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:
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Wanda’s garden
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Community outreach
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Music
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Outdoor learning
Why Play-Based?
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Play-based learning is developmentally appropriate.
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Independent conflict resolution between learners has increased as they are able to communicate their needs and desires.
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There is more space and time for each learner to grow in their creativity.
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Each learner has more capacity to grow in their emotional intelligence.
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Fine and gross motor skills are honed through outdoor play.
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Play-based learning promotes independence in learners.
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A wider vocabulary is used as learners communicate with each other and engage in dramatic play.
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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.
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Literacy and math are encouraged and incorporated in our daily routines.
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
Charlotte Pope
Owner and Founder
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!
Chelsea Hopkins
Director and Co-Founder
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.
Rachel Bach
Assistant Director
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 1 son and 1 daughter. 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.
Rebekah Pitts
Supporting Consultant and Co-Founder
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.
Mrs. Ashley
Play Faciltator
Ashley and her husband, Chase, have three wonderful children- 2 boys and 1 girl. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with her Bachelor’s in Psychology, and from Texas Woman’s University with her Master’s degree in Counseling and Development. She currently works for a local counseling center and loves to dedicate time at The Hayes School of Wonder as well. She enjoys being a part of instilling the love of God and learning into the hearts and minds of little ones.
Miss Jaimie
Play Facilitator
Jaimie grew up in Coppell where she now works as an artist and writer. She loves nature, animals and all things creative.
Mrs. Lauren
The Cottage Play Facilitator
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 2 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.
Mrs. Liza
Play Facilitator
Liza was born and raised in Congo, Africa. She came to America in 2006 where she married her husband. She has 3 beautiful children. She loves blue and butterflies. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music and dancing. She wants to teach children who they are and why they were created. She attends church at Cross City Church.
Mrs. Sarahi
Play Facilitator
Sarahí grew up in Dallas, Texas. She and her husband have 3 kids and a pug together. She enjoys working with young children and is excited to work at The Hayes School of Wonder.