SHADES of Development
We believe that children and families have the right to participate in after-school programs that support their beliefs, values, and goals.
Interest in 2025-26 afterschool at SHADES? Preregister today to add your children to our waiting list.
Click the enrollment tab for more information.
You can support SHADES by connecting your Kroger Plus Care to SHADES. Note: Connecting your card to SHADES does not affect your personal rewards in any way! Click the image to learn how!
SHADES Keeps the Lights on After School!
SHADES of Development is a private non-profit organization that provides Extended Learning Programs during out-of-school-time to students in PreK through 8th grade in the Knoxville, Knox County area. Our programs are in a school-based settings and focus on an adventuring learning approach to support social, emotional and cognitive growth. Inquire today about enrollment. By shopping through Amazon Smile, you are making a difference for kids! Amazon Smile works with your Prime membership and you will receive the same great benefits. Thank you for making a difference!
About Us
https://www.shadesofdevelopment.org/contact/We are a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing afterschool and summer programs to
Locations
SHADES of Development is proud to be serving families and children at nine Knox County School locations.
Parent Portal
Be sure to check out the SHADES Parent Portal to pay fees, update contact information, and access receipts.
FACEBOOK FEED
Our site directors spent Tuesday morning networking, sharing best practice ideas, and reviewing health and safety practices. These moments of collaboration are more than just meetings—they are opportunities to strengthen the quality and consistency of the experiences we provide to students and families every day. When leaders come together to exchange ideas, problem-solve challenges, and reflect on what’s working, it elevates every site across our program.![]()
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Continuing education and ongoing training are essential in the afterschool field. Regulations, health and safety guidelines, and youth development strategies are always evolving. Staying current ensures that our programs remain safe, compliant, and aligned with best practices. More importantly, professional development empowers site directors to better support their staff, build positive program culture, and create engaging, inclusive environments where young people can thrive.![]()
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Ongoing training also reinforces the critical role afterschool providers play in children’s social-emotional growth, academic support, and overall well-being. By investing in professional learning, we are investing in stronger relationships, improved program quality, and better outcomes for the youth we serve. It allows our leaders to be proactive rather than reactive—anticipating challenges, strengthening risk management practices, and implementing innovative strategies that keep students engaged and safe.![]()
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We are truly fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated group of leaders guiding our sites. Their commitment to continuous improvement reflects their deep care for students, families, and staff. Because they prioritize learning and collaboration, our programs continue to grow stronger, safer, and more impactful each year.![]()
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#shadesofdevelopment #weareafterschool #knovilleafterschoolprogram #afterschool4all #easttnafterschool #tnafterschoolnetwork #afterschoolalliance #lightsonafterschool #afterschoolmatters #afterschoolworks #SHADES
🎭✨ Brickey’s Purple Group Brings Brazilian Culture to Life! ✨🎭![]()
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Brickey’s Purple Group had an amazing time diving into the vibrant world of Brazilian carnivals! As part of their cultural exploration, students designed and created their own colorful carnival masks — and they turned out absolutely fantastic!![]()
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While crafting their masks, students learned about the importance of Carnival in Brazil, especially in cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. They discovered how Carnival is a celebration filled with music, dance, parades, and community spirit. From the dazzling samba performances to the elaborate costumes, Carnival is a time when people come together to celebrate culture, history, and joy.![]()
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Through this hands-on activity, our students not only expressed their creativity but also gained a deeper understanding of how traditions like Carnival play an important role in bringing communities together in Brazil.![]()
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We are so proud of their hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning about cultures around the world. Great job, Purple Group! 💜🎨🌎 #shadesofdevelopment #brickeyshades #afterschoolalliance #braziliancarnival #learningnewthings #afterschoolfun #culturalawareness #easttnafterschool #afterschool4all #knoxvilleafterschoolprogram #lightsonafterschool #tnafterschoolnetwork #SHADES
🧪✨ Junior Chemists in Action at Brickey! ✨🧪![]()
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Our Junior Chemists had an exciting day exploring exothermic reactions — and things definitely heated up! 🔥![]()
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Students created their very own Carbon Snakes, watching in amazement as a simple chemical reaction produced heat and caused long, snake-like structures to grow right before their eyes. It was the perfect hands-on way to see science come to life!![]()
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Not only did they have fun, but they also learned how exothermic reactions release energy in the form of heat, sparking curiosity and great scientific discussions along the way.![]()
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We love seeing our students experiment, ask questions, and discover the “wow” in science after school! 🧑🔬![]()
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#shadesofdevelopment #afterschoolalliance #scienceisfun #afterschool4all #brickeyshades #easttnafterschool #afterschoolmatters #weheartafterschool #knoxvilleafterschoolprogram #SHADES #afterschoolfun
NEWS
Stay Up to Date
Stay up to date about events, curriculum, in-service days, holidays, inclement weather days and much more. Be sure to visit the SHADES Event Calendar to be in the know about important dates.
DONATE
Support SHADES
Choose from the numerous ways that you can support the efforts of SHADES of Development to provide afterschool and summer program to all kids in need of support during out-of-school time.
Testimonials
Our Students Love Us
“My son has been going to SHADES for 5 years now and I have always been happy with SHADES, and more importantly my son has been happy.”
“The single most important factor in my decision to use SHADES is the way they partner with Karns Elementary. Having knowledge of what goes on in the school and supporting school activities is paramount.”
“I have been so pleased with SHADES over the last 6 years. The staff has been fantastic. Our overall experience has been very positive and we definitely recommend the program to those entering elementary school or any new students.”
“SHADES puts my child and their safety first.. The staff makes me very comfortable discussing all areas concerning my child.”
Want to know more?
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