Why Structure + Play = the Perfect Preschool Day
As someone who gives tours to prospective families, that’s my favorite question. With so many different styles of learning, school philosophies, and parenting perspectives, it can be hard to imagine what a day at Celebree School looks like. And if this is your family’s first experience in group care, picturing sixteen four-year-olds napping at once might sound almost mythical!
At Celebree School of Franklin–Cool Springs, we love sharing what makes our approach unique. We know working parents need consistent support, reliable care, and the comfort of knowing their children are learning and having fun. We strive to be a true part of each family’s village.
Availability and Consistency
We’re open Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., aligning with the busy schedules of working parents. From the moment your child arrives, our teachers provide a warm, engaging environment filled with intentional activities — in the morning and in the afternoon. No matter what time of day your child is here, they’re exploring, playing, and learning with purpose.
Parents tell us one of their biggest challenges is handling long school breaks. That’s why we close only for federal holidays — our longest break is just three days. No two-week gaps that leave families scrambling for childcare coverage. We know parents need us most during those busy seasons, and we’re here to be that reliable support.
Our teachers work on staggered schedules so that, whether you’re dropping off or picking up, you’ll see a familiar face. We minimize the use of substitute teachers at the end of the day and keep families informed through our app when a teacher is out. Families deserve consistency and confidence in who is caring for their child each day.
Classroom Structure
This insight, shared during a training session, perfectly captures why classroom structure matters. Children thrive on routines because they help them anticipate what comes next. A consistent schedule offers emotional security and builds resilience when things change unexpectedly.
At Celebree, every classroom follows a daily rhythm that includes free play, small and large group activities, outdoor time, and essential care routines. These patterns create safety and a sense of belonging for both children and parents.
Play is the Work of Children
The real magic of Celebree happens within that structure.
Children are always offered choice and agency. Using Conscious Discipline, our teachers don’t ask, “How can I make this child do what I want?” Instead, they ask, “How can I help this child be successful?”
That mindset allows connection to lead the way. Through intentional, playful activities, children explore art, math, science, and early literacy in ways that feel natural and fun. Art projects are open-ended, designed to spark creativity rather than uniformity. Math and science concepts come alive through hands-on exploration and silly games. Storytime and print-rich environments nurture early reading skills in joyful, organic ways.
Our teachers design play experiences that build foundational skills often without children even realizing they’re learning.
“So, What Do You Do With Them All Day?”
We connect.
We build routines that make children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.
We teach teamwork, kindness, and empathy through shared play and community.
We create structure so that children can explore freely — and grow confidently.
At Celebree School of Franklin–Cool Springs, structure and play go hand in hand to create the perfect preschool day.
-Written by Abby Knight, Assistant School Director
