About Highland Playschool
We're looking for passionate, nurturing educators who believe in the power of play-based learning. If you love working with children, we'd love to meet you.
The Highland Playschool Story
Highland Playschool has a story that starts with a simple note left on a door.
When Ben Costa’s wife Kalena first discovered the school — then known as Little Builders Learning Center — she was immediately captivated by its warmth and charm. She left a note for the owners expressing her interest, not knowing if anything would come of it. Months later, the opportunity came full circle. The original founders had built the school from scratch nearly 20 years earlier, designing it with a uniquely child-friendly vision that had stood the test of time. When they were ready to move on to their next chapter, Ben and his wife knew this was their moment.
When Ben brought Director Kelly Wheeler to see the space, she felt it immediately. Kelly — who had spent years working in both home childcare and larger childcare centers — instantly began envisioning how each classroom could feel warm, intentional, and like a home away from home. She knew this place could be the best of both worlds.
Together, Ben and Kelly took the reins of something special and made it their mission to grow Highland Playschool into the top choice for families across Howard County. Today that vision is actively taking shape — with two additional suites currently under construction to expand Pre-K programming and Before & After Care services.
What We Stand For
Nurturing Every Child
Learning Through Play
Building Community
Safety & Trust
Why We Believe in Play-Based Learning
Play isn't a break from learning — it is learning.
Research consistently shows that children learn best when they are engaged, curious, and having fun. Play-based learning harnesses that natural energy and turns everyday moments of exploration into meaningful developmental experiences.
At Highland Playschool, our play-based approach means children are never passive recipients of information. They are active, curious participants — building, creating, problem solving, and discovering in an environment carefully designed to support their growth at every stage. From our infant room to our Pre-K program, every activity is intentional and every moment is an opportunity to learn.
This approach doesn’t just build academic skills. It builds confident, resilient, socially aware children who are genuinely excited to come to school every day — and that’s exactly what every parent hopes for.
Highland Playschool at a Glance
- Ages Served
Infants through Pre-K welcome
- Programs
Infants, Toddlers, Twos, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, Summer Program
- Location
13342 Clarksville Pike, Highland, MD 20777
- Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Licensed
Maryland State Licensed Child Care Center (COMAR 13A.16)
- Maryland Excels
Level 1, actively working toward Level 3
The People Behind Highland Playschool
Meet the passionate leaders dedicated to making Highland Playschool the best it can be for every child and family we serve.
Ben Costa
Executive Director
Ben Costa is a seasoned education leader with over two decades of experience spanning early childhood through high school education. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and brings a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on operational expertise to Highland Playschool.
Ben’s connection to Highland Playschool is deeply personal. It was his wife Kalena who first discovered the school and fell in love with its potential. When the opportunity arose to take ownership, Ben knew it was the right fit — a uniquely designed, child-friendly space with a legacy worth carrying forward. His mission is simple: to grow Highland Playschool into the top choice for families across Howard County while maintaining the warmth and community feel that makes it special.
Kelly Wheeler
Director
Kelly Wheeler is a dedicated early childhood education leader whose passion for this work is as personal as it gets. With a background spanning home childcare, quality assurance, and center operations, Kelly brings a rare depth of experience to her role as Director at Highland Playschool.
When Ben first showed Kelly the space, she knew immediately it was something special. She began envisioning each classroom — how to make every corner feel warm, intentional, and like a home away from home. Coming from both home childcare and larger childcare environments, Kelly knew Highland Playschool could be the best of both worlds.
Today Kelly leads the team with a focus on creating a nurturing, high-quality learning environment where children thrive, families feel welcome, and teachers are supported and valued. For Kelly, this school is more than a workplace — it is a dream fulfilled.
Proud to Serve Howard County Families
Highland Playschool is more than a school — we are a community.
We are proud to be part of the Howard County community, serving families across Highland, Clarksville, Fulton, North Laurel, Columbia, and surrounding areas. Our families come from all walks of life, but they share one thing in common — a desire to give their children the best possible start.
At Highland Playschool, we believe that strong communities are built one relationship at a time. That means knowing every child by name, keeping an open door for every parent, and creating a space where families feel connected, supported, and at home. We are not just here to care for your child — we are here to grow alongside your family.
Our Credentials & Commitments
Maryland State Licensed Child Care Center
Maryland Excels — Level 1
COMAR 13A.16 Compliance
Come See Highland Playschool for Yourself
Words only go so far. Schedule a free tour and experience firsthand why Howard County families trust us with their most precious ones.
Have questions? Contact us.
