About Us
Reggio-inspired, multi-age learning
Philosophy
We believe each child is a whole person who learns and grows in many ways-physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. We seek to provide a safe teaching/learning environment, which fosters and nurtures this growth.
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Because the world in which our children live is rapidly changing, we seek to help each child develop the confidence and competence to function in the world of the future. We emphasize activities centered on themes of friendship, cooperation, compassion and kindness. Our program is designed to help children develop the tools that enable them to acknowledge, understand, accept, value, and celebrate themselves, others and the world.
We believe that children are active participants and learners. Therefore, our curriculum is child-based and stresses process-oriented experiences rather than product-oriented experiences. Because children learn best through play, they spend lots of time in active, often messy, play.
Health & Safety
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blakemore Children’s Center has implemented policies and procedures to help keep children, staff and families healthy. We have a thorough cleaning and sanitization process in place. All staff and children over the age of 2.5 years old wear masks at all times when indoors. We greatly value the partnership role of parents and caregivers in keeping our community healthy. While we look forward to welcoming parents inside, at this time, only children and staff are entering our classrooms. The leadership team continues to reevaluate current policies based upon CDC recommendations, state and local health ordinances, and staff and family feedback.
History
Originally named the Mattye Jones Child Care Center, it opened in August 1976 as a community program of Blakemore United Methodist Church. In August 1997, Blakemore Children’s Center underwent a significant transformation of purpose and program and became a multi-age, inclusive environment where each child is valued as an individual and learning occurs through developmentally appropriate experiences. BCC attained accreditation through The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and achieved the highest (3-star) rating by the Tennessee Department of Human Services. In July of 2008, the Maxine Cassety Infant/Toddler Program began serving children ages 6 weeks to 30 months in a unique multi-age environment.
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BCC has received grants from local and national foundations to build the “All Play Together Playground” and to provide scholarship assistance to families whose children would otherwise be unable to attend.
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The BCC Board of Directors includes members of BUMC, parents and community volunteers with the expertise to guide BCC.
