FBC Blakely Early Childhood Learning Center

Emily Jackson serves as our Learning Center director and lead teacher, bringing a lifetime of passion for early childhood education and a deep commitment to nurturing children in both faith and learning. Emily earned her undergraduate degree in General and Special Education (PreK–8) from the University of West Georgia, and has been a certified teacher in the state of Georgia since 2020. She went on to earn her Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the University of Kansas and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2024. Over the past four years, Emily has worked extensively in behavior analysis, teaching young children with developmental delays the essential skills they need to thrive, focusing on social, emotional, and behavioral growth. She has also presented research on learning and processing through differential rates of reinforcement, blending evidence-based strategies with hands-on, nurturing instruction. Her love for serving children began long before her formal education. Growing up in Adairsville, GA, Emily’s love for children’s ministry began in her home church where she was discipled by faithful servants and through their obedience, example and the Holy Spirit’s power, created the environment where Emily came to accept Jesus as her Savior through a Wednesday night children’s program. This experience inspired her lifelong calling to teach and nurture children in both faith and learning by serving in preschool and early education ministry, leading summer camps, Sunday morning children’s services, vacation bible schools, AWANA programs, and Upwards Sports. Emily draws inspiration from Psalm 78, dedicating her work to telling children the glorious deeds of the Lord, and is guided by the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, who reminds us that “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work”, as well as Charles Spurgeon, who said, “Grammar is poor food for the soul if it be not flavoured with grace.” These truths shape her philosophy: every lesson, story, and activity is faith-centered, developmentally appropriate, and filled with love and grace. Emily lives in Blakely, GA with her husband, Stephen, and their daughter, Eleanor, and she is thrilled to bring her experience, faith, and heart for children to every family at First Baptist Blakely