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Midway between Nashville and Atlanta lies Chattanooga, TN—a city creatively turning empty public school classrooms into much-needed child care.
These micro-centers cater to the children of school staff, serving as an innovative solution to a prevalent issue.
Originating from principal Jill Levine’s initiative in the early 2000s, the micro-center model has gained traction.
She repurposed an empty classroom into a safe space for young children as a way to retain teachers.
With support from social services and state agencies, the micro-centers operate under a unique legal framework, alleviating some licensing burdens.
These facilities offer a different approach to child care regulation, combining benefits of both traditional centers and family homes.
The benefits extend beyond the bottom line: parents can easily visit during work hours, fostering a supportive community among staff.
It’s a win-win, helping schools keep their teams intact while providing affordable care.
As communities nationwide face fluctuating populations and rising child care costs, micro-centers present a practical solution.
They repurpose existing space, serving not only as care facilities but as a strategic employment benefit for school districts.
Chattanooga’s success relies on collaboration—public and private sectors working hand-in-hand.
With organizations like Chattanooga 2.0 enhancing early childhood efforts, this model could inspire other cities to think outside the box.
Check the full content here: https://reasonstobecheerful.world/child-care-micro-centers-classrooms/.
