About
Our Mission
At Live Oak Little School, we understand the importance of creativity in early childhood education. Through an enriching and emergent arts curriculum using the Reggio Emilia approach and the Socratic method of inquiry, we aim to ignite the imaginations of our little learners, allowing them to express themselves freely while developing essential cognitive and fine motor skills.
Safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure and nurturing space where every child feels emotionally and physically protected. Our dedicated educators undergo specialized training to ensure the well-being of each child, and our small class sizes enable personalized attention, creating an environment where every child can thrive.
Mindfulness is woven into the fabric of our preschool experience. We recognize the significance of cultivating a mindful approach to learning, helping children develop focus, emotional regulation, and social skills. Our educators guide children through activities that promote self-awareness, empathy, and an understanding of the world around them. Our goal is to instill in them a sense of responsibility and citizenship that extends beyond the classroom.
Developmentally appropriate practices form the foundation of our educational philosophy. We tailor our curriculum to the unique needs and abilities of each age group. Encouraging a love of lifelong learning is our ultimate objective. By fostering curiosity and a positive attitude toward education, we aim to equip our young learners with the tools they need for a lifetime of academic success and personal fulfillment.
Join us at Live Oak Little School, where our dedicated educators, small class sizes, and commitment to creativity, safety, mindfulness, developmentally appropriate practices, and a love of learning create a foundation for a bright and promising future for every child.
Kathleen Rae Allison
Kathleen Rae Allison began her journey in upstate New York, where her passion for nurturing and supporting children first took root. For the past 30 years, she has called Johns Island, off the picturesque coast of Charleston, South Carolina, her home. Living on a small family farm, Kathleen has built a life deeply connected to her community and the natural world—a foundation that informs her work as an educator and mentor.
As a child development specialist, Kathleen has devoted her life to guiding young learners in safe and creative environments. Her expertise and compassion help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in their earliest years. She works hands-on with students every day, supported by a team of exceptional educators who share her vision of providing personalized care and meaningful learning experiences.
Kathleen is also a passionate entrepreneur whose ventures reflect her commitment to children and families. She has founded several businesses, including preschools, an art center, and a ballet school, all designed to inspire creativity, learning, and self-expression. Most recently, she became the owner of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, a unique Charleston salon offering a fun, welcoming, and supportive space for children and families.
Kathleen has long promoted learning through the arts, blending storytelling, music, dance, and hands-on activities to engage children’s imaginations. She is also the author of Things That Go Poop in the Night, a funny, rhyming children’s book that helps kids learn to return to bed after nighttime trips to the bathroom—combining humor with practical life lessons.
Through her decades of dedication, Kathleen Rae Allison has made a lasting impact on her community, creating environments where children can flourish, explore, and express their individuality. Her work exemplifies a lifelong commitment to education, creativity, and the potential of every child.
