About Us

Tennessee’s Trusted Child Development Center

History

Cheekwood Child Development Center was founded on July 1, 1994 and opened its doors in Nashville, TN with 5 children attending. Today we now have 70 students.

Our Founders

3 families who were dedicated to providing quality childcare within a safe loving environment founded the school. Our Director, Lisa Travis, is one of the founders and has been here since July 1, 1994. Ms. Travis is a graduate of David Lipscomb University and has her Montessori Degree from the North American Progressive Montessori Institute. She is also a member of NAEYC. Our curriculum is overseen and developed by Ms. Travis for each classroom. The curriculum incorporates assessments of your child’s developmental progress throughout their time at Cheekwood.

Founders Professor Frank Farley and Dr. Louisa Farley, or Pa and Nana as the children all lovingly called them, served as curriculum supervisors for more than 10 years before retiring. Dr. Farley, a reading specialist, still helps with curriculum development and implementation.

Our Philosophy

Cheekwood Child Development Center’s mission is to provide a loving and safe environment for all ages, a place where the children feel at home and are able to explore and develop at their individual pace. We want to promote kindness to others, educational excellence, personal responsibility, and balanced growth, to help children discover and develop their talents and gifts. Self-confidence and a sense of true self-worth are the goals of our school, both academically and socially.

Teachers and Assistants

Our teaching staff of dedicated professionals all receive annual training in both first aid and CPR in addition to receiving a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education in early childhood education topics. All Lead teaching staff hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher and all Teaching Assistants have completed their TECTA certification within the first 12 months of employment. ”

In accordance with Department of Human Services, each employee is finger printed and receives a background check through TBI.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

Cheekwood child Development Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, physical or mental capabilities in the administration of its educational policies, Admissions policies and other administered programs.

Parent Involvement

At our center, we encourage the involvement of parents in our activities. We have many events and parties where parents and guardians are welcome to attend. There is also a message board at each room where you can see all upcoming events and important notices. Our school also has a monthly newsletter that you will receive via email.

Every year, our school conducts parent-teacher conferences and group parent meetings. If you are interested in planning the future of the center, you may join our parent board that meets quarterly. You may also contact our director with suggestions or ideas.