Purple Circle

212.866.9193

Will my child learn things that will ready him/her for kindergarten?
At our center, children acquire the skills necessary for the upper grades. Through play, children learn to classify, sort, identify patterns, predict, and realize the importance of the written word, thus laying the foundation for reading readiness. They experience science, math, music and movement, and art through exploration of the environment and the materials. Circle times and group discussions happen several times throughout the day as a time for children to come together as a group, express their individual ideas, and listen to others. The children learn how to resolve social disputes, and how to live and work in a group with others. We have had extremely positive feedback from kindergarten teachers throughout the New York area on the readiness of our children.

View list of elementary schools that recent Purple Circle graduates have attended

What is a developmental approach?
Children progress and develop at their own pace. We provide the environment, the time, and the materials to engage and challenge them. Instead of feeding children a set of facts, we take their daily discoveries and explore them in depth. We recognize and build from children's strengths. We respect each child as a unique individual.

What is Purple Circle's approach to discipline?
Each situation is unique and handled uniquely. For the two year-olds, conflicts may arise over space and materials. In these situations, we acknowledge the children's feelings and needs. We then help them to come up with different ideas, sometimes finding it necessary to supply words for them.

We also encourage older children to use their words. Children are active participants in the rulemaking. Giving children the responsibility of creating their own rules helps them cultivate harmony with others in their classroom.

We do not isolate individuals with "time-outs;" rather, each child is encouraged to express his or her point of view. We always acknowledge children's feelings and respect their needs. The goal is to help children use their words and ideas to solve problems.

What happens during the afternoon program?
The children have an opportunity to revisit projects they started in the morning. For children who arrive at 2:10, there is a smooth transition as they join the others. Later in the afternoon, children participate in circle time music and movement activities, as well as art projects, free play, and story time. Small groups often explore the neighborhood, visiting the library and area parks and playgrounds.

Why do children rest during school hours?
Children have a rhythm in the day. At Purple Circle, we provide a balance between outdoor and indoor play, group and individual activities, active and restful times. During rest time, which comes after lunch, lights are dimmed, soothing music and story tapes are played, and the children look at books quietly or take a rest. After rest time, they have a snack and are refreshed and ready to continue their day.

Does my child need to be toilet trained?
No. We have a developmental approach. Often, being in an environment where peers are going through similar situations, children are able to look to each other for modeling in this area.