Middle Kids 2 (Preschool 3s/4s)

Our Middle Kids 2 classroom serves children who are 3 years old – 3 years 11months old when the school year begins in September.

As a community of learners, our preschoolers have a variety of opportunities to explore their environment both indoors and outside.

The materials in the classroom offer children the chance to engage in learning possibilities through the use of block building, painting and drawing, stories, science experiments and neighborhood walks.

Children are encouraged to pursue their interests and investigations with the support of their teachers. Through observation and documentation, the teachers recognize the child’s strengths, relationships with others and interests as a foundation from which to extend learning. The ideas and interests of children are transformed into the daily curriculum in a meaningful way.

We believe that children benefit from the yearlong friendships and care that they receive from consistent primary caregiving in the same classroom for 12 months. All children, even infants and young toddlers, begin the school year together in September and remain together as a cohort through the following August. The placement of children into a specific classroom is completely at the discretion of the School Director and is non-negotiable. Parents can inquire with the school prior to acceptance about potential classroom placement. Since our care is based on a year-long curriculum, children are never moved to a new classroom midyear, even if children age into a new classroom.

Purple Circle offers families the following Monday through Friday programs, year round, providing four options parents can choose from to meet their unique needs:

  • 8:30am – 1:50pm
  • 8:30am – 4:00pm
  • 8:30am – 6:00pm
  • 2:10pm – 6:00pm

There is also an early morning drop-off option available each day at 8:00am.

A predictable routine helps children develop a sense of competence and involvement in their world. For preschoolers, our schedule varies according to season and children’s and teachers’ needs. Below is a general schedule of daily events.

MORNING:
8:30am – 9am
Arrival

9am – 10am
Free Play, Morning Group Meeting, Circle Time, Music or Story Sharing, Snack

10am – 11am
Outdoor Play

11am – 12pm
Story, Lunch

12pm – 1:30pm
Rest Time

AFTERNOON:
1:30pm – 2pm
Wake Up, Snack

1:50pm – 2:10pm
Dismissal and Arrival

2pm – 3pm
Afternoon Group Meeting, Circle Time, Music or Story Sharing, Free Play

3pm-4pm
Dismissal

4pm-6pm “Late Day”
Snack, Free Play, Story Sharing

A LOOK INSIDE MIDDLE KIDS 2

MEET THE MIDDLE KIDS 2 TEACHERS

Clare Cannon
Clare CannonLead Teacher
Clare Cannon (she/her/hers) is the lead teacher for Middle Kids 2 at Purple Circle. Clare fell in love with Early Childhood Education over a decade ago, and since then has worked with children all over the world. Clare has a BFA in Studio Art, a MAT in Early Childhood Education from Belmont University, and a MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. She is conversational in French and Russian, and loves exploring different cultures with her students. Clare enjoys watching the children learn more about each other, their communities, and the world around them, and using their observations to further classroom learning and curriculum. Clare’s hours are from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Rhoda Muchoki
Rhoda MuchokiLate Day / Assistant Teacher
Rhoda Muchoki was born in Kenya and has been living in the U.S. for many years. She is tri-lingual, fluent in Swahili and Kikuyu. Rhoda has a BA in Education and Fine Arts from Kenyatta University in Kenya and a Child Development Associate credential from Bank Street College of Education. Rhoda has worked in early childhood programs for many years and has been at Purple Circle since 2007. Rhoda’s hours are 10:00am – 6:00pm and she is our Late Day Teacher
Lauren Alexander
Lauren AlexanderAssistant Teacher
Lauren Alexander is an early childhood educator with over 20 years of experience creating nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. She is passionate about supporting the social, emotional, and
cognitive growth of young children through play-based learning and positive guidance. Over the years, Lauren has built strong relationships with children and families, fostering inclusive spaces where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. She finds the greatest joy in watching children discover, grow, and express themselves. She brings that dedication and warmth to every classroom she’s in. Her hours are from 8:30 am – 4:00pm.

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