Early Experiences Play School LLC

03/09/2026

As many of my EEPS community knows, I have a 12 year old with Autism, PDA, ADHD, and PANDAS.

As she navigates into her teen years, Kaila will need to have more independence. A Service dog can help Kaila with nervous system regulation by doing a number of tasks , such as deep pressure, circling Kaila to give her space when she gets overwhelmed, leading her out of large crowds, closing doors behind her to make her more safe in her space, and other tasks to help her when her nervous system has low tolerance, such as retrieving items, closing cupboards, etc.

If you are inclined to donate, we would appreciate it. If not, if you could share, I would appreciate it.

Thank you all so much!

My daughter Kaila is 12 years old and was adopted through foster care. She has faced more… Kaley Douglas needs your support for Help Kaila Get Her Service Dog

02/27/2026

There is something really special about a small, home-based preschool… especially one that serves a mixed age range like 2–5 years old.

In a family-style environment, younger children learn by watching older peers model language, independence, and problem-solving… and older children build confidence and leadership by helping those younger than them. It mirrors real life… like siblings growing up together.

With smaller group sizes, teachers truly know each child… their personality, strengths, sensitivities, and needs. Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all… children are free to grow at their own pace without pressure to meet a rigid academic timeline.

Social-emotional development comes first… instead of simply managing large groups, teachers can slow down, coach through conflict, and build emotional intelligence in meaningful ways.

And let’s talk about outdoor time… many public school preschools have limited recess windows… sometimes 20–30 minutes once a day, depending on schedules and weather policies. At EEPS, we often spend hours outside. Children run, climb, dig, create, regulate their nervous systems, and strengthen their bodies. Outdoor play isn’t a quick break… it’s a core part of how young children learn.

Most importantly, childhood is protected… play, movement, imagination, and hands-on exploration remain central… because that’s how young children learn best.

This isn’t about criticizing public schools… they serve an important role. But for ages 2–5, a small, relationship-based environment can offer something powerful… security, belonging, time in nature, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

And that foundation truly matters. You will find that at EEPS!

We are now enrolling for August… and space is limited. If you’re looking for a relationship-based, play-centered environment for your child, we would love to connect with you.

02/26/2026

Two-year-olds are still very new at being little humans.

They are learning:
• How to share space
• How to communicate
• How to wait
• How to regulate big feelings
• How to function in a room full of other active children

That is a tremendous amount of growth happening at once.

In group care, when a child does not yet know how to play independently, we often see behaviors such as hitting, scratching, grabbing, or pushing. These behaviors are not because a child is “bad” or intentionally hurtful.

They are often signs of overwhelm.

When a 2-year-old does not know what to do with their body, their hands become their language.

This is why teaching independent play in short, supported stretches is so important.

Independent play builds self-control.
When a toddler focuses on a simple activity—stacking blocks, dropping objects into a container, pushing cars, or turning pages—they are practicing impulse control. Their brain is learning that their hands have purpose.

Independent play reduces peer conflict.
When children are intentionally engaged, they are less likely to drift into another child’s space out of boredom. Many toddler conflicts occur during unstructured moments or when materials are unclear.

Independent play builds confidence.
At two years old, “I did it myself” is powerful. Independent play allows children to feel capable without competition or comparison.

Independent play supports emotional regulation.
Group care environments are busy and stimulating. Short periods of focused, independent engagement provide toddlers with a sense of control in an otherwise highly social setting. For sensitive children, this can significantly reduce overstimulation that may present as scratching or hitting.

At this age, independent play does not mean isolation. It means:

• Short, intentional activities
• Clearly defined spaces
• Simple, purposeful materials
• Teachers nearby for support
• Gentle coaching and modeling

We do not expect two-year-olds to automatically know how to play independently. It is a developmental skill that must be modeled, scaffolded, and practiced.

When toddlers are intentionally taught how to engage with materials independently, we often see a decrease in physical behaviors. Their bodies are regulated. Their hands are busy. Their brains are learning.

Connection first.
Structure second.
Independence grows from both.

02/22/2026

At Early Experiences Play School, we are always working on building strong foundations — and that includes strengthening little hands!

For our 2-year-olds, small motor (fine motor) development is such an important part of their growth. These are the skills that help children eventually button coats, zip jackets, hold crayons correctly, use utensils, and one day… write their names.

Here are a few ways we intentionally build small motor strength in our classroom:

Knobbed Puzzles
Large wooden puzzles with k***s are perfect for little hands. When children grasp the k**b, lift the piece, turn it, and fit it back into place, they are:
• Strengthening finger and hand muscles
• Developing hand-eye coordination
• Practicing problem-solving
• Learning spatial awareness (in/out, turn, flip)

Dropping Sticks into Containers
Simple activities like placing craft sticks into a spice jar, coffee can lid, or small slot container are powerful! This helps children:
• Practice controlled hand movements
• Develop wrist rotation
• Improve focus and concentration
• Strengthen the pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger)

Using Tweezers to Pick Up Objects
Picking up pom-poms, cotton balls, or small blocks with child-safe tweezers challenges little fingers in the best way. This activity:
• Builds finger strength
• Encourages bilateral coordination (one hand stabilizes while the other works)
• Supports the early skills needed for holding a pencil
• Promotes patience and perseverance

For two-year-olds, these tasks may look simple — but they are BIG work for little hands. Every squeeze, drop, twist, and grasp is building neural pathways and strengthening muscles needed for independence.

Small motor work also builds confidence. When a child successfully fits that puzzle piece or carefully drops the last stick into the container, you can see the pride on their face.

Strong hands today lead to confident learners tomorrow.

