Philosophy & Social Justice Branches

Contemporary research reflects what we've always known at Apple Playschools: play is the essential vehicle of learning for young children. Time spent in nature has long-lasting emotional, physical and cognitive benefits for children as well.

Apple Playschools’ work is additionally guided by five social justice branches. These include Respect for Authentic Childhood, Global Citizenship, Equity & Inclusion, Environmental Education, Stewardship, & Justice, and Collaborative Community Involvement.

Continue reading for descriptions of each of our social justice branches and resources regarding our philosophy on play.

Our Five Social Justice Branches

Respecting Authentic Childhood

Our primary goal at Apple Playschools is always to support and respect authentic childhood experiences. Our programming and interactions with the children are based on the knowledge that play is the most important work of the child, and that beautiful and meaningful spaces are integral to the successful growth and development of each child.

Global Citizenship

Our commitment to Global Citizenship is both local and international. We equip children (and adults) with multiple languages so that they are better able to think flexibly and move through the global community with greater fluency, respect, and adaptability. We are also curious about cultures and languages around the world, and find ways to incorporate “best practices” from all over the globe and across traditions to create a high-quality and inclusive community. Finally, we are mindful of the ways in which our “global-mindedness” impacts native languages, cultures, and traditions around the world. We strive to have a positive impact with all people and nations we encounter.

Equity & Inclusion

Equity & Inclusion are integrated throughout every aspect of our organization. With the children and families, anti-bias education is woven throughout the curricula and learning environments; this is evident in the books and resources we select, the language we use, and more. Our employment practices are founded in a passion for intersectional feminism and inclusion. Apple Playschools is particularly passionate about empowering our employees financially, through above-industry compensation packages, financial literacy, and a commitment to changing the view of our profession as early childhood educators. We also believe in complexity and nuance, and in working hard to understand issues and identities that are oversimplified or fraught with controversy.

Environmental Education, Stewardship, & Justice

At Apple Playschools, we are deeply committed to both restoring and preserving the Earth. We value people and the planet we share, and view profit as an important means to that end. From our pollinator gardens and native habitat restoration efforts, to our cloth towels and local, organic foods, we strive daily to make the earth a safe, habitable, and environmentally just planet for generations to come.

Collaborative Community Involvement

We believe that we actively shape and are shaped by our communities, and strive to participate and contribute meaningfully to ours. Cultivating partnerships with fellow businesses and nonprofits, hosting events to educate others about our mission and vision, and providing staff with paid volunteer days to engage with causes they care about are just a few ways we accomplish this goal. 

Guiding Philosophy Resources

Below are some resources that will give you insight into the research and philosophy that supports our work with children. You are also always welcome to talk with our Program Directors about the most current Orientation Guide and request access to materials that you might find useful.