Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted After-School Programs in Knoxville, TN
Founded in 1995, Shades Of Development has dedicated over 27 years to providing high-quality after-school and summer programs for PreK through 8th grade students in Knoxville, TN. Our mission centers on creating safe, nurturing environments where children develop essential life skills through adventure-based learning. We partner directly with Knox County Schools to align our programs with academic goals while emphasizing social-emotional growth. Our team of experienced educators and staff maintains a strong commitment to fostering mutual respect between children, families, and program leaders. With 10 locations across the county, we serve diverse communities through structured activities that promote cognitive development and positive relationship-building.Our approach combines structured learning with creative exploration, ensuring each child receives individualized attention in a supportive setting. As a non-profit organization, we prioritize accessibility and community impact over profit, maintaining transparent communication with families about program details and child progress. Our board of directors and advisory council include education professionals with decades of combined experience in youth development programs.
Services
After-school programs
Summer programs
Educational enrichment
Social-emotional learning
Parent resources
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 27 years of experience serving Knox County students since 1995
- School-based programs aligned with academic calendars and staff
- Adventure learning approach combining education with creative exploration
- Proven track record with positive family testimonials across 10 locations
- Dedicated staff trained in social-emotional development and child safety
What people say
Fantastic staff
Positive experience
Child safety focus
School partnerships
Creative activities
Services
After-school Programs
Structured after-school care providing homework assistance, educational activities, and supervised play. Programs operate during school terms at 10 Knox County locations. Focus areas include social skill development and academic reinforcement through adventure-based learning.
Summer Programs
Comprehensive summer programming combining educational enrichment with recreational activities. Maintains consistent staff-child relationships while offering seasonal learning opportunities. Available at all 10 Knox County locations during summer months.
Educational Enrichment
Curriculum focused on enhancing cognitive abilities through structured learning activities. Includes STEM projects, literacy programs, and creative arts. Designed to complement school-year education while preventing summer learning loss.
Social-emotional Learning
Specialized programming developing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. Uses group activities to teach conflict resolution, teamwork, and self-expression. Integrated across all grade-level offerings with trained staff support.
Parent Resources
Online portal for enrollment management, payment processing, and communication. Provides access to health forms, event calendars, and program updates. Includes multiple contact channels for parent-staff interaction.
People
Tyler Morrow
Chairman of the Board
Leading the board with strategic vision, Tyler brings business leadership experience to guide SHADES' organizational development and community partnerships.
Sindy Dawkins-Schade
Executive Director
Overseeing daily operations, Sindy ensures program quality across all locations while maintaining partnerships with Knox County Schools and community stakeholders.
Liz Turpin
Chair Elect/Co-Treasurer
Managing financial operations, Liz brings expertise in nonprofit budgeting and resource allocation to support sustainable program expansion.
Allison Bray
Secretary
Handling organizational records, Allison ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting board decision-making processes.
PJ Hoskins
Board Member
Contributing community perspective, PJ advocates for family needs and helps shape policies that improve program accessibility for diverse populations.
Questions
What age groups do SHADES programs serve?
Our programs serve children from PreK through 8th grade at 10 Knox County School locations.
How does enrollment work for after-school programs?
Enrollment details and waiting list registration are available through our website's enrollment tab.
Are summer programs different from regular after-school offerings?
Summer programs maintain our core educational approach while incorporating seasonal activities and extended care options.
How does SHADES ensure child safety?
We prioritize safety through trained staff, school-based locations, and clear communication protocols with families.
Can parents get involved with SHADES programs?
Parents can support through volunteering, donations, or connecting Kroger Plus Care cards to our organization.
