General Info:
The school opened in 1949 under the name of Sewanee Nursery School and Kindergarten, Incorporated, offering morning care primarily to university faculty children. In 1967 the Board began an extensive scholarship program to offer the benefits of a preschool experience to the whole community. This diversity provided a broader cultural experience for all. In 1977 the school extended its program to provide afternoon care for preschoolers and children through the second grade. In 1983 our name was changed to The Sewanee Children's Center, to reflect our wide-ranging program. In 1997, the school extened its program to provide care through 8 year olds. The Center is licensed by the state of Tennessee under the Department of Human Services and is a Three Star agency. The Center is an exempt organization under Section 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Sewanee Children's Center provides a learning environment in which a child can grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Each child is encouraged to explore new materials, concepts and skills through the game/play approach. A child thereby learns through direct "experience". The school leads each child through the day's activities in a warm, positive, and consistent manner. We want every child to experience success, a feeling of self-worth, and a love for learning. In order to provide quality care and support our values and our commitment to our community, the Parent Board mandates our enrollment follows NAEYC guidelines for staff-child ratios within group size. We service no more than 55 children each year ages 2 through 8 years. We maintain a 1: 4 ratio in the twos ; 1: 6 ratio in the threes and a 1: 8 ratio in the fours classroom. The School Age program has a 1: 12 ratio. The school has always welcomed children of all faiths and, notwithstanding its long and warm association with Otey Parish, has attempted not to bias its program in favor of any particular faith. At lunch the opportunity to say a blessing or to relax quietly for a moment ( each alternative led by a teacher ) is offered. Children are allowed to bring to school appropriate books and songs of their choice and have the freedom to choose the songs they sing during festive holiday seasons. The school is operated by parents through a Board of Directors elected by parents. The Executive Committee meets monthly to conduct school business and the Board meets five times during the academic year ( September, November, January, March and May ). Parents are members and are invited at any time to call Board members about school operations or to attend Board meetings. All parents are urged to attend the three Membership Meetings ( Fall, Winter and Spring ). The Fall meeting helps to familiarize parents with the school program and staff, and the new Board is elected. The Winter meeting helps to monitor progress and set goals. A report on SCC's progress over the year and a special program is held during the Spring meeting. It is very important that parents attend these three meetings. Other meetings may be arranged during the school year dealing with subjects of interest in child raising or just to get together with our school families. The fall Membership meeting will be held Aug. 21, 2008 at 5: 00 p.m. This will be an Orientation and Open House Membership meeting.