02/12/2026

Kids learn so much through dramatic play! In the dramatic play center, children explore real-life roles and situations by pretending to cook, care for babies, shop, clean, and work together. This type of play helps build language skills, creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional development as children practice taking turns, sharing ideas, and expressing their feelings. Dramatic play also strengthens imagination and confidence, allowing children to make sense of the world around them in a safe and playful way.

02/10/2026

The Block Center is more than just play — it’s a place where big learning happens! When children build with blocks, they explore early math skills like counting, size, balance, and patterns. They also practice problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork as they plan and construct together. Block play strengthens fine motor skills and encourages language development as children describe what they are building.

In the Block Center, children aren’t just stacking blocks — they’re building confidence, imagination, and important lifelong skills.

01/29/2026

At EEPS, our youngest learners are nurtured through:

• Safe, licensed care
• Low ratios and individualized attention
• Daily sensory experiences
• Developmentally appropriate routines
• Loving, consistent caregivers
• Play-based learning aligned with Indiana Foundations for Early Learning

We believe the first years matter most. From tummy time and first steps to early language and social-emotional development, every moment is intentional.

Spots for infants and toddlers are rare and fill quickly.
If you’re looking for a warm, structured, and high-quality early learning environment, we would love to connect.

Message us directly or comment below for more information.

— Early Experiences Play School, LLC

01/16/2026

When CCDF vouchers are reduced or lost, it does not just affect families. It directly impacts child care programs like Early Experiences Play School.

CCDF helps licensed programs maintain safe child to teacher ratios, hire and retain trained and background checked staff, provide quality curriculum and learning materials, meet state licensing and safety requirements, and keep care accessible for working families.

When funding is cut, many families feel forced to look at unlicensed care because of lower rates. While cost is a real concern, unlicensed child care can come with serious safety and supervision risks. These settings are not required to have regular inspections, mandated training, background checks, or strict ratio limits. There is also far less accountability if concerns arise.

Licensed child care costs more because it costs more to operate safely and responsibly. Tuition helps cover quality educational materials, age appropriate curriculum, ongoing staff training, licensing compliance, insurance, inspections, and smaller group sizes that allow for more individualized care.

Licensed care is not about luxury. It is about safety, quality, and consistency.

Families can support child care by advocating for strong CCDF funding, staying engaged and communicating changes early, and choosing licensed, quality programs when possible.

Child care is essential for families and communities. Supporting CCDF means supporting children, parents, and the programs that care for them every day.

01/01/2026

Now Hiring: Toddler Teacher

Early Experiences Play School (EEPS) is seeking a caring, dependable Toddler Teacher to join our growing team.

Do you love watching toddlers learn through play, routine, and sensory exploration? Are you passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment during the most important early years of development? If so, we would love to meet you.

Position Highlights
• Work with children ages 1–3
• Implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and sensory activities
• Support social-emotional development and daily routines
• Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environment
• Communicate professionally and positively with families and team members

Ideal Candidate
• Warm, patient, reliable, and nurturing
• A self-starter who follows through on responsibilities
• Team-oriented with a passion for early childhood education
• Willing to learn and follow Indiana childcare licensing requirements
• Able to follow lesson plans, policies, and daily schedules

Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Negative drug test required
• Experience working with toddlers preferred
• Ability to meet Indiana Home Child Care licensing requirements
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Willingness to complete required online training and onboarding

Why Early Experiences Play School?
• Supportive, family-focused environment
• Strong emphasis on sensory-based, play-centered learning
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

If you are passionate about toddlers and want to make a meaningful impact during their earliest learning years, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the Early Experiences Play School family.

12/31/2025

New Year, Fresh Start at EEPS!

As we step into a brand-new year, we’re thinking about intentional growth—together. New Year resolutions don’t have to be big or perfect to be powerful. Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest impact.

At EEPS, our resolution is to continue creating a nurturing, joyful environment where children feel safe, curious, and confident every single day. That means meaningful play, hands-on learning, and moments that turn into lifelong memories.

Now we want to hear from you:

• What is one goal or intention you’re setting for your family this year?
• Is there something new you’d like your child to try, learn, or explore in 2026?
• Or maybe a simple habit you want to be more present for—story time, outdoor play, or family dinners?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. We can’t wait to grow together and support one another throughout the year ahead.

12/31/2025

As we welcome a New Year, our classroom is filled with excitement, reflection, and meaningful traditions. The start of a new year is a wonderful time for children to explore routines, celebrations, and the idea of fresh beginnings in ways that are developmentally appropriate and joyful.

We love capturing photos of these moments—not just pictures, but significant memories. These snapshots tell the story of your child’s growth, curiosity, friendships, and confidence. They allow families to see learning in action and give children a chance to revisit and talk about their experiences, strengthening language, memory, and connection!

Thank you for trusting us with your children during these important early years. We look forward to creating more traditions, memories, and rich learning experiences together in the year ahead.

12/22/2025

Santa came to EEPS today and whew.

Santa visited EEPS today and let me tell you…between the excitement, the squeals,the schedules, the emotions,the magic and approximately one thousand tiny voices all talking at once, even Santa would need a break.

After eleven hours of work, I did what every highly functioning loving slightly overstimulated human does. I sat alone in my car before going into my house.

No talking.
No questions.
No one needing snacks, answers or emotional support.
Just deep breaths, silence and nervous system regulation…like a champ.

Then reset complete; I walked inside to my family with a smile and a full heart… and maybe a tiny bit of holiday survival mode still activated.

If you see a mom sitting in her car after a long day just know
She is not hiding.
She is regulating.
And she will be back inside shortly ready to keep making the magic.

Merry Everything!!!

A few Santa pictures and pre-school making reindeer food!