Who Are We?

Your Trusted Child Care Provider

Since opening our doors in 1992 on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, we have been committed to providing high‑quality education and child care. With decades of hands‑on experience, we are dedicated, qualified, and prepared to meet the unique needs of every child entrusted to our care.

Whether children are with us for a few hours or a full day, we consistently provide a nurturing, stable, and safe environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

Our Background

Certified and Experienced Child Care Provider

Marsha Perkins

Owner

With over 30 years of experience as an educator in the Columbus, Ohio public school system, she is now retired from teaching. In 1992, she founded one of the first African American woman‑owned businesses on the east side of Columbus, continuing a long‑standing commitment to education and community service.

Perkins Story

Her Mission

Ms. Perkins established the center to serve and support children and families throughout Franklin County. She recognizes the critical importance of inclusive programs that address the diverse needs of all children. At PPLC, a strong emphasis on inclusion, diversity, and preparing children for real‑world experiences is central to the center’s mission.

This commitment is demonstrated through hands‑on learning activities, regular parent engagement meetings, and access to valuable community resources. Additionally, the center works to ensure that parents are informed of the educational and supportive services available to help their children achieve their full potential and long‑term life goals.

Shenelle Cooper

Director

I have been with the center for thirteen years, bringing extensive experience as a child care provider and advocate dedicated to supporting children in achieving their educational and developmental milestones. I work closely with children and their families to connect them with essential community resources, including educational, health, and supportive services that strengthen family stability and well‑being.

In this role, I serve as a trusted advocate—providing guidance, a listening ear, and consistent encouragement as families navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Throughout my years of service, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to trust, reliability, and advocacy, with a steadfast dedication to helping children and families become self‑sufficient, confident, and successful.

Meet the Team...

Our Lead Teachers are very knowledgeable about Early Childhood Development. They create age-appropriate learning activities for children to have fun while learning.

Our Lead Infant Teacher has served in this role for three years and brings a nurturing, developmentally focused approach to infant care. She takes great pride in supporting infants as they reach important developmental milestones and believes that meeting each child’s social and emotional needs daily is essential for healthy growth and overall well‑being.

She holds a certification in Infant Mental Health and applies this specialized knowledge to create a responsive, supportive classroom environment where infants feel safe, secure, and valued. In addition, she and the infant classroom have participated in the LEANNA Grow Program, which emphasizes meaningful teacher‑child interactions to promote positive developmental outcomes.

Committed to professional excellence, she also holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Infant and Toddler Care, reflecting her dedication to high‑quality early learning and continuous professional growth.

Our Lead Toddler Teacher brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, with a strong passion for supporting infants and toddlers during their most critical stages of development. She has a deep appreciation for the unique needs of young children and is dedicated to fostering a nurturing, responsive, and engaging learning environment.

She especially enjoys working with toddlers to encourage the development of self‑help skills while supporting their growing social and emotional abilities. Her approach emphasizes patience, consistency, and positive guidance, helping children build confidence and independence as they learn to navigate their world.

Our Lead Infant Teacher holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Preschool Education. She brings her academic knowledge and hands‑on experience together to thoughtfully support children in reaching key developmental milestones, including language development, motor skills, and social interaction.

With a genuine love for toddlers, she carefully designs daily routines and learning experiences that promote healthy growth, emotional security, and curiosity. Her commitment to individualized care ensures that each child is supported, encouraged, and celebrated throughout their early learning journey.

With 29 years of experience in early childhood education, our preschool teacher is a dedicated and passionate educator who brings a love of learning, creativity, and curiosity into the classroom each day. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Development and Education and is deeply committed to supporting the growth and development of young learners.

She has a strong appreciation for reading and believes that early exposure to books plays a critical role in developing children’s language skills, imagination, and lifelong love of learning. Storytime is a meaningful and enriching part of her classroom, where literature is used to encourage discussion, exploration, and meaningful connections.

Committed to continuous professional growth, she actively pursues ongoing learning in early childhood education to remain current with best practices and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies. She models lifelong learning for her students by fostering curiosity, problem‑solving skills, and inquiry‑based exploration.

Through hands‑on experiences and creative instructional approaches, she cultivates an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and express themselves. Her teaching experiences are thoughtfully designed to be interactive and purposeful, helping children build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for future academic success.