Pictured, left to right, are: Stephanie Foster, director of MicroCenters, Chambliss Center for Children; Nikki Miller, associate cirector of Micro-Centers, Chambliss Center for Children; Katie Harbison, president/CEO, Chambliss Center for Children; Rashaad Williams, principal, Tyner Middle High Academy; and Karitsa Jones, administrator, Office of Early Learning, City of Chattanooga.
Chambliss Center for Children is expanding access to early childhood education through its growing network of micro-centers, with the most recent site opening on the campus of the brand new Tyner Middle High Academy.
Officials said, "This forward-thinking micro-center model brings high-quality, licensed child care directly into schools, businesses, clinics and municipal buildings across Hamilton County."
The new micro-center located at Tyner Middle High Academy, which not only supports the children of Tyner Academy school staff and nearby Bess T.
Shepherd Elementary, will also double as a hands-on training site for students in the One Chattanooga Early Learning and Care Pathway.
"Through this innovative program, students can earn CDA certification, receive work-based learning credit and even be paid while preparing for careers in early childhood education or child care entrepreneurship," officials said. "The new center is part of Chambliss Center for Children’s growing network of micro-centers throughout Hamilton County. In addition to school-based programs, the agency is working with other local businesses and organizations to bring on-site child care to their sites."
“We have operated school-based micro-centers for over 20 years, but we are also interested in expanding this model into businesses and other community spaces,” said Katie Harbison, president/CEO of Chambliss Center for Children. “By embedding care where people live and work, we’re supporting working families and giving employers a meaningful way to invest in their team’s wellbeing, without taking on the burden of running a child care program.”
Officials said, "More than a child care option, micro-centers serve as a powerful recruitment and retention tool for employers and community partners. Businesses or property owners simply provide the space, Chambliss Center for Children handles the rest. These centers are designed to meet families where they are - offering flexible schedules and customized operations based on the needs of the host location.
"This micro-center initiative is funded in part by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services and reflects Chambliss Center for Children’s ongoing mission to serve Hamilton County’s working families with affordable, accessible and high-quality care."
For more information or to inquire about enrollment or support opportunities, visit
chamblisscenter.org/microcenters.