By Nick Saucier on July 12, 2025
In a quiet pocket of South Riverview, Florida, you’ll find a daycare unlike any other. It doesn’t boast a flashy facade or a giant playground. What it does have is something far more valuable: consistency, trust, and a sense of family. For the past 17 years, Playdough Academy has been the labor of love of Nicolle Das Neves and her wife Julie, two passionate educators who turned a simple dream into a safe haven for local children.
Playdough Academy started in 2008, born out of Nicolle’s determination to create a safe and nurturing place for her future children. Today, it’s a fully licensed, home-based early childhood program that serves children from infancy to age five. Unlike many centers, this daycare has zero teacher turnover—the same familiar faces greet children every day, providing a level of stability that’s hard to find.
The name “Playdough Academy” reflects the playful, hands-on nature of their approach. It’s inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and is delivered in both English and Spanish. Their small class size (capped at 12 children) means more personal attention, less stress for parents, and more meaningful experiences for the kids. That intimacy has helped build a close-knit community where families feel like they belong.
Originally operating in Brandon, Florida, Nicolle and Julie moved to Riverview in 2011 and expanded the program to become a large family daycare. Their commitment to education is evident—Nicolle holds director’s credentials and a child development associate certification from the Department of Early Learning. Continuous education and safety training, including CPR and first aid, remain priorities.
For over a decade, Playdough Academy thrived purely through word-of-mouth and strong community ties. Recently, Nicolle decided to expand the school’s reach by launching a new website and engaging on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. It’s a natural evolution for a business so deeply rooted in personal connection, and one that promises to introduce more local families to their thoughtful care model.
Looking ahead, Nicolle is excited about new opportunities. She envisions expanding the program to include flexible part-time options and, over time, transitioning to a preschool-only focus for children ages 2 to 5. These additions reflect her desire to adapt and grow while continuing to provide the nurturing, educational environment that families have come to trust.
What also sets this daycare apart is the thoughtful structure and intentionality behind every detail. Monthly tuition (rather than weekly) provides financial stability for families. The mixed-age group setting encourages social growth across developmental stages. And Nicolle is proud to offer military families a 3% tuition reduction.
Nicolle and Julie run the program themselves, often with the help of substitutes when needed. They also raise four children of their own, ranging from toddler to teenager. It’s clear that this isn’t just a business—it’s a lifestyle, built on passion, perseverance, and care.
The couple has dreams of growth, but not just in numbers. They want to age gracefully with their business, transitioning away from infant care toward a quieter, more focused preschool environment. “We love teaching preschoolers,” Nicolle shared. “That’s our passion.”
In the end, what parents get at Playdough Academy is more than childcare. They get a commitment—to consistency, education, culture, and community. And in an industry often marked by turnover and uncertainty, that’s a rare and beautiful thing.
To learn more about enrollment, programs, or to schedule a tour, visit their newly launched website or reach out via Facebook.
Website: www.playdoughacademy.com
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
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