Chattanooga’s School Micro-Centers

Challenges

Access, Worker Issues

Location

Tennessee

Stakeholders

Local Government, Nonprofits

Beneficiaries

Job Seekers, Children, Parents

Overview

Chattanooga’s innovative “microcenters” turn unused school classrooms into mini childcare centers serving school staff children.

Key Impact Metrics

12
micro-centers operating in Chattanooga
144
childcare slots provided

Problem

Schools in Hamilton County, Tennessee, had many empty classrooms and faced teacher retention issues. Jill Levine, a principal at one of these schools, noticed that she was losing a lot of her bright young teachers when they had children. There was a significant teacher retention crisis—talented educators were leaving their positions after starting families due to childcare challenges.

Solution

Beginning in the early 2000s, Chambliss Center, a nonprofit, partnered with Chattanooga schools to license empty classrooms as family childcare homes. The host school provides the space for free and covers utilities, maintenance, and janitorial services, while Chambliss pays for teachers, technology, supplies, and insurance. Each micro-center serves up to 12 children ages six weeks to four years.

Results

Beneficiary Impact12 children served per center
Employee Impact3 teachers per micro-center and ~15% reduction in turnover for teachers using the micro-centers
Financial Results$135,000 annual savings on rent

Replication Tips

Conduct space audits in schools, businesses, and hospitals to identify underused rooms that can be retrofitted.
Work with a nonprofit or trusted operator to run the centers, removing operational burden from host institutions.