Meet Our Teachers

 

LaTonya Smith, Founder and Director

I love teaching young children in an environment surrounded by love and endless opportunities to explore. Before starting my own childcare, I taught in public preschool, and before/after school programs, for over 20 years. I have an Associates degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration on Early Childhood Administration. I'm licensed through the State of California to provide infant, toddler, preschool and school-age childcare from my family home. I’ve obtained my site supervisor’s permit from the state of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, as well as additional college units in Early Childhood Education Intervention training. I’m always eager to learn new tools and strategies that foster learning developments to meet the needs of the individual child.

I’m the mother of two beautiful, smart, and creative daughters who also assist me in operating the family childcare. I’m delighted to have an opportunity to work alongside my daughters, and teach them with hands-on experience about the importance of early childhood education, and the rewarding joy it brings to witness children’s curiosity about the world around them.


I work Monday through Friday 8:00a.m to 5:00p.m. and I would love an opportunity to speak with you regarding your childcare needs and/or schedule a tour.

 

  • Dionnie

    Teaching Assistant

    I have over 3 years of experience as a teacher’s assistant at spring/summer children's camps. As a child and young adult, I’ve always admired my mother’s love for teaching young children, and I too became inspired to enter the field of early childhood education. In the near future, I also aspire to be a. author and illustrator of children’s books. I love art; I like to paint and draw in my free time and with the children at Hattie’s Playhouse. Assisting my mom with operating her childcare business, I am able to provide a safe environment for children that helps them express their creative minds through art. I am beyond excited to have this opportunity to work in the family business, and I cannot wait for all of the amazing experiences we continue to build as a family and business team.

  • Dionnie has two years of experience working with young children at summer camps. She loves working with children, creating lesson plans, and working on arts and crafts that keep the children engaged and eager to learn. Dionnie plans on pursuing a car

    Maggie

    Teaching Assistant

    I have worked with infants and toddlers for 22 years. In addition, I have two kids of my own, both teenagers now.

    I have units in early childhood education. I love working with children. My ECE background has taught me to support each child’s individual needs, and my knowledge assisted me in raising my own children. Working with children and seeing each one success is very rewarding for me. I love knowing I made a difference in a child’s life.

  • Demi

    Junior Assistant

    I have over 2 years of experience working with young children as a C.I.T (counselor in training) for summer camps. I like working part-time at the Playhouse because the children are so cute and funny, keep me active, and I get to earn community service hours while doing something I actually enjoy. Becoming a junior assistant for our family’s childcare business is preparing me for future job opportunities. I love playing different sports and track and field, and now I have a new love for tennis. In my spare time I like to hang out with my friends and go to the movies. The beach is my favorite place to be. It is my dream to explore the ocean, and become a marine biologist.