Play and Learn Academy

Our Teachers

Marquita Beechem – Director / After School Program Teacher Marquita Beechem is a 2002 graduate of Calhoun City High School. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Itawamba Community College in 2004, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi University for Women in 2007. While pursuing her education, she worked at Play and Learn Daycare from 2002–2007. In 2011, she received her Master of Arts in Education from Ashford University. Ms. Beechem is a certified K–12 educator with concentrations in Social Studies and Science and brings approximately 15 years of public school teaching experience. In 2021, she stepped away from public education to support the management of her mother’s daycare center, and later founded Play and Learn Academy LLC to provide a strong early learning foundation for children.

Delois Mays – Assistant Director / Preschool Teacher With nearly 40 years of experience in childcare, Delois Mays began her career as an assistant teacher and later provided in-home care. In 2000, she founded Play and Learn Daycare in Calhoun City, MS, and served families in the area for over two decades. Her deep love for children and commitment to their development have been the cornerstone of her lifelong work in early childhood education.

Jauwanna Ewing – Director Designee / Preschool Teacher A 2011 graduate of Calhoun City High School, Jauwanna Ewing has always had a passion for caring for others, especially children. She joined Play and Learn Academy nearly a year ago and quickly found her calling in early childhood care. Ms. Ewing describes her role as deeply meaningful, stating, “Knowing that I positively impacted a child’s life means so much to me.”

Bradley Brewer – Toddler Teacher [Biography Coming Soon.]

Sameria Cook – Caregiver Assistant / Float [Biography Coming Soon.]

Nikeria Phillips – Infant Caregiver/Float [Biography Coming Soon.]

Dorothy Petty – Substitute [Biography Coming Soon.]

Philosophy

At Play and Learn Academy LLC, we believe that children learn best through meaningful play. Our play-based program supports the holistic development of each child by integrating the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, language, self-help, and creative (aesthetic) domains into daily learning experiences.

We are committed to fostering a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation for future learning by celebrating each child’s unique abilities and learning style.

By honoring individual differences and tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each child, we empower children to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Location

Play and Learn Academy is located in a close-knit, family-friendly neighborhood in Derma, Mississippi, just minutes away from Calhoun City. Our center sits in a peaceful and secure area that reflects the strong values of community, connection, and care—an ideal environment for young learners to grow and thrive.

We are located approximately 3–5 minutes from Calhoun City Elementary School and Calhoun City Middle School, making our program a convenient option for families with school-aged children. Whether you live in Derma, Calhoun City, or surrounding areas, our center is easily accessible for working parents, with quick commute routes and minimal traffic.

In addition to our proximity to local schools, we are near community landmarks such as local churches, grocery stores, and family-owned businesses, helping create a warm neighborhood atmosphere. Although public transportation is limited in our small town, many families appreciate the easy drop-off and pick-up experience our location provides.

What makes our location truly great is the peace of mind it offers parents—knowing their child is learning in a safe, supportive, and community-centered setting that feels like home.

About our program

Our Mission: At Play and Learn Academy in Calhoun City, we provide a nurturing, stimulating environment where children thrive through engaging, hands-on activities. Our approach prepares them for academic success, enhances cognitive and physical development, and fosters strong social-emotional growth. By emphasizing experiential learning, we lay a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and achievement.

Our Vision: We envision Play and Learn Academy as a leading early childhood program that empowers children to become curious, creative, and resilient learners. Through a strong foundation in STEAM education and social-emotional development, we aim to inspire academic excellence, critical thinking, and a love of learning.

Our vision includes:

A literacy-rich environment

Hands-on learning experiences

A culture of kindness, empathy, and respect

We are committed to nurturing future leaders who will make positive, meaningful contributions to their communities and the world around them.

Admissions

Schedule a Tour Contact us to verify availability and schedule a tour of our facility. This allows you to see our classrooms, meet our staff, and ask any initial questions you may have.

Family Consultation & Interview A consultation/interview will be scheduled to review our policies, procedures, and program expectations. This meeting helps us determine if PAL Academy is the best fit for you and your family.

Complete Enrollment Packet After the consultation, complete and return the enrollment packet along with the one-time, non-refundable $50 registration fee and the Enrollment Checklist.

Enrollment Confirmation Once accepted, your child’s information will be processed and entered into our system. You’ll receive a welcome notification and next steps to prepare for your child’s first day.