About Us

A pair of innovative childcare experts who prioritize play and individuality.

Jessica Haines and Martina Esposito share a deep commitment to teaching through play. With a combined experience of over 18 years in early childhood education, they have seen firsthand the transformative power of play in helping children learn and grow. Jessica holds a degree in Creative Writing from North Carolina State University and an Early Childhood Montessori Diploma, has spent over 7 years leading educational play at Marbles Kids Museum and has also trained in accredited preschools, further solidifying her expertise in child-centered learning. Martina, with a degree in Early Childhood Education, has spent 14 years inspiring young minds as a Play Specialist at Marbles Kids Museum. She has also presented at prestigious conferences, such as the National Association of Young Children Conference and the Association of Children’s Museums Conference.

Our programs are designed around child-initiated learning through playfully guided experiences.

In their ongoing pursuit to enhance the quality of education they provide, Jessica and Martina studied in Finland, immersing themselves in the country’s renowned play-based early childhood programs. Finland’s approach to early education has long been celebrated for its focus on child-led, play-based learning, and their time spent there deepened their understanding of how such methods can be applied to create an enriching and high-quality learning environment. This experience combined with their passion of teaching through play has inspired them to bring innovative ideas back to their own community to create a preschool and family learning hub that continues to offer top-tier education to children ages 1 to 6 years old.

Our programs are designed around child-initiated learning through playfully guided experiences.

Both Jessica and Martina are united by a shared goal: to address the growing need for quality childcare and educational programming for young children right here in Raleigh. In August of 2018, they opened the doors of Little by Little on Haynes Street where they currently host a flexible, part-time preschool program, summer camps, birthday parties, evening childcare for parent’s night’s out and seasonal community events. With their unique experiences, international insights, and a deep love for teaching through play, they hope to grow their program in the near future.

It takes a village and we're privileged to be a part of yours ✦

Meet Mrs. Martina

Owner & Educator

Martina Esposito holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has enjoyed playing for 14 years at Marbles Kids Museum, inspiring learning through play as an Early Childhood Play Specialist. She has had the opportunity to present at the National Association of Young Children Conference as well as at ACM. A natural born Argentinian and fluent spanish speaker, Martina enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time around the fire pit with her husband, son and 4-legged child, Indy.

Meet Mrs. Jess

Owner & Educator

Jessica Haines earned her degree in Creative Writing from North Carolina State University and attained an Early Childhood Montessori Diploma for children ages 3-6 years old. She has developed and engaged in educational play at Marbles Kids Museum for over 7 years while also working in a classroom setting in a variety of accredited preschools. Hailing from Monroe, North Carolina, Jessica loves traveling, gardening and exploring the outdoors with her husband and son.