Empowering a Community Through Compassion

November 2018

When you walk into Bellevue Learning Center you immediately feel a sense of connection. Dr. Tennell Brown, the director of the center, is visiting with a classroom and encouraging a teacher. In fact, she spends every morning in each of the six classrooms that serve children ages one through five from the Wilmington, Claymont, and Edgmoor communities. “I’m always rooting for our teachers and our students,” said Dr. Brown. “We are team oriented and rely on compassion and engagement.”

The Bellevue Early Learning Center’s team has worked hard and recently earned a Star Level 5 designation – an accomplishment the center is very proud of. “Stars has brought us best practices that has allowed us to continually improve the quality of our care,” said Dr. Brown. “We view Stars as a partner.”

Another hallmark of the care Bellevue offers, is their focus on mindfulness for both their staff and children. One of their favorite activities for students is “glasses.” When a child is anxious or or in a rough spot, he or she simply puts on a pair of glasses. This symbolizes a time to step away from the activity, sit down, and take deep breaths. This break allows the student to refocus and self regulate through calming breaths. There are breaks incorporated throughout the day for teachers to refresh and renew as well.

The powerful connections that happen within the center are also extended to the community. The Bellevue Community Center hosts events throughout the year which always include the Learning Center’s presence and involvement. The children and their families actively participate in the gatherings. For example, the students tend to an onsite garden and feature their harvest at a Farmers Market that is included in these events.

“Empowerment, encouragement, and engagement are our keys to teamwork,” said Dr. Brown. “With our focus always on providing quality care to the children we serve.”