-> Read the Playtime Learning Academy reviews here <-
Julie Banks, director, has a Bachelor's
degree in education and Spanish from the State University of NY at Geneseo. She also has a Master's
Degree in education and language arts from Syracuse University and a Master's degree
in Educational Administration from the University of Texas. Mrs. Banks has worked
as a teacher since 1991 and we are pleased to have her as a leader of staff development
and educational policy at Playtime.
Emily Brushwood, director, has a Bachelor's degree
in Early Childhood education from Auburn University and a Master's degree in Elementary
Curriculum from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Brushwood was previously a teacher in the
Hillsborough County School system and we are pleased to have her creativity and enthusiasm as she leads our curriculum development and
center design team.
Maria Nieves - As a lifelong learner Maria's goal has always been to teach
children in all areas and create an inviting, attractive learning environment in
which her students can work, play, and grow. She uses a variety of resources to
teach math, science, reading, language arts, poetry, Spanish, music, art, physical
education, cooking, and proper etiquette. If that seems like a lot, it's because
it is: but Maria has been teaching since 1981 and has been honored three times in
her career as Teacher Of The Year in private schools. Originally from this area,
Maria spent 15 years living and teaching in New Jersey, mostly at Bethel Christian
Academy. We are so fortunate that Maria has returned to FL and agreed to be one
of our lead pre-school teachers at Playtime Learning Academy. Maria has an Associates
Degree in Child Care Management from ICS in Scranton, PA and a Child Development
Accreditation from Hillsborough County, FL. In her spare time Maria enjoys her role
as social events coordinator at her church and president of the local Church Woman's
Ministry. Maria currently teaches preschool full time, as well as being a mentor
to the other teachers, and a part time administrator in charge of general quality
control.
Sheena Kohls - "Miss Sheena" has been teaching two year
olds for several years now and has a rare talent for easing the transition from
toddler to pre-schooler. She exhibits extreme patience, kindness, and creativity
every day. She loves to do arts and crafts activities with her students and their
artwork adorns the classroom. Miss Sheena has her basic child care training and
her CDA certificate. She has second language proficiency in French. She also has
first aid and CPR training.
Taina Colon-Mangual - Ms. Taina is role model for all teachers with her
patience, organization, and attention to detail. Her personality and experience
make her a great lead teacher for our youngest learners in the infant room. Ms.
Taina has earned a bachelor's degree in special education and a CDA for child care.
Jackie Velez - "Miss Jackie" is our "Jackie-of- all-trades".
She works with every age group. She is our most flexible "floater." Few
teachers can move from room to room working with all children so easily. Maybe it
is Jackie’s own children or her grandchildren that have helped her develop such
great instincts. Miss Jackie even cooks lunches! Miss Jackie has training in basic
childcare, first aid, CPR, nutrition, and food service. Miss Jackie is a wealth
of ideas. Miss Jackie is also a fluent Spanish speaker. She always has a smile for
everyone. She loves children and loves working at Playtime.
Rita Rosado - Miss Rita has both her CDA as a child development specialist and her Administrator Credential to lead in a child care setting. She is currently working on her degree in education. Her experience as a teacher and as an administrator is a great asset to the Playtime family. She has a classroom environment in which children can easily manipulate their learning tools because everything has a place and a purpose. She teaches the whole child in everything she does. Her children grow academically and socially by leaps and bounds. Although Miss Rita is a preschool administrator, her primary role at Playtime is as a teacher and a mentor. This is the role she has chosen and by the smile on her face each day; we all know it brings her great joy. Any child would be lucky to grow and learn with Miss Rita.
Tiffany Clark – Miss Tiffany began working at Playtime Learning Academy in 2006. She has her CDA as a child development specialist. She has primarily worked with toddler twos and young threes. This is an age group that requires special skills in order to maintain controlled discipline while still allowing the children to learn through natural exploration and play. Miss Tiffany excels with this challenge and her classroom is always full of fun activity and learning.
Wilmary Vargas – Mrs. Wilmary graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico in 2006, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Wilmary began working as a preschool teacher at Playtime Learning Academy when the program expanded in 2008. She is soft spoken, patient, and kind. Her lessons are always well thought out and purposeful. The academic standards are high in her classroom, but the atmosphere is always friendly, cooperative, and fun.
Tiziana Baez – Ms. Tiziana has a CDA (Child Development Specialist Training) and has the unique perspective of being both a lead teacher and a parent at Playtime Learning Academy. Parents love her kind, gentle ways and extreme flexibility. Children love her soft voice and fun activities. Ms. Tiziana is always looking for ways to improve our classrooms as she leads a variety of our most dynamic rooms in the school. Her constant strive to do her best is reflected in the environment of our classrooms and the smiles of her children whenever she is present. After several years as a lead teacher at Playtime, we are fortunate now to still have Ms. Tiziana as our substitute on call around the center.
Dionne McClain – Ms. Dionne has both her CDA (Child Development Specialist Training) and her Director Credential. She comes from a family of teachers and has a natural gift for working with children. Ms. Dionne is currently working toward her degree in education. She is always looking to learn new things and apply them in her classroom. She has incredible energy and excitement. Her preschool students have so much fun as they learn. Her dedication shows in every aspect of each day.
Kelly Bosco – Ms. Kelly joined our staff as a full time administrative director. Ms. Kelly has her CDA as a child development specialist and her professional administrator certificate. In addition, she is currently working on completing her degree. She has many years of experience as both a teacher and an administrator. Her expertise and work ethic soon led her to be known as "problem solver". That is not to say that we have a lot of problems, but anytime a parent or teacher has an issue that needs attention, Ms. Kelly listens, observes, and creates solutions. In addition, her effortless management style and
gregarious personality make her a wonderful staff supervisor and office manager who is respected by both parents and coworkers alike.
Tracey Bonkoski – Ms. Tracey has her National CDA and Director Credential for early childhood education. She has worked with all age groups of children, in her many years of experience as a teacher, between 1989 and the present. At Playtime Learning Academy, she works both as a teacher and a staff supervisor. She manages to balance these two roles well, always looking out for what is best for children to guide her decisions. Among parents and peers, Tracey's easy-going, friendly personality is appreciated. She genuinely cares about everyone she knows in a truly altruistic way. It is one of the many reasons why she is requested by so many parents for their young children's care.
Teaching Assistants - Playtime Learning Academy has a staff of
twenty five dedicated professionals. Each lead teacher has an assistant teacher or in
some cases several assistant teachers that help accomplish our goals.
Playtime Learning Academy is an academic school and child care center,
but in many ways it is like a family with each member of our staff playing a valuable role.
We are very fortunate to have such a well-trained dedicated group of
professionals assisting in the classrooms.
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