PlayKare House

Our Teachers

Hello, I’m Kia Johnson, and I am thrilled to welcome you to my home childcare. With over 20 years of experience working with children and an Early Childhood Education degree from Lansing Community College, I am passionate about providing a nurturing and safe environment for your child.

As a dedicated mom and wife, I understand the importance of a safe and loving space for children to learn and grow. My journey in childcare has been deeply rewarding, and I am excited to share my expertise with your family.

My commitment to early education is at the core of my childcare philosophy. I believe in fostering a love for learning from an early age, and my program is designed to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and social development. Through age-appropriate activities and a play-based approach, I aim to create a foundation for a lifetime of learning.

In addition to my role as a childcare provider, I am proud to be a Girl Scout leader. This experience has further enriched my understanding of child development and the importance of instilling values such as teamwork, responsibility, and leadership.

At PlayKare House, you can trust that your child will be in a caring and supportive environment, where they can thrive both emotionally and intellectually. I am dedicated to open communication with parents, ensuring that we work together to meet the unique needs of your child.

Testimonials

Kia is the kind of person, who when you first meet her, you know you can trust her. We were fortunate to have Kia take care of our daughter for several months during the particularly turbulent period of the pandemic. Kia provided age-appropriate education for our daughter drawing on her expertise in early-childhood education and her passion for play in learning. More importantly, Kia is caring, compassionate, and kind; a person who is easily connected with our family and we trusted immediately. We cannot recommend Kia enough as an educator and caregiver who truly embodies how to foster curiosity and love of learning in children. ~ Emiko Blalock & Kevin Tracy

Philosophy

At PlayKare House, we embrace the belief that play is serious learning, as stated by Mister Rogers. We strive to maintain a loving, creative, and diverse environment in partnership with parents/guardians. Children are seen as unique individuals contributing to the world, respected, and provided with meaningful activities in a child-centered play-based setting. Through various interactions and observations, we meet children’s social-emotional, physical, literacy, and cognitive needs.

Location

Nestled in the heart of Lansing, Michigan, PlayKare House offers a convenient and vibrant location for families. Situated amidst charming residential neighborhoods, the program enjoys close proximity to several parks, including the scenic Hawk Island Park, the family-friendly Crego Park, and the newly remodeled Washington Park providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.

Transportation options abound, with easy access to public transit routes and major thoroughfares like I-496, ensuring hassle-free commuting for parents and caregivers. Landmarks such as the iconic Michigan State Capitol building, the vibrant Lansing River Trail, and Reo Town are just a short drive away, adding to the rich tapestry of the neighborhood’s attractions.

With its central location, diverse amenities, and vibrant community spirit, PlayKare House provides an ideal setting for a safe, nurturing, and enriching childcare experience.

About our program

PlayKare House’s mission is to provide developmentally appropriate experiences through play in a high quality, nurturing, and safe environment.

Admissions

As an equal opportunity home childcare, PlayKare House enrolls children regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability, or any other bases prohibited by law. Children ages 2 years 9 months to 6 years (pre-kindergarten) are accepted. If your family is interested in our program, a tour will be given. If after the tour, you decide to enroll, the family will then fill out an application and join the waitlist. Once both parties have agreed on enrollment a non-refundable annual registration fee of $120 will be due in order to hold your child’s spot. The registration fee does not apply to tuition. The annual fee will be added each anniversary your child is enrolled. All enrollment requirements and family orientation must be completed prior to the child’s first day of attendance.

Required enrollment documents: Signed tuition agreement & Enrollment form

Fully completed Child Information Record

Signed acknowledgement of family handbook

Permission form

Health Appraisal

Current Immunization Record

Non-refundable registration fee

Family Questionnaire

Child and Adult Food Program Income form

Household income eligibility

Participant enrollment form

Family orientation visits give families a chance to observe the home and meet educators/family members. During the orientation, families can go over the handbook, turn in completed paperwork, and pay the first week’s invoice. This is also a time to ask questions or discuss any concerns you may have.