Panda's PlayHouse

Our Teachers

Hello, I’m Colethea Hawkins (Pam), and the Owner / Director Of Panda’s PlayHouse Family Child Care.

About Me:

I have been in Early Childhood Development for over Thirty plus years. I am married to my wonderful, supportive husband, William, and have 2 amazing children. I started Family Child Care in 2004. I enjoyed working with children and believed I could make a difference in their lives. Currently, I was employed with Child Care Resources and Referral Agency as a Quality Improvement Coordinator.

All of my previous work has been in the field of child development and supervision. I have had a wealth of opportunities to access training that has broadened my knowledge base and has provided me practical skills and techniques.

My first experience with early childhood education begun in Virginia in 1987 with Head Start. Over the years I worked with Bright Beginnings, Wee Learn Center, Dalton Public School, and Child Care Resources and Referral. In this position, I was responsible for assisting providers in starting new family daycare facilities and centers’ basic programs. Providing technical assistance in improvement for family and center care facilities. Recommendations were made for curriculum development, facility, staff training, and public relations. While in Virginia and later in Dalton Georgia. I worked for the Recreation Department. Supervised Day Camp Program for children ages 5 - 14.

Panda’s PlayHouse opened its doors in April 2004. Well-established Quality Care License business located in Dalton GA, for fourteen years. Throughout, the years I have educated, gain experienced, in leading the drive toward higher standards in children’s educational care. I continue to participate yearly in professional development training. Upon relocating back to Virginia, I am committed to providing a diverse group promoting quality care in Williamsburg and James City County Virginia.

Training & Certifications:

• CPR/First Aid
• TB clearance
• Criminal Records Background Check
• Fingerprinted 
• Food Handling
• Child Development Units
• Family Nurturing Center, inc

Testimonials

“We love Panda’s Playhouse. It was our house for about 6 years. My three boys were in Pam’s care and were more than ready for school!”

“I am so thankful for Panda’s Playhouse and Mrs. Pam. She taught my two boys so much. Because of her, they were ready for school, especially academically and socially. She provided a safe and fun learning environment. I would recommend Panda’s Playhouse to anyone looking for high quality daycare!”

“We wish [Panda’s Playhouse] was back in Dalton, Georgia for my child when he would have been ready to attend! Wishing [Mrs. Pam] the very best in Virginia!”

Philosophy

Our Child Care provides a quality child care experience in a comfortable, in-home setting.

Our program reflects the belief that learning takes place primarily through exploratory activities and discovery. The amount of adult guidance varies with each activity, as it is our belief that a good program offers both directed and non-directed experiences, encouraging your child to plan and think about their actions.

The program provides an environment with a wide range of materials and developmentally appropriate activities, which allow your child to create, manipulate, explore, and discover according to their particular and unique interests. Each child is valued and recognized as a unique individual with a large capacity for growth and development.

Through both group and individual activities, your child is encouraged to develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically at his or her own rate.

The atmosphere at Panda’s PlayHouse is relaxed and geared towards the interests and needs of your child, allowing them the freedom to be one’s self and develop as a unique individual. We take into consideration your child’s differences and special abilities as well as families culture and values.

We encourage you to check or inquire about your child’s daycare experience and know that their time is well spent on meaningful activities focused on developing your child’s ability.

ABOUT US: QUALITY IN A HOME SETTING

Panda’s PlayHouse is a unique, privately owned in-home located in Toano, Virginia. Established in 1995 Dalton GA, relocated to Virginia 2020.

About our program

Our home is located in James City County, Toano Virginia, in a wonderful community. Ready for BUSINESS! Once your child is enrolled in Panda’s PlayHouse, meals are provided. The only challenging part about this job is getting attached to the children and then having to say good-bye when they leave for Preschool, Kindergarten, or Public School. I am comfortable knowing that when the children leave here, they will be fully prepared for all that Preschool, Kindergarten, and Public School has to offer.

Admissions

Join the Panda’s PlayHouse community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes Panda’s PlayHouse unique. If we are currently hosting tours, you can request or schedule a tour at the top of this page. If we are not currently hosting tours, you’ll see a “Request Info” button at the top of this page; if you submit your information using this button, we will notify you when we start host tours again in the future.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/pandasplayhouse294/apply – note that we require interviews for all prospective families.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.