Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Tara Blue, Executive Director of Community Child Care, Inc., who highlights the Franklin, Tennessee based nonprofit organization that has been providing a nurturing and safe childcare program for the community since 1971.
Tara discusses how the organization originated when a group of church ladies created a safe and affordable childcare space to enable women to work and attend school. Tara explains that as a nonprofit, the center relies on community support to maintain affordable rates for families who rely on their services and support for needed childcare.
Tara discussed Community Child Care’s location at 129 W. Fowlkes St., Suite 1270 in Franklin, Tennessee, which is part of the Williamson County Services Complex. She explains their operating hours from 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, during which they provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks, along with hot meals cooked daily. Tara notes their current enrollment is around 40 children out of a desired goal of 60 children with a licensed maximum of 99, with enrollment challenges partly due to free pre-K programs at local schools and state cuts to early childhood funding that have affected daycare voucher availability.
Tara discusses some of these challenges facing the nonprofit and affecting their operations. She emphasizes the importance of her dedicated team, particularly highlighting a staff member who has worked there for 53 years, and expresses gratitude for their commitment to serving children and parents.
She discusses the positive impact of Community Child Care Center, highlighting testimonials from families and the center’s service to CASA families and foster care cases. She emphasizes the center’s role in supporting children and families facing various challenges, including potential homelessness and financial difficulties. She then expands on the community-building aspect of the center’s work, discussing how it creates a ripple effect that benefits both children and parents, leading to a healthier community.
Tara discusses the importance of instilling values in children that will benefit their future communities and emphasizes the impact of teachers and community support. She outlines ways the community can support Community Child Care, including donations, volunteering, and attending upcoming events like an end-of-year campaign and community dinner fundraiser. Tara provides the organization’s contact information and encourages people to visit their facility for tours and to learn more about getting involved.
Visit https://www.childcarefranklin.org to learn more and get involved with Community Child Care, Inc.
