Magic of Play Preschool, LLC

Magic of Play Preschool, LLC is a preschool in East Lansing, Michigan, serving children ages 1.5 to 5 years. The school takes a child-led, play-based approach in which children create, explore, and discover in a nature-filled environment. Its program is guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, using questions, investigations, and child-led learning to build curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. Students spend at least half their day outside on a campus of more than 7 acres that includes wetlands, a natural playground, and ever-changing materials tailored to the children's interests. Indoors, children work with diverse materials in a 500 square foot art studio and in open-ended indoor and outdoor classrooms. The school also emphasizes anti-bias education, and its program reflects diverse races, languages, family structures, beliefs, and genders. Teachers are trained in child development and early learning and take part in ongoing professional development. Magic of Play Preschool was founded in 2024 by Michelle Shilakes, who serves as Director and Owner, and opened for students on December 8, 2025. The 6,000 square foot building has 3 classrooms, each with access to the outdoors and its own bathroom, plus an Art Room. As of April 2026, the school is an accredited forest school through the Forest School Teacher Institute.

The school sits on East Lake Lansing Road, about 0.2 miles from East Saginaw Street and East Lake Lansing Road, roughly 0.3 miles from Forest Grove Preserve, and about half a mile from Newton Road Park. Haslett Road is about 0.6 miles away.

Magic of Play Preschool holds a 5.00 rating from the customers who have reviewed it.