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Knoxville's Only Holistic Childcare
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Welcome to Little Playschool
Our Mission
At Little Playschool, our mission is to cultivate confident, inquisitive young scholars. We offer an award-winning, play-based curriculum enriched with bespoke experiences in gardening, culinary arts, fitness, and mindfulness. We proudly serve only whole, unprocessed foods to support optimal brain development and lifelong well-being.
Little Playschool - About Us
Molly Minkin, Founder
Carl Gillette, Four Year Old Teacher
Rachel Waliszewski, Director
Little Playschool was founded by Ms Molly out of a belief that early childhood should be filled with joy, confidence, and meaningful connection. With a heart for nurturing both minds and spirits, Molly created Little Playschool as a place where children are not only cared for, but truly seen, supported, and celebrated.
Her vision goes bey
Little Playschool was founded by Ms Molly out of a belief that early childhood should be filled with joy, confidence, and meaningful connection. With a heart for nurturing both minds and spirits, Molly created Little Playschool as a place where children are not only cared for, but truly seen, supported, and celebrated.
Her vision goes beyond traditional childcare — blending play-based learning with a holistic approach that supports emotional growth, healthy habits, and lifelong curiosity. Every detail of the school reflects her commitment to creating a warm, beautiful environment where families feel welcomed and children feel at home.
To Molly, this is more than a preschool — it’s a community built on love, integrity, and the magic of childhood. Ms. Molly has 17 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including eight years of experience owning her own childcares.
Rachel Waliszewski, Director
Carl Gillette, Four Year Old Teacher
Rachel Waliszewski, Director
Ms. Rachel is the sunshine behind the scenes at Little Playschool. Whether she’s whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, stepping in to help wherever she’s needed, or keeping the day running smoothly, she does it all with a smile and a whole lot of heart. She is incredible with our staff — encouraging, supportive, and always lead
Ms. Rachel is the sunshine behind the scenes at Little Playschool. Whether she’s whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, stepping in to help wherever she’s needed, or keeping the day running smoothly, she does it all with a smile and a whole lot of heart. She is incredible with our staff — encouraging, supportive, and always leading by example — and she truly brings out the best in everyone around her.
With a passion for excellence in every area of our school, Ms. Rachel pours herself into creating a joyful, organized, and loving environment for children and teachers alike. We are so lucky to have her guiding our team and filling our school with positivity every day.
Ms. Rachel has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and
10 years of experience administratively and in the classroom.
Carl Gillette, Four Year Old Teacher
Carl Gillette, Four Year Old Teacher
Carl Gillette, Four Year Old Teacher
Mr. Carl brings a big personality and an even bigger heart to our four-year-old classroom. From the moment you meet him, it’s easy to see why everyone instantly loves him — his energy is contagious and his laughter fills the room. He has a special gift for building confidence in children, helping them feel brave, capable, and proud of wh
Mr. Carl brings a big personality and an even bigger heart to our four-year-old classroom. From the moment you meet him, it’s easy to see why everyone instantly loves him — his energy is contagious and his laughter fills the room. He has a special gift for building confidence in children, helping them feel brave, capable, and proud of who they are.
He also has a true talent for keeping the kids laughing all day, turning everyday moments into joyful memories. His students know they are genuinely loved and valued, and it shows in the happy faces you’ll see from morning drop-off to afternoon pickup. With Mr. Carl, learning feels fun, friendships grow easily, and confidence shines bright.
About Little Playschool
Laura Purtlebaugh, Three Year Old Teacher
Laura Purtlebaugh, Three Year Old Teacher
Laura Purtlebaugh, Three Year Old Teacher
Ms. Laura has a special gift for turning ordinary moments into something magical. With her innovative ideas and creative touch, she brings new life to even the most everyday activities — adding just the right amount of sparkle to playtime and learning. She’s always dreaming up fun ways to keep children engaged, curious, and excited to ex
Ms. Laura has a special gift for turning ordinary moments into something magical. With her innovative ideas and creative touch, she brings new life to even the most everyday activities — adding just the right amount of sparkle to playtime and learning. She’s always dreaming up fun ways to keep children engaged, curious, and excited to explore.
Quick to lend a helping hand, Ms. Laura is also a wonderful support to her fellow teachers, stepping in with fresh ideas and a positive attitude whenever needed. Her energy, creativity, and caring heart make her an invaluable part of our Little Playschool family — and a favorite with the children she inspires every day.
Ms. Laura has an Associate's Degree in Teaching, as well as ten years experience in the classroom.
Annabelle Sly, Three Year Old Teacher
Laura Purtlebaugh, Three Year Old Teacher
Laura Purtlebaugh, Three Year Old Teacher
Our staff at Little Playschool are highly trained and experienced in child care. They are passionate about working with children and are committed to providing the best possible care and education for your child.
Lexi Sanders, Toddler Teacher
Laura Purtlebaugh, Three Year Old Teacher
Lexi Sanders, Toddler Teacher
We offer a variety of programs at Little Playschool to meet the individual needs and interests of each child. Our programs include infant care, toddler care, preschool, and before and after school care.
Welcome to Little Playschool
Deanna Reyome, Toddler Teacher
Deanna Reyome, Toddler Teacher
Deanna Reyome, Toddler Teacher
At Little Playschool , we believe that every child is unique and deserves individualized attention and care. We encourage creativity, exploration, and learning through play, and we strive to foster a lifelong love of learning in every child.
Our Teachers
Deanna Reyome, Toddler Teacher
Deanna Reyome, Toddler Teacher
Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced professionals who are passionate about working with children. They undergo regular training to keep up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and practices, and are dedicated to providing the best possible care and education for each child.
Our Programs
Deanna Reyome, Toddler Teacher
Our Programs
We offer a range of programs to meet the needs of children from infancy through school age. Our programs include infant and toddler care, preschool, before and after-school care, and summer camp.