Our approach

We care for the whole child — head, heart, and hands.

Real readiness isn't a stack of flashcards. It's confidence, curiosity, kindness, and the joy of figuring things out. Here's how we nurture all of it at Fannie Battle.

Children exploring, play-based learning

Child-led, relationship-driven, and grounded in play.

We follow each child's natural curiosity — turning blocks into engineering, mud into science, and story time into literacy. Learning sticks when children are genuinely engaged.

Our caregivers observe what lights each child up and build learning around it, blending the best of play-based and emergent approaches with the warmth of a true home environment.

Every child, fully supported.

Social & emotional

Naming feelings, resolving conflict, and building the secure relationships that make learning possible.

Cognitive & language

Rich conversation, stories, early math and literacy woven into play, never drilled.

Physical & motor

Climbing, drawing, pouring, dancing: big and small muscles, every single day.

Creative & expressive

Open-ended art, music, and dramatic play that say: your ideas matter.

Rhythms that feel like home.

Predictable routines help little ones feel safe, with plenty of room to follow the day where it leads.

Morning
Arrival & free play

Soft welcomes and a gentle, familiar start to the day.

Mid-morning
Circle time

Songs, stories, and a look at what the day holds.

Late morning
Learning centers

Child-led exploration and hands-on discovery.

Midday
Outdoor time

Fresh air, big movements, and room to run.

Afternoon
Lunch & rest

Nourishing meals followed by quiet and naps for little ones.

Late afternoon
Creative time & pickup

Art, music, and happy goodbyes.

The Fannie Battle difference.

 Typical centerFannie Battle
Group sizesLarge roomsSmall, intimate groups
CurriculumWorksheet-drivenPlay-based & child-led
Outdoor timeOccasionalDaily, in all seasons
Family connectionEnd-of-day noteReal partnership & communication
CommunityJust childcareMission-driven, Nashville-rooted

See our approach in action.

Visit during a busy morning and watch the whole-child approach come alive.