Mission

The mission of Blakemore Children’s Center is to provide a safe, inclusive teaching and learning environment that fosters and nurtures the growth and development of each child.

We seek to help each child develop the confidence and competence to function in the world of the future by developing the tools necessary to acknowledge, understand, accept, value, and celebrate themselves, others and the world.  We seek family participation so that together we can provide the best possible experience for each child and family.

Description of the BCC Program

A unique feature of the BCC program is its location in a house, which is used in its entirety for learning experiences.  The physical space in the house provides a warm atmosphere for a mixed age inclusive program of 29 two and a half to five-year-olds. Because it is situated in a residential neighborhood, children experience a sense of community with opportunities to explore and learn about local residents, parks, and community buildings in the immediate area. The daily curriculum is organized around ongoing themes or projects that originate from children’s interests. The program is infused with an anti-bias approach to education to enhance the sense of community in a diverse world.

The sunroom functions as a library and computer center, and the dining room is used solely for meal and snacks. During meals and snacks, socialization skills are encouraged as children eat family-style and attention is given to aesthetic beauty (ex. live flowers in vases on each table, artwork displayed). Learning activities provided allow children opportunities to actively explore and engage with materials provided throughout all rooms of the house. Typical experiences available to children on a daily basis include art, home living, creative play, gross motor activities (inside and outside), writing, listening, science, math, language, perceptual activities, blocks and manipulatives, and personal safety. Children also have the opportunity to participate in a circle/sharing time where the theme/project is explored with teachers’ support and guided direction.

The “APT” All Play Together Playground is universally accessible so that those with physical challenges can access all areas of the outside play and learning environment along with typically developing peers.

BCC is a community of families and staff that represent a variety of ethnicities, races, religions, abilities, disabilities, and gender. Through our daily interactions, children learn about each other and our staff. We celebrate each other’s holidays and customs in the classroom as well as all program events. Children leave us with an understanding and empathy for others because of the experiences they have had at BCC.

Family Participation

BCC collaborates with families as we seek to provide an optimal education and nurturing environment for children. All families are members of the BCC Connection, our family/staff organization. Families are invited to volunteer in the center, chaperone on field trips, participate in decision making, help on work days at the center, assist with fundraising efforts, and share personal talents and occupations. Some family members serve on the BCC board of directors. All families are given the opportunity to provide input into the center’s program and services through annual surveys and discussion at BCC Connection meetings and in conversation with staff.  Additionally, family members are always welcome to eat a hot lunch with their child. By family members involvement in BCC your children know that they are important. They see that you trust and value their teachers and caregivers.