Meet Our Teacher
Meet Our Teacher: Joanne Mendez 💛
A Heart for Children, Play, and Connection
At Baby Got Bright Play Academy, we believe the people guiding our kids matters just as much as the program itself. That’s why we’re so excited to officially introduce you to Joanne Mendez, the educator who will be nurturing, guiding, and growing alongside your little ones.
Joanne brings both strong academic training and deep, hands-on experience into the classroom. She earned her Bachelor of Education from Arizona State University and has worked across early childhood settings through interning, student teaching, and substitute teaching. Beyond traditional classrooms, Joanne has spent several years tutoring students in special education environments, including working closely with nonverbal learners — an experience that profoundly shaped her teaching approach.
As a military spouse, Joanne has learned how to adapt quickly, build trust in new communities, and create meaningful connections wherever she goes. These experiences have strengthened her resilience and ability to foster safe, welcoming environments — skills that translate beautifully into early childhood education.
A Classroom Built on Play, Safety, and Confidence
Joanne’s teaching philosophy is child-centered, play-based, and intentionally structured with flexibility. She believes children learn best when they feel safe, calm, and confident within predictable routines — while still having the freedom to explore, wonder, and move at their own pace.
To Joanne, a successful school day isn’t about perfection. It’s about children feeling proud of themselves:
Trying something new
Building a peer connection
Reaching a small but meaningful personal goal
She carefully balances consistency with curiosity, ensuring routines provide comfort while allowing room for individual growth.
Emotional Safety Comes First
At the heart of Joanne’s classroom is a strong belief that emotional safety is the foundation of learning. She supports children who feel shy, overwhelmed, or unsure through co-regulation, sensory tools, and calm, consistent responses.
Sensory play and hands-on learning are essential elements of her teaching style — not just for engagement, but for helping children regulate emotions, communicate, and feel grounded in their environment.
Honoring Every Child’s Unique Pace
In the first weeks of school, Joanne focuses on building trust through predictability, patience, and genuine connection. She takes time to truly see each child — honoring their personality, strengths, and learning style — and offers multiple ways for children to participate and show understanding.
Her goal is for every child to feel supported, capable, and confident in who they are.
A True Partnership With Families
Joanne views families as essential partners in a child’s learning journey. She prioritizes open, strengths-based communication and wants parents to feel reassured and confident when they drop their child off — knowing their child is not only safe, but truly valued.
She was drawn to Play Academy because of its shared commitment to play-based learning, inclusivity, and strong family partnerships — values that deeply align with her own as an educator.
A Little Something You Might Not Know
One thing parents may be surprised to learn about Joanne is how much joy she finds in creating simple, accessible learning materials. Some of her happiest moments come from watching small breakthroughs — when a child gains confidence, finds their voice, or realizes “I can do this” in their own unique way.
A Message From Joanne to Our Families
“Play is the foundation of early learning and one of the most powerful ways children grow socially, emotionally, and academically.”
We are incredibly grateful to have Joanne as part of the Play Academy family and can’t wait for you and your children to experience the warmth, care, and intentionality she brings into the classroom every day.
💛 Welcome, Joanne — we’re so glad you’re here.