History

Originally named the Mattye Jones Child Care Center, it opened August 1, 1976 as a community program of Blakemore United Methodist Church. Its purpose was to provide a safe, loving, learning center for children whose parents were employed full-time. In August 1997, Blakemore Children’s Center underwent a significant transformation of purpose and program. BCC became a multi-age, inclusive environment where each child is valued as an individual and learning occurs through developmentally appropriate experiences. BCC took the affirmative step of reserving twenty percent of its enrollment spaces for children with diagnosed special needs.

The BCC Board of Directors recognized that for the program, with its new and expanded focus to be successful, it was necessary to seek outside funding and diverse community representation on the Board. Since August 1997, BCC has become accredited by NAEYC; 3-star rated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, become a partner agency with United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, participates in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, and serves children through the Child Care Certificate Program.

In addition to United Way funding, BCC has received grants from local and national foundations to build the “APT” All Play Together Playground and to provide scholarship assistance to families whose children would otherwise be unable to attend BCC. BCC has also received in-kind donations for storage cabinets, children’s cubbies, remodeling of the children’s bathroom, computers, and event advertising. Annual fundraising efforts include Breakfast with Santa and Scholastic Book Fair, Best of Nashville Brownie Bake-off and Carnival, Mum Sale, Poinsettia Sale and yard sales. BCC has developed volunteer relationships with Hands on Nashville and employees of Visteon Glass Plant and Hospital Corporation of America.

BCC serves as a practicum site for students from local universities, the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance, and students working on the Child Development Associate Credential. While BCC provides valuable experience to these students, BCC benefits from their enthusiasm, growing knowledge and extra attention for children in our program.

The BCC Board of Directors has expanded its membership in numbers and composition. It includes members of BUMC, parents and community volunteers with expertise to guide BCC.