
at the PlayPlace. From our initial tour to daily interactions our expectations have constantly
been exceeded. Watching our son smile and get excited to learn each day has been wonderful.
Knowing he is in a safe space where he is loved means everything. He is not just attending
daycare; he is thriving, learning new skills, making friends, and forming deep bonds with his
facilitators. The support and guidance provided by the entire staff has been invaluable to us as
first-time parents. We look forward to our son’s continued growth and development at our
favorite place.
Bill & Jessica W.
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Brittney Z.
Parent
“This school empowered his growth, fostering a profound sense of belonging and limitless possibility”
My son’s extraordinary journey began at 4 months old, and for 5 years, this school empowered his growth, fostering a profound sense of belonging and limitless possibility. Every day, I felt deeply reassured knowing he was in outstanding care, surrounded by visionary educators who ignited his curiosity and passion for learning. He flourished through interactive play, blossomed emotionally, and formed unbreakable lifelong friendships that will forever shape his destiny. This exceptional school became a sacred haven, where we were warmly welcomed daily by facilitators and directors who embodied boundless love, compassion, and devotion. I am forever grateful for the invaluable experience my son had during his transformative years here.
Brittney Z.
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Jennifer J.
Parent
“We counted on the PlayPlace. They are family”
At the PlayPlace, their leadership, their teachers, the whole child approach saved my life as single mom. My daughter enrolled at 18 months and was enrolled until starting elementary school. I would not change that for the world. They always saw Charlotte as an individual whole child and met her where she was at, in all the phases. They didn’t just “watch” Charlotte, they were actively part of raising her WITH me. We communicated, we brainstormed, we got through ALL of the highs and lows of raising children, together, we celebrated all the milestones, we made it through the pandemic, we cried together and we counted on PlayPlace. They are family.
Jennifer J.
