Learner’s Playhouse Honored for Providing 40 Years of Childcare

By Gentry Barton
Hottytoddy intern
gebarton@go.olemiss.edu

Learner’s Playhouse is 40 years old. Photo by Alyssa Schnugg

For more than 40 years, Learner’s Playhouse has long supported local families who need childcare in Lafayette County.

Last week, the Oxford Board of Aldermen read a proclamation honoring the local childcare center for providing quality early childhood services to the community.

Learner’s Playhouse opened its doors to the Oxford community in 1979 under the leadership of Janelle Townsend. Townsend saw a need in the community for a preschool and developed Learner’s Playhouse. She eventually left Learner’s Playhouse to her niece, Carolyn Green. Today, Green continues as director of Leaner’s Playhouse.

“Learner’s Playhouse began with eight children which quickly became 18, and over the past 40 years we have graduated over 1,000 students,” Green said.

The children who attend Learner’s Playhouse are between the ages of 1 and 5.

“We want our children to get a head start and be equipped to begin school with confidence,” she said.

When Learner’s Playhouse first opened its doors, Green was an early childhood teacher. She quickly became a director when the business was passed on to her, making Learner’s Playhouse a family business in operation for over 40 years. One day, Green hopes to pass it on to her daughter, Carlin.

“I would love for Learner’s Playhouse to become a place where people recognize us because we love kids and love to teach them,” Green said. “This is a safe haven for children.”

Green says Learner’s Playhouse will continue to provide quality early childhood care for years to come.

Learner’s Playhouse will be celebrating its anniversary from 8 to midnight on Oct. 11 at the Jefferson. Attire is all black and tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Learner’s Playhouse on Highway 334 or with the Cash App ($Learners40) or PayPal (PayPal.Me/LPH5976).

For more information, call 662-236-5976.