More Than Childcare. A Place Where Children Discover What's Possible.
The Cove Childcare & Preschool was created from a deeply personal belief: every child deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to discover their gifts, build confidence, and see what is possible for their future.
For founder Ashley Blackmon, that belief comes from experience. As a child with limited resources, the opportunity to attend a private school opened doors beyond the classroom. It strengthened her faith, expanded what she believed was possible for her life, and ultimately helped shape her passion for creating those same opportunities for other children.
Today, The Cove provides faith-based childcare and preschool in South Huntsville, where children ages 6 weeks to 5 years are known, nurtured, and challenged to grow. Through purposeful learning, strong relationships, and a Christ-centered foundation, we cultivate children's minds, strengthen their faith, and help prepare them for what comes next.
Ashley Blackmon
CEO & Founder, The Cove Childcare & Pre-School
Wife • Mother • Education Advocate • Community Leader
Ashley Blackmon is the founder and visionary behind The Cove Childcare & Preschool. Since 2012, she has dedicated her career to early childhood education, nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—while building supportive communities for children, families, and educators.
With more than a decade of experience, Ashley has led a program through National Accreditation, earned a 4-Star Alabama Quality Rated designation, and secured a First-Class Pre-K classroom through the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. She has also mentored young educators in the field, including many who have gone on to earn CDA credentials and college degrees.
Ashley holds an associate degree in child development and is pursuing her bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science at Jacksonville State University. She also serves on the Child Development Advisory Board at Calhoun Community College and the AgriFCS Advisory Board at Alabama A&M University.
Her experience as an educator, mentor, mother, and advocate continues to shape The Cove's commitment to helping children recognize their potential while supporting the educators and families who surround them.
Mikayle Vaughan
Program Coordinator
Hi! I’m Mikayle Vaughan a child of God, wife, mother, and passionate early childhood educator. I grew up in Georgia and moved to Alabama in 2019, where I’ve continued to pursue my calling in childcare.
Since 2021, I’ve worked in the professional childcare setting and have found so much joy in nurturing and guiding little hearts and minds.
I believe in creating a Christ-centered, loving, and engaging environment where children feel safe, seen, and inspired to grow.
With a heart for service and a creative spirit, I strive to be someone that children, parents and staff can rely on and connect with.
It’s a true blessing to do what I love every single day!
Our Core Values
Our core values are based on holistic, faith-based education. By blending indoor and outdoor classrooms and environments in a home-away-from-home environment, we are able to create a space where children feel empowered and ready to learn.
At The Cove, our trusted teachers will guide your child’s success! Everyone who steps foot in our setting will benefit from our core values:
Working Together, Building Community
Because your family feels like part of ours.
As a family-owned school, we understand how meaningful it is to stay involved in your little one’s world—even when life gets busy.
Your voice matters here, and we’re committed to walking beside you every step of the way. We care for your child with the same love, respect, and attention you would—creating a strong sense of community where families truly belong.
Cultivating Minds, Hearts, and Spirits
Nurturing the whole child through faith and learning.
We believe in the power of The Investigator’s Club—an award-winning, hands-on curriculum that blends academic excellence with spiritual growth. This intentional approach allows us to guide children not only intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually as well—laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and character development.
Committed to Care
Protecting health, safety, and well-being every day.
We are dedicated to creating a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for every child in our care. With double-entry security, classroom cameras, and strict release protocols, safety is always a top priority. We maintain high standards for wellness through daily sanitizing, health checks, safe sleep practices, and emergency preparedness—because every child deserves to thrive in a space that protects and loves them.
Championing Educators, Empowering Excellence
Supporting those who shape the future.
Our leadership proudly serves as mentors and advocates for our teachers, investing in their success through professional development, team building, and educational scholarships. By building a strong, connected team of passionate educators, we ensure that our children receive the highest quality care and instruction—because when teachers grow, children flourish.
Get Your Free Parent Pack
Considering childcare or preschool at The Cove? Download our free Parent Pack to learn more about our programs, approach to learning, faith-centered environment, and what families can expect when they become part of The Cove community.
About Our Huntsville Location
A safe and happy second home!
When you visit us here at The Cove, you’ll see firsthand what makes us different!
Conveniently located off of Highway 565, our setting includes:
Large classrooms with a warm, friendly atmosphere!
Your child is in the best place possible to learn, play, and develop at their own pace. They have plenty of space to explore, make new friends, and feel at home, so they develop comfortably and with confidence.
An on-site nursing room perfect for new mothers.
Nursing moms have a safe space to feed their babies on-site. Keep your baby on schedule and bond throughout the day without having to leave the premises. The staff is on hand with care and essentials to make you comfortable.
Lush gardens, climbers, a basketball court, and more!
Children have access to climbing frames, a basketball court, and bike tracks during their daily outdoor play. They even get to tend to a garden full of fruits and vegetables to connect with nature out in the fresh air.
State-licensed, secure premises keep them safe.
Your child is safe and sound from the time you drop them off. Fully vetted, CPR-certified teachers, restricted-access doors, a private yard, and cameras give you peace of mind as a parent and demonstrate our commitment to safety.
Get Our Free Guide
Choosing the right childcare or preschool is a big decision. You want a place where your child will feel safe, known, supported, and excited to learn.
Our free checklist makes it easier to know what to look for as you compare childcare and preschool options for your family.
Use these 10 questions to evaluate programs, ask the right questions, and feel more confident choosing the environment that's right for your child.
Cleanliness Protocols
We use thorough cleaning methods to maintain an environment that stops the spread of germs. We also teach good hygiene, including diligent handwashing.
Security
We strictly limit access to our facility to authorized personnel and parents and family members who have express permission to be here. Your child’s safety is our top priority.
Transparency
We understand that you’re probably wondering what your child is up to when they’re not with you. That’s why we allow parents to check in by viewing our online text service.
Cleanliness Protocols
We use thorough cleaning methods to maintain an environment that stops the spread of germs. We also teach good hygiene, including diligent handwashing.
Security
We strictly limit access to our facility to authorized personnel and parents and family members who have express permission to be here. Your child’s safety is our top priority.
Transparency
We understand that you’re probably wondering what your child is up to when they’re not with you. That’s why we allow parents to check in by viewing our online text service.
111 Lily Flagg Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35802