The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga’s Early Learning Language Immersion Center is transitioning its preschool program to a new location.
Officials said, "This will ensure continued high-quality education for children in its care. As the teachers and students shift from the current space on Willow Street to the Downtown Early Learning Centers, families can take comfort in knowing that the Y will maintain its commitment to educational excellence and its language immersion curriculum.
"Due to the conclusion of federal pandemic funding and increasing occupancy costs, the Y made the decision to relocate to two downtown sites: the Early Learning Center at the Downtown Family YMCA and the YMCA Early Learning Center at St.
Paul’s. This move will allow the YMCA to continue providing its signature Language Immersion Curriculum, while adding access to additional resources such as swim lessons and fitness classes for children."
“We understand how important stability is for our families, especially during transitions,” said John Donahoo, district vice president with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. “We have provided spots at the new locations to retain all of our dedicated staff, ensuring that children maintain the vital connections with the teachers they know and trust. Our focus remains on delivering a safe, engaging and enriching environment for every child.”
To support families during this transition, Y staff are meeting with every parent and will be providing tours of the new spaces. Y leadership also consulted with outside partners such as state licensing, the Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral Network and Signal Centers, a local leader in early childhood education.
“As we look to the future of the YMCA’s Early Childhood Education programs, I fully support the decision to consolidate services,” said Donna McConnico, CEO of Signal Centers. “The change will allow the programs to focus on delivering the highest quality care and resources to families in a more efficient and impactful way. While it is never easy to close a center, the leadership of the YMCA has consulted with many community partners to seek advice and support. I am grateful that they will be able to retain all staff and offer all families services at another location.”
The Language Immersion Center will fully transition to the new location in January 2025.
For more information, visit ymcachattanooga.org/preschool2025.