Founder
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 working directly with children ages 6 weeks through 12 years, working in corporate childcare, state funded, lab schools and non- profit programs. Wendy was the Infant/Toddler Director at College of the Canyons Center for ECE for 11 years, until she became tenured faculty, where she has taught for over 25 years, specializing in Play-Based Curriculum, Infant/Toddler Development, Mentoring, Practicum and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs.
Wendy is a certified PITC Trainer (Program for Infants, Toddlers and Caregivers) for the Department Education and West Ed as well as a Director Mentor and Mentor Selection Committee Member for the California Mentor Teacher Program. In addition, Wendy has planned and implemented the NAEYC Week of the Young Play Day event for the city of Santa Clarita for over 15 years.
Wendy received her B.A. in Child Development from California State University of Northridge and her M.S. in Child Development/Child Life from the University of La Verne.
Wendy and her husband have resided in Santa Clarita with their 3 sons and 3 dogs, since 1995.
Teaching Skill
Testimonials
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
