Our Philosophy

At Purple Moon, we believe in the individuality of each child and that they should be supported individually. We envision a school where children experience the wonders of nature, feel the comfort of close relationships, and have the ability to dive into the mysteries of childhood with exuberance, the way children would if they were unhindered. Where families feel close bonds of true community, and where teachers have the support and freedom to develop their teaching practice and enjoy the rewards of close bonds with their peers, children, and families. We believe children’s cognitive development is dependent on social interaction and language development.  We believe their learning is maximized through play- active, creative, dramatic, social, and imaginative play.  At Purple Moon, children will experience stress-free, hands on exploration of their world while caring teachers guide the way- helping your child reach for the moon!

Relationship Based Care

At Purple Moon, we believe the greatest need for children of all ages is a solid, positive, and loving relationship with his or her caregiver.  “High-quality relationship-based care is central to optimal early brain development, emotional regulation, and learning (Center on the Developing Child, 2012).”  That is why we make every attempt for continuity of care:  teachers move with the children as they move up through the classrooms, and the children move together with their group as much as possible.  You will rarely find this important feature elsewhere in the industry.  We know that learning is dependent on social interaction and comfortable relationships make that possible.  

Home away from Home

Starting our business as home-based providers, we were able to see the difference a home-like environment can make for children.  The institutional feel of most centers is not optimal for child development.  Children need to feel comfortable and at home, not having to follow strict schedules with tight demands.   With flexible and open schedules, uncluttered classrooms designed more like a home than a school, and the idea that children deserve a beautiful environment as the basis of our program, Purple Moon is the perfect place for children in extended care.

Play-Based Learning

At Purple Moon, we believe in the play-based learning theories of Lev Vygotsky.  Vygotsky reasoned that children make sense of their world through the social interaction of imaginative play, play in which they can “try on” various situations and roles they cannot in real life.  They are able to form ideas, experiment, and create connections to topics they are already familiar with.  Children are capable of amazing things when they are allowed to follow their interests.  We believe young children are not capable of learning through worksheets or direct instruction (being lectured to.)  We feel they must dive in and experiment; touch, taste, hear, smell and see everything they are learning about through a ‘hands on’ exploration of their environment and materials provided.

Safety and Security

The children’s safety and security is of greatest importance at Purple Moon. All staff are certified in CPR, First Aid, and several other safety trainings. We have 24- hour monitored and controlled access doors throughout the facility so no unauthorized person will be able to enter the building. Our playgrounds are surrounded by 6-8 foot privacy fencing. Each parent or guardian will be given a customized code to enter the building. All children must be checked in and out by an authorized parent or guardian directly to and from a teacher each day. Every child-occupied area, both inside and outside, is monitored by security camera at all times. Also, we are .2 miles from the nearest North Metro Fire Department.