Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Cantrell.
Hi Brittany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was little, I dreamed of having my own preschool. I grew up watching my mom run her in-home daycare for over 30 years, and I knew early on that caring for children was my calling. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 2018 with a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, I decided to take that lifelong dream and turn it into something special.
My husband and I renovated the entire lower level of our home to create The Playhouse—a licensed in-home preschool for children ages two through five. Our program is rooted in Reggio Emilia philosophy and incorporates principles from both Montessori and Waldorf education, creating a unique blend that adapts to each child’s interests, pace, and learning style. We follow the children’s curiosity—whether they’re fascinated by wildflowers, supernovas, or dinosaurs—and build our curriculum around what excites them most.
Each child who comes through our doors becomes part of our extended family. The friendships formed here, between both children and parents, last well beyond their preschool years. I feel so grateful to do what I was born to do—create a joyful, nurturing environment where children can play, learn, and grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped The Playhouse into what it is today. When we first opened, our program was very academic-based, with structured lessons and worksheets. I quickly realized that while that approach looked productive, it wasn’t what the children truly needed.
During college, I worked at a Montessori school and loved the calm environment, the focus the children had, and the use of natural materials that encouraged independence and self-paced learning. However, when I tried to apply that same structure in my own classroom, I found that it didn’t fully match the energy and needs of our group. The children craved more movement, imagination, and social connection.
That led us to evolve into an interest-led program inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy—where learning is guided by the children’s curiosity and supported through exploration, creativity, and collaboration. We’ve blended in touches of Montessori independence and Waldorf’s focus on artistic expression, but at its core, The Playhouse is a place where play and curiosity drive everything we do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Playhouse is a licensed in-home preschool in Olathe, Kansas, that my husband and I run together. We specialize in creating a warm, home-based learning environment that blends the structure and knowledge of a traditional center with the comfort and connection of an in-home setting. We accept children ages two through five and focus on helping each child grow socially, emotionally, and academically through play and exploration.
Our program is primarily interest-led and Reggio Emilia–inspired, with touches of Montessori and Waldorf principles. This approach allows us to follow the children’s natural curiosity and build meaningful learning experiences around what they’re excited about — whether it’s dinosaurs, flowers, outer space, or community helpers. No two weeks ever look exactly the same, because the children’s interests guide the direction of our studies and play.
What sets us apart is our sense of community and connection. Every child who joins The Playhouse becomes part of our extended family, and the friendships formed here — between both children and parents — often last long after preschool. We’re incredibly proud of the joyful, nurturing environment we’ve created and the lifelong love of learning it inspires.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I was born and raised in Olathe and have lived here my whole life, other than a few years in Lawrence while attending the University of Kansas. I love this community — it’s family-oriented, welcoming, and full of wonderful parks, schools, and opportunities for children to explore and grow. It’s been the perfect place to raise our own family and build The Playhouse.
If I had to pick something I like least, it would probably be that we’re right in the middle of the country — a little too far from the beach for my liking! Other than that, Olathe truly feels like home in every way.
Pricing:
- Tu/Th: $80 (AM), $90 (PM), $160 (all day)
- MWF: $120 (AM), $135 (PM), $240 (all day)
- M-F: $175 (AM), $200 (PM) $325 (all day)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theplayhousekc.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theplayhousekc
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/playhousekc
