Sara McFall, Director of The Academy of Cool Springs, was recently honored to be a featured speaker at the 2015 NAEYC conference in Orlando. NAEYC national conferences bring together early childhood educators (teachers, program administrators, students, researchers and teacher educators) to explore the latest research and learn from one another. This year’s event had roughly 8,600 attendees from over 20 different countries!

Sara’s training was called “Pinterest Party” and featured simple and affordable materials that preschool teachers can use to create homemade enhancements for classroom interest centers. These homemade toys and other unique ideas are a great way for teachers to extend learning for their preschool children.
The kids most often experience richer learning experiences when it comes from something homemade that they can really use in a meaningful way.– Sara McFall
Sara’s creativity, love for children and desire to see other preschool educators be great at what they do made her poster training session a huge success, reaching over 500 attendees. NAEYC is the largest early childhood organization in the country and The Academy family is so proud that one of our own was featured as a presenter at this year’s national conference.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

The association comprises nearly 70,000 individual members of the early childhood community and more than 300 regional Affiliate chapters, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. Together, they work to achieve a collective vision: that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. (Source: www.naeyc.org)
The Academy of Cool Springs is one of 5 Academy preschools in Franklin TN. Our award-winning preschools have received the coveted Best of Parenting award for 8 consecutive years. We offer unmatched educational and enrichment programs in state-of-the-art facilities.
These FAQs share clear details on enrollment, daily routines, learning programs, safety, and what to expect once your child begins at The Academy.
The Academy offers early learning programs designed for children from infancy through Pre-K. Each classroom is built around age-appropriate routines, developmental milestones, and learning goals that support growth at every stage. Children receive the structure they need to feel secure while still having the freedom to explore and learn through play, hands-on activities, and teacher-guided instruction.
We use the Frog Street curriculum to provide consistent learning across classrooms and age groups. This curriculum supports early literacy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional skills through structured themes and purposeful activities. Our teachers follow curriculum-based lesson plans while also adapting the day to each classroom’s pace, helping children stay engaged and supported as they make meaningful progress.
Yes. Enrichment programs are included in tuition and offered throughout the week. These sessions add variety and excitement to a child’s routine by introducing creative activities, movement, cultural exploration, and age-appropriate science experiences. Enrichment helps children build confidence, discover new interests, and stay motivated by adding new learning experiences beyond the core classroom schedule.
Strong parent communication is a key part of a successful childcare experience. Families receive updates through our communication system, which may include daily reports, photos, and important notes about meals, naps, or classroom moments. Our team aims to keep families informed, reduce surprises, and create consistent support between home and school throughout the year.
Safety is a top priority at every Academy location. Our centers follow structured protocols for drop-off and pickup, classroom supervision, and daily accountability. Staff are trained to maintain safe routines and consistent classroom expectations while supporting children in a calm environment. During a tour, families can learn more about entry procedures, classroom organization, and how we prioritize safety every day.
The easiest way to schedule a tour is by submitting the tour request form on our website. Once we receive your information, a team member will follow up to confirm availability, answer initial questions, and help you choose the best program for your child’s age. Tours are a great time to explore classrooms, learn about daily routines, and better understand the Academy experience.
Before your child starts, our team will share a simple list of items based on your child’s classroom and age group. Most families bring labeled supplies such as extra clothing, diapers or pull-ups if needed, wipes, and any approved comfort items. Teachers will also guide you through routines for drop-off, communication updates, and what to expect during your child’s first few days.