“We are caring for our second generation of children here,” said Selena Harris, owner and administrator of the program. “I think it’s the most heart-warming, heart-felt thing you can actually have happen to you. When somebody says, ‘I chose you because I went here.’ It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Selena has applied for Support and Enhancement Grants to boost her program quality and better serve her community since they became available in 2019. With grant funds, she has added safe climbing equipment, purchased high-quality riding toys, added shelving, cribs, a changing table, and more.
Bon Aqua’s infant and toddler classrooms got a remodel that helped Selena and her staff ensure that health and safety standards are met. “We make sure that all of our teachers understand how important brain development is at that stage,” she said.
As a play-based program, dramatic play is one of Selena’s passions. One of her favorite things to do is observe play and so much learning is happening that often she can not keep up with her notes. She sees cooperation, planning, organizing, rules-following, and more – all from playing “flower shop.”
Playground equipment at Bon Aqua Child Care Center was purchased through a Support and Enhancement Grant provided by ChildcareTennessee.
The director of Bon Aqua Child Care Center, Courtney Blair, loves how easy ChildcareTennessee.com makes administrative tasks. She uses ready-made templates and forms, saving her valuable time. Selena, Courtney and the rest of the team use ChildcareTennessee.com’s discounts on quality products to plan their grant purchases
“We want to get as much for our money as we possibly can,” Courtney said. “Kids are rough on toys.”
Providing safe, developmentally rich care is what Bon Aqua Child Care is all about.
Tricycles on a track at Bon Aqua Child Care Center were purchased through a Support and Enhancement Grant provided by ChildcareTennessee.
After more than two decades, the opportunity presented itself for Selena to grow her business as other programs near her close
“We took a chance. And that’s what life is all about, right?” she said. “Risk.” She now owns and operates Learning Loft Academy in Dickson and Loblolly Preschool in Fairview as well.
Selena has seen a lot of change over the last 27 years in the field of early childhood education. “I want to brag on our state for a minute,” said Selena. “I feel like the state of Tennessee is really trying to push out and lead in early childhood education.”
She’s proud of and thankful for Tennessee’s investments in early childhood education and ultimately the state’s future.
“The best beginnings never fade.”
play_arrow
