International Toddler Programme in Bangkok I 18 months - 3 years

The Purple Elephant 39

a school just like home

Our children, aged eighteen months to three years, engage in meaningful play and learning in a playground created especially for them, one that reflects the time when The Purple Elephant was first conceived. For children who have the privilege of playing in such an environment, it is a comfortable transition to ‘The City School’ located just around the corner – and what a delight it is to see our oldest graduates returning with their own children and reliving the experience they had when they themselves were young.

The Purple Elephant 39

CAMPUS & FACILITIES

Old bangkok charm

OUR APPROACH TO LEARNING

SMALL WONDERS, BIG DISCOVERIES

We respond to the curious nature of young children who are ready to explore their world by providing them with rich experiences that encourage a ‘sense of wonder’.

Our approach to learning is extraordinary!

Our preschool programme

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

Each child brings to school unique life experiences that are respected for their diversity, and all are considered to be brimming with potential.

School Life

A lifetime experience

MEET THE CO-HEAD OF THE PURPLE ELEPHANTS

AMANDA WATTS

As an early childhood educator with 16 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working with toddlers through primary-aged children across educational settings. I am from Vancouver, Canada, and my professional journey has taken me to Taiwan and Thailand, enriching my perspective and practice. I started my career at ELC as a classroom teacher on the Purple Elephant campus, moved on to The City School as a K1 teacher, and eventually took on an administrative role back at Purple Elephant.

My passion for nurturing young minds led me to earn both a Montessori diploma and a Primary Education degree. I firmly believe in co-creating learning experiences with children, emphasizing experiential and meaningful discoveries. To me, education is a partnership between school and home, fostering a strong sense of community and open communication. At Purple Elephant, our commitment to Project-Based Learning through the Reggio Emilia approach allows me to facilitate deep, hands-on learning experiences that resonate with the children. Beyond the educational setting, I am passionate about fitness, travel, and my love for horses.

MEET THE CO-HEAD OF THE PURPLE ELEPHANTS

SUMEET SETHINAMVONG

I obtained my Bachelor of Education from The University of Queensland, Australia. Working with young children has always been my passion and I love being a part of this special community. I started my career as a classroom teacher at The City School, residing there for 20 years, and then moved on to a higher position becoming the administrator at The Purple Elephant. I have been in this organization for over 27 years. I believe that school should be a supportive community where children can evolve by developing and honing their interpersonal, expressive, and cognitive skills. The attention that The Purple Elephant dedicates to co-constructing knowledge fascinates me because not only does this approach enhance the creation of authentic and deep learning it also focuses on collaboration learning and opportunities. In the years 2002 and 2015, I visited Reggio Emilia and participated in a study group with many educators around the world. Besides this passion, I am also very enthusiastic about running and strength training.

MEET THE DEPUTY HEAD AT THE PURPLE ELEPHANT

ANNA ERSKINE

Originally from Brisbane, Australia, I began my journey in education with a Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care before completing a Bachelor of Education (Honours) at The University of Queensland. I’ve taught in both suburban and rural communities across Australia. My interest in Reggio-inspired learning eventually took me to Bangkok, where I worked as a teacher and admissions manager at The City School Campus.

This path led me to my current role as Deputy Head at The Purple Elephants, where I feel fortunate to work alongside children, families, and educators in a community that values collaboration, curiosity, and respect. The Reggio-inspired approach at The Purple Elephants nurtures children to become confident, compassionate, and informed citizens of the world, and I am proud to be part of that journey.

THE PURPLE ELEPHANT PEDAGOGISTA

SAM SILBY

I come from New Zealand and have been an educator since 2008. I joined the ELC Family of International Schools in 2013, first as a classroom teacher and Project Coordinator at The City School, and now as Pedagogista of The Purple Elephant centres. I hold both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching from Victoria University of Wellington, as well as a Master’s of Innovative Education from the University of Colorado.

In my role as Pedagogista, I walk alongside teachers, children, and families across our centres, guiding the educational direction of our learning communities. My work is not only to support daily practice, but also to nurture the deeper pedagogical questions that live beneath it – questions of identity, belonging, agency and possibility.

I believe deeply in honouring the whole child: their thinking, their emotions, their relationships, and their sense of self. Childhood is not a preparation for life, but life itself – a time of wonder, risk and transformation. Documentation, dialogue, and research are the tools through which I support our community in making children’s learning visible and valued.

The Purple Elephant 39

a school just like home