Location
Princess Rahman (left), Site Director
Mariah King (middle), Executive Director
Program Type
License Type
Flexible Childcare Organization. Early Learning, Afterschool, Customizable Schedules.
Not Currently Licensed
Windy Hill Play
Durham's Nonprofit Childcare Organization on a mission to build a flexible childcare network from an abundance mindset.
Dex King (right), Wearer of Many Hats
General Information
Background Check & CPR Certified
Yes
Philosophy
Nurturing, Child-Initiated, Play-Based, Multi-Age, Inclusive & Supportive Environment.
Ages
Hours
Pay Schedules
Meals
12 months - 8 years
8:30am - 5:00pm
1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Day Options
Days
Not Provided
Weekly or Monthly
M-F
Programs
Half-Day: Early Play-Based Learning, Afterschool
Full-Day: Transition Care, Respite Care, Wellness Days, Track-Out, Intersession
Schedules
Drop-off and Pick-up
8:30am-10:00am; 12:00pm-2:00pm; 4:00pm-5:00pm
No drop-off or pick-up times: 10:00am-12:00pm; 2:00pm-4:00pm
Cost
1-2 days per week: $9/hr
3-5 days per week: $7/hr
Photos
Our space is safe, child-centered, full of opportunity and full of life.
About Us
We are parents with diverse socioeconomic upbringings that have felt the significant impact a village has on being raised and raising children. We felt abundantly supported as parents and want to create that feeling of support for our community of parents and children. We believe the supported families foster a supportive community and that life is more fun when we do it together.
Background
Princess Rahman (Left): Site & Program Director
Princess is a real-life version of Bluey's parents. She engages in drama play as if it was a real-life scenario. Princess brings extensive experience in customer-facing positions and childcare, as well as a profound passion for increasing access for people of color and marginalized individuals, particularly independent parents and those whose work hours do not fall within traditional 9-5 blocks.
She is CPR and First-aid certified. She models what it looks like to be a gentle and firm caregiver. She sets clear boundaries and enforces them with empathy, patience, and persistence.
Mariah King (Middle): Executive Director
Mariah was raised in a household with five sisters. She loves being surrounded by people. Mariah brings a background in Science and Computational Engineering, Education, Curriculum development, and professional development. With over three years of experience in child-related industries, education, and public service, Mariah has a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by children and families in our community.
She has a heart for bringing people together to share in life's trials and triumphs.
Our Teachers
Dex King (Middle): Wearer of Many Hats
Dex was likely a golden retriever in a previous life - he loves all sports and will jump up off the couch for a frisbee. He loves meeting new personalities and learning how to walk with them in their unique journeys.
Dex contributes a diverse background in business finance, insurance, customer-facing roles, executive account management, team building, IT, security, and software. With a strong track record of leadership and problem-solving, Dex brings strategic thinking and business acumen to our team.
Philosophy
Shared Responsibility: We believe in shared responsibility for children’s early care and education. By partnering with families, educators, and the community, we ensure that every child receives the support and guidance they need to succeed.
Play as a Learning Strategy: We emphasize the importance of play as a primary instructional strategy. Play is not just about having fun; it’s a powerful tool for learning that fosters curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Whole Child Development: Our play-based approach supports the growth of the whole child by integrating physical, emotional-social, cognitive, and language development. Our play activities are intended to nurture and enhance areas of development.
Individualized Learning: We recognize and celebrate the individual differences in each child’s development. While we provide a common set of developmental expectations, our flexible approach validates and adapts to the unique pace and style of each child’s learning journey.
Safe and Effective Learning Environments: Our play spaces are designed to be safe, clean, and caring, providing an effective environment where young children can explore, learn, and grow.
Play Foundations
Our play-based programs are designed to support the development of the whole child, categorized into four core areas: Emotional and Social Development (ESD), Health and Physical Development (HPD), Language Development and Communication (LDC), and Cognitive Development (CD). Each category is integral to nurturing well-rounded growth and ensuring that children thrive in a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment.
