Project Profile: Purpose Preschool
Purpose Preschool: Purpose for the post-pandemic generation
A skiing accident that resulted in three spinal fractures became a pivotal moment in Sarah Diggle’s life. Confronted with her own vulnerability, she resolved to pursue her true passion: creating an exceptional learning environment for young children, unlike any other.
This led her to establish Purpose Preschool, a nature-based, Montessori preschool in Edmonton, Alberta, where children aged three to six embark on a journey of self-discovery and learning through play. Stepping into Purpose Preschool invites one to pause and take in a moment of calm and beauty. Natural light floods the space, highlighting the natural elements including wood furniture and the soft hues on the walls. Children move freely, their innate curiosity guiding their exploration and play.
Purpose Preschool is more than just a preschool; it’s a family-centred community where young learners discover their passions and develop a lifelong love of learning. But the story of Purpose is also one of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose after hardship.
The inspiration and an accident
Sarah Diggle’s journey as an educator began in the United Kingdom in 2013, where she witnessed the positive impact of a strong early years framework. Upon returning to Canada, she was struck by the lack of emphasis on quality preschool education and the accountability thereof. Her recovery became a season of planning and reflection, reigniting her passion to teach and ultimately create Purpose Preschool.
“The accident was a wake-up call,” Sarah reflects. “It made me realize that life’s too short to settle for mediocrity. I wanted to make a difference in the world, and I knew that early childhood education was where I could have the biggest impact.”
This transformative experience fueled Sarah’s desire to create a preschool that would nurture children’s innate curiosity and love of learning. She envisioned a space where children were empowered to explore their interests, develop their unique talents, and become confident, engaged learners.
The vision of Purpose
At Purpose Preschool, the child is at the center of everything. The preschool’s approach is deeply rooted in the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes observation, exploration, questioning, and discovery. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, guided by their natural inquisitiveness and supported by intentionally prepared environments and materials.
“We believe that children are born with an innate desire to learn,” Sarah explains. “Our role is to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to explore the world around them and reach their full potential.”
Purpose Preschool also embraces the principles of cosmic education, a core element of the Montessori approach. This involves fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, including nature around us, and encouraging children to see themselves as integral parts of the universe and stewards of the environment.
Core principles driving the school’s educational approach
Sarah is a strong advocate for a “purpose-driven pedagogy” that goes beyond simply preparing children for school. “We want our children to become engaged, lifelong learners,” she explains. “We want them to develop the skills they need to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.”
This philosophy is reflected in the preschool’s curriculum, where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and find their own solutions. Practical life skills, sensorial exploration, scientific reasoning as well as cultural awareness in addition to language development, and mathematical understanding are all woven into the fabric of the learning environment.
Purposeful Intentionality
Every aspect of Purpose Preschool reflects a conscious and deliberate choice. From the selection of learning materials to the organization of the space, every detail is carefully considered to create an environment that supports children’s optimal development and well-being.
Why the environment matters
The design of the preschool is also deliberate, with every element carefully chosen to support the preschool’s philosophy of calm, creativity and connection to nature.
“We wanted to make sure that it immediately felt like an exhale, that it was a neutral space for somebody to be in” emotes Sarah.
In what was previously a medical office, Sarah and her team transformed boxy corridors into open areas and arched doorways to allow light to flood through, shifting a focus to the preschool’s beautiful workshop area, where the children eat their snacks watching the wildlife visit the feeders and new buds blossoming in the garden.
Sarah also chose furniture made from natural and sustainable materials, that is both beautiful and functional. And the outdoor play space is a haven for exploration and discovery, providing opportunities for children to connect with nature and engage their senses.
“We believe that intentionality is key to creating a truly nurturing and enriching learning environment,” Sarah says. “Every decision we make, from the color of the walls to the type of toys we provide, is made considering the child’s best interests in mind.”
How Purpose found Natural Pod
Sarah’s commitment to authenticity and honesty led her to Natural Pod. “I was drawn to Natural Pod’s shared educational values and their belief in the benefits of natural, sustainable materials,” she says. “The furniture creates a sense of calm and warmth, which is essential for creating a positive learning environment.”
The natural textures, colors, and forms of the furniture invite children to explore and interact with their surroundings, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. The furniture’s versatility and functionality also support the preschool’s play-based and inquiry-based learning approaches, allowing children to create and explore in a variety of ways.
She continues, “I appreciate and feel connected to what you do daily at Natural Pod. You are in our lives more than you realize and not far from our thoughts because obviously I’m cleaning that [Reach] table three times a day!”
Successes to celebrate at Purpose
- We focus on personalized learning: The preschool’s commitment to meeting each child’s individual needs ensures that every learner feels seen, heard, and supported.
- We don’t just talk about, but we practice nature-based learning: The integration of nature into the learning environment fosters children’s curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Natural materials, sensory exploration, and outdoor learning experiences are all key components of the preschool’s curriculum.
- We listen to and engage with our community: The preschool’s strong partnerships with parents and the wider community create a supportive network for families.
In the wake of the pandemic, Sarah has seen a growing need for high-quality preschool education. “Many children are entering preschool for the first time after a period of isolation and disruption,” she says. “We are committed to providing them with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where they can learn and grow, supporting their family along the journey.”
Purpose Preschool provides a vital bridge between home and the wider world, helping children develop social skills, emotional resilience, and a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Sarah faces is the limited number of hours children are allowed to be enrolled at preschools in Alberta. She believes that this restriction hinders the preschool’s ability to provide a full-day program that would allow for improved learning outcomes and more support for families.
Future goals
Sarah’s goals for the future include expanding Purpose Preschool’s reach and advocating for policy changes that would allow preschools to offer full-day programs. She also hopes to continue developing the preschool’s nature-based curriculum, community engagement initiatives and would like to see future locations for Purpose Preschools in her city.
Sarah Diggle’s Advice
For those pursuing their passion in education or feeling stuck, Sarah offers this advice:
“Don’t be afraid to take risks and follow your heart. Surround yourself with a supportive community and never stop learning and growing. And most importantly, remember that the work you do matters. You have the power to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Say what you’ll do and do what you said.”
About Sarah Diggle
Sarah Diggle is a passionate educator with over 15 years of teaching experience in the UK and Canada. She holds a BSc, a PGCE from the University of Nottingham and her Montessori diploma from NAMC. Sarah is a strong advocate for inclusivity within education, believes in divergent thinking (and challenging the system), would like to pursue studies in psychology at the University of Alberta and no longer attempts ski jumps, albeit is very happy that she did!
