Our School
Nestled in centrally located Hampton Field, Piedmont Play School was born and continues to be driven by the community. Today, it is housed in a beautiful building and play area that was created through community contributions from alumni families, the City of Piedmont, the Piedmont Recreation Department, and Mark Becker.
Founded in 1948 by a group of Piedmont parents, Mrs. Hayes and Mrs. Dittman worked many hours together to establish the preschool. The program was initially held in the Piedmont Community Church, under the direction of Mrs. Vera Slattery. In the following year, Piedmont Play School moved to a site adjacent to Wildwood Elementary School, which was a two-room building owned and maintained by the Piedmont Recreation Department. Parents played a vital role in the school from day one, from coming together to create the school itself, to waxing the floors, to earthquaking proofing the furniture by bolting it to the walls – the families of the school are the fabric of the Piedmont Play School community.
Years later, that spirit drove the fundraising, organizing, design and build of the site that houses the school today. The Piedmont Play School community of students, teachers, families, and the Piedmont community are what make this school a truly special place.
Our Teachers
Director
Michelle Ritchie
When I was little, I used to line my stuffed animals and pretend I was teaching them! I’ve always known teaching would be in my future!
I am a passionate advocate for learning through play. I believe in following the child’s lead as that will give us valuable insights into their interests and how they see the world!
I was born and raised in the Bay Area. Currently my husband, son, daughter in law and I live in Castro Valley. I have had the honor and pleasure of working in Piedmont for many years! I worked for the Piedmont Recreation Department for over 13 years in many different capacities. I was director for their toddler program, a preschool teacher, pre-k teacher, summer camp counselor and a Schoolmates program teacher. I have also been a nanny for many local families. In 2013 I started at Piedmont Play School as the assistant and become the director a few years later! PPS is definitely my home!
I feel so lucky to work in such a loving and warm community and have the privilege of seeing our PPS alumni grow up!
Teacher
Simone Clark
I grew up in Alameda and Piedmont has always been like a second home to me. I have two amazing daughters and my wonderful husband is an electrician and fire alarm technician at SF State. I studied early childhood education at Merrit College and I have been teaching for 15 years. My mother and grandmother were both teachers and I always knew I was meant to be one as well.
I started my teaching journey at Jewish preschools and have held on to a lot of the values they honor, such as repairing the world and building a strong sense of community. I have been with Piedmont Playschool for 5 years now and it is definitely my home! I could not wish for a more dedicated, supportive director and coworker, that share the same vision and philosophy. We are always working hard to evolve and embrace the children’s emergent interests, individual needs and group dynamics. I was in the East Bay Children’s Choir, formerly Piedmont Boys and Girls Choir, for 10 years and my love for singing and music is my favorite thing to share with the children!
Teacher
Raven Ritchie
From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher and I’m so fortunate to have found a profession that I truly love!
I’ve worked in preschool and daycare settings since I was 16 years old. I joined the Piedmont community in 2020, and worked within the recreation department. I have taught in both of their toddler programs with children spanning from 18 months to 2 years old! In 2023 I started at Piedmont Play School and have had the warmest welcome into the community.
I have completed my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development! I advocate for play based programs with an emphasis on messy play and fostering children’s curiosity and wonder!
Outside of preschool I love spending time with my husband, our cat Loki and our families! Michelle and I have always dreamed about teaching preschool as mother and daughter…and now we’re living it! I am so grateful to have joined the PPS community.