Emotional and Social Development (ESD):
Social Awareness and Collaboration: Activities such as taking turns and engaging in teamwork promote important social skills like active listening, empathy, and conflict negotiation. Through shared play experiences, children learn to work together, respect one another, and build lasting friendships.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: Play promotes the integration of cultural diversity, allowing children to explore and appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds. This fosters a sense of belonging and understanding within a diverse community.
Emotional Regulation and Independence: Imaginative play provides emotional outlets and helps children develop the independence needed to manage their feelings. Through creative scenarios, children learn to express their emotions in healthy ways and build self-confidence.
Stress Management: Engaging with nature and participating in calming activities like water play helps reduce stress and increases focus. The soothing sights and sounds of nature provide a peaceful environment where children can relax and recharge.
Health and Physical Development (HPD):
Gross Motor Skills: Activities such as swinging, spinning, and full-body movements help develop body positioning, balance, and coordination. These experiences are vital for building strength, agility, and overall physical health.
Fine Motor Skills: Engaging with natural materials like tree branches and stones promotes fine motor development through actions like arranging small objects or tying knots. These activities enhance hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Outdoor Play and Exploration: Our programs prioritize outdoor play, providing ample opportunities for children to explore nature, build, create, and engage in physical activities that promote health and well-being.
Adaptive Play Equipment: We ensure that children of all abilities can feel safe and secure with adaptive play features. Multi-use equipment serves as social hubs where children can gather, interact, and play together, fostering inclusivity and physical engagement.
Language Development and Communication (LDC): Enhancing Communication Skills and Cognitive Growth
Language Development: Play provides rich opportunities for language development through social interactions, storytelling, and imaginative scenarios. As children engage in play, they practice verbal communication, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their language skills.
Social Interaction and Collaboration: Group play encourages children to communicate their ideas, listen to others, and collaborate effectively. These interactions lay the foundation for strong communication skills and foster a sense of teamwork.
Creative Expression: Imaginative play allows children to express themselves creatively, whether through role-playing, storytelling, or artistic endeavors. This creative expression supports both cognitive and language development while providing an outlet for emotions and ideas.
Cognitive Development (CD): Stimulating Thought Processes and Problem-Solving Abilities
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Play activities that involve problem-solving, such as building structures with natural materials or engaging in strategic games, help children develop critical thinking and reasoning skills. These activities encourage children to think creatively and solve challenges.
Abstract Thinking and Imagination: Engaging in imaginative play and exploring creative scenarios allows children to practice abstract thinking. They learn to conceptualize ideas, plan out actions, and think beyond the immediate physical world.
Goal Setting and Achievement: Nature play and other structured activities encourage goal-setting skills, such as building a shelter or preparing a pretend meal. This promotes perseverance, planning, and the ability to achieve objectives.
Memory and Concentration: Through play, children strengthen their memory and concentration as they learn to follow rules, recall instructions, and focus on tasks. These cognitive skills are foundational for academic success and everyday problem-solving.
Schedule of a Typical Day
08:30am-10:00am Creative Play and Music (Outside/Inside)
10:00am-11:00pm Crafts (Outside/Inside)
11:00am-12:00pm Lunch and Play
12:00pm-2:00pm Quiet Time and/or Calm Play
2:00pm-4:00pm Group Activities & Crafts (Outside/Inside)
4:00pm-5:00pm Outside Play
Location
Windy Hill Play operates out of a single-family brick ranch in a quiet neighborhood full of friendly neighbors. During business hours, the back section of the house and the backyard is used exclusively for Windy Hill Play. The indoor space has a cozy reading spaces, craft and snack spaces, and a variety of toys. The Outdoor area has a big grassy area, an inflatable slide, sand pit with a mud kitchen, big black top, basketball half court, swing set, wooded trails, climbing dome and more.
Sensory Exploration Areas
Imaginative Play Areas
Cozy Reading Areas
Nooks and Forts
Areas to Encourage Physical Expressions
The space has been built intentionally along our journey of caring for diverse personalities. We want to provide each child with a space that makes them feel safe and open to diving into their imagination and testing their physical and mental abilities. With each new child, we adapt and grow as a collective group.
Closures, Important Updates, and Events
Windy Hill Play partners with Kangarootime, a Childcare Management Software, for scheduling, communications, and billing. Upon enrollment, your family will have access to an account.
