About the Program
A home-based program for young children ages 6 weeks and up
Honey Bee Schoolhouse is a license-exempt, in-home childcare program in Manchester, Tennessee for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. There is one caregiver and one emergency back-up caregiver. Children at HBSH have freedom to play, engage with a mixed age group, explore concepts at their own leisure, and enjoy the benefits of a learning environment while in the comfort of a home. Our learning model follows the Reggio-Emilia Approach to Education, which is an educational philosophy that views children as capable, curious learners who explore the world through hands-on experiences, creative expression, and collaborative relationships within a carefully prepared environment.
The framework of the in-home program is built upon: quality care, trust, self-direction, and collaboration.
High-quality care begins with warm, responsive relationships in which caregivers truly see, listen to, and consistently meet each child’s needs, building the trust that supports learning, emotional regulation, and healthy development. With a small group size, children receive individualized attention within predictable routines, age-appropriate activities, and safe, clean environments that encourage exploration, social growth, language development, creativity, and problem-solving. Low ratios allow caregivers to offer meaningful interactions, while strong family partnerships create continuity between home and the program through open communication, respect for family values, and daily updates. Families receive a detailed Daily Report on eating, elimination, activities, and overall demeanor, along with regular photos and in-person check-ins during pickup and drop-off.
Trust is essential to the HBSH framework because it is at the core of why it was created in the first place.
Infants, toddlers, and young children of all ages have an incredible ability to develop, meet milestones, learn new concepts, and discover new talents- all on their own. Of course, these abilities are nurtured when accompanied by a supportive parent or caregiver and an environment that encourages them to explore, however, we recognize this capability, and trust that each child will get to where he or she needs to go at the time that is right for them. This could be applied to anything- crawling, walking, potty training, talking, reading, writing, or dancing. Whatever pace your child moves, we support, with unconditional love and respect.
Children, parents, grandparents, caregivers, siblings, and other HBSH children form the foundation of the "hive," all working together to make a working small Community. It is a beautiful process that children and adults enjoy and benefit from.
Being a Reggio-inspired program with an emphasis on play and self-directed activities, our program differs from others in the area- we do not use any formal curriculum or "train" children for Kindergarten.
Once your child nears age three, the caregiver and parents will discuss which path will best fit their needs moving forward: a kindergarten readiness program, or staying enrolled in HBSH. Some families decide homeschooling is a path they want to pursue, while others decide to go into public schooling. Whichever path your family decides to pursue, HBSH will support you every step of the way.
Meet Your Provider
Ms. Erica
Erica has been passionate about early education since 2008. She began her career in High School, where she was dual enrolled with a Teenage Parent Program. It was there that her love for young children began and where she received many of her credentials to work in the field of Early Childhood Ed. She worked in 3 highly esteemed Preschools for about 7 years.
Upon graduation from the University of Central Florida, Erica opened her licensed in home childcare business. It wasn’t long after opening that she became pregnant with her first child. She made a difficult decision to temporarily close Honey Bee to focus on her daughter. She ended up quickly having two more children and stayed home with them for a total of 7 years. During that time, she stayed involved with caring for others by babysitting children in the neighborhood.
In 2024, using the 7 years of professional experience and the additional 7 years of mothering experience, Erica re-opened Honey Bee Schoolhouse to create a meaningful program for other parents in the community. She feels that her experience both working in child care facilities and being a parent to three young children has given her a greater understanding of what families need: meaningful community.
Erica also has a passion for holistic health and is a certified naturopathic practitioner. In her free time, she enjoys: thrifting, painting, hiking at Old Stone Fort, supporting small businesses, visiting local farmers markets, and making memories with her children. Her goal is to expand to a larger facility for early childhood and have another K-12 Private School for children who direct their own education.
