Helen Ross McNabb Center celebrated the ribbon cutting of its Therapeutic Preschool program in Chattanooga. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center held a small event and looks forward to welcoming its first class in the fall.
The Therapeutic Preschool program provides early intervention services to children ages 2-5 who have been abused or neglected, or who have experienced trauma of any kind. It is especially important that these children receive the treatment they need to address their Adverse Childhood Experiences in a safe and therapeutic environment, said officials.
“We are honored to open the Therapeutic Preschool program in Chattanooga,” said Gayle Lodato, senior director of Greater Chattanooga Area services for Helen Ross McNabb Center. “This program will help to provide essential services to children in our community.”
Children enrolled in the Therapeutic Preschool program will attend three hours per day, three days per week for 10 weeks. During this time the children will learn to identify emotions and how to effectively express them in everyday situations. The children will also learn how to identify safe adults to utilize in a time of crisis.
Chattanooga’s Therapeutic Preschool program was made possible by Helen Ross McNabb Foundation fundraising, including private philanthropy, United Way funds, Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga grants, Robert F. Stone Foundation grant, First Horizon and UNUM.
For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.