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About Our School

The Hayes School of Wonder is a privately owned school by Charlotte Pope who has over 30 years of childcare experience and has worked enthusiastically to provide care for all children. The children served by The Hayes School of Wonder will be surrounded with experiences that will foster physical, social, academic, emotional, cognitive, and above all spiritual growth.

The Hayes School is proud to be accredited through COGNIA and holds the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

Objectives:
We value hands on, interactive, child-led learning, which includes:

  • Wanda’s garden

  • Community outreach

  • Music

  • Outdoor learning

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Why Play-Based?

  • Play-based learning is developmentally appropriate.

  • Independent conflict resolution between learners has increased as they are able to communicate their needs and desires.

  • There is more space and time for each learner to grow in their creativity. 

  • Each learner has more capacity to grow in their emotional intelligence.

  • Fine and gross motor skills are honed through outdoor play.

  • Play-based learning promotes independence in learners.

  • A wider vocabulary is used as learners communicate with each other and engage in dramatic play.

  • Long term play (at least 45 minutes of uninterrupted free play) increases the executive function skills (impulse control, decision making, attention, planning, problem solving to name a few) of the learners.

  • Literacy and math are encouraged and incorporated in our daily routines.

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Learning to read and write cannot take place until the learner is ready. Play based learning allows each learner to develop new skills when they are ready. Our play facilitators are trained to equip students in multiple facets for their early development.​

We partner with parents to maximize the learning experience that begins in the classroom.​

By the end of the school year, we expect students to develop a sense of wonder at the world around them, as well as develop educational and emotional growth through play. 

The Hayes School of Wonder is founded upon the values and legacy inspired by Roland and Wanda Hayes. Their love for people and education compels us to provide a quality learning experience for the next generation.

In loving memory

Meet Our Team

Click here to apply to work at HSW

Meet the Team

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Owner and Founder

Mrs. Charlotte

Charlotte was born in Malawi, Africa, where her parents, Roland and Wanda Hayes were missionaries. She married her high school sweetheart, Mike, is a mother to five, and "Grammy" to her many grandchildren. She has 30+ years of experience in child development, including teaching and directing all ages of children at churches, and in various pre-school settings. She believes very strongly that the first years of life are so critical in the development of becoming the people God wants us to be. She is excited about what God has done with The Hayes School and how He continues to work - to Him be all the Glory!

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Director

Mrs. Rachel

Rachel grew up in Richardson, TX and graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor’s in Education. She is married to Jordan and they have 3 children. They attend and serve at Citizen's Church in Plano. She previously taught kindergarten. She loves learning and wants to instill that love in children.

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Assistant Director

Mrs. Lauren

Lauren grew up in Dallas, Tx and graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She is married to Andrew and they have 3 children. Lauren attends church at Irving Bible Church. She has been an education teacher for 10 years. Her passion is to help guide children to be a light in the world.

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Co-Founder and Financial Consultant

Mrs. Chelsea

Chelsea is Charlotte's youngest daughter. She and her husband, Shane, have 3 boys and 1 girl and attend Irving Bible Church.  Chelsea has a degree in business from The University of Texas at Arlington and has a background in finance. She loves working with families and helping students to learn more about God and the world around them.

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Supporting Consultant and Co-Founder

Mrs. Rebekah

Rebekah is Charlotte's oldest daughter.  She and her husband, Jaron, have 2 daughters. Rebekah graduated from Christ for the Nations Bible Institute with a degree in Practical Theology. Rebekah attends church at The Branch and currently serves as a core member of the Hayes School leadership team, and as a consultant.

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Play Facilitator

Miss Jaimie

Jaimie grew up in Coppell where she now works as an artist and writer. She loves nature, animals and all things creative.

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Play Facilitator

Mrs. Katie

Katie is 34 years old and a proud wife to Stephen and mom to Kinley (12) Jackson (10) and Teddy (1.5) and dog mom to Moonshine. She loves all things kids, sports, and Jesus. Her work life has consisted of 15 years of teaching and raising babies. Being around tiny humans and watching them explore life and learn fills her cup. 

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The Cottage Play Facilitator

Ms. Lisa

Lisa graduated with a degree in Spanish/Elementary Education in 1985, from the University of Texas at Arlington. Over the past 30 plus years, Lisa has had the joy of working with children from pre-k to sixth grade in both public and private schools. It is her joy to share the love of Jesus with children while nurturing their love for learning. Lisa has two grown and married daughters and two grandchildren. She lives in Richardson, where she raised her two girls, and is an active member of Eastside Community Church in Dallas. Lisa retired from Richardson ISD in May and is thrilled to have the opportunity to be back working with children in such a loving Christian environment at The Hayes School.

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The Cottage Play Facilitator

Mrs. Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn is very excited to be joining the team at Hayes School of Wonder this year. Kaitlyn has lived in Irving for six years and attends the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She has a 6 year old girl, a 3 year old boy, and has been married to her husband Daniel for 8 years. Kaitlyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in math from BYU Idaho.  Kaitlyn has experience teaching in public schools in Idaho and Arizona, and also as the organizer of a small pre-k homeschool group.  Kaitlyn has also been involved in leading the children’s program at her church. Kaitlyn is passionate about literacy, learning through play, and community.  In her spare time Kaitlyn enjoys traveling with her family, photography, and eating really good food.

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Play Facilitator

Mrs. Sarahi

​Mrs. Sarahi is a mom of 4 and married for 9 years to her husband. In her spare time she enjoys spending  time with her husband, serving at her Church’s preschool ministry, and  going on walks around her neighborhood. She is excited to return to Hayes School and teach through play!

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