Tyner Academy’s Early Learning Center provides child care for teachers & student training | Local News

Tyner Middle High Academy is introducing a lot of firsts this year, including a brand new building.

Among the highlights is an Early Learning Center: a daycare, intended to benefit teachers and high schools students.

Preschoolers are giving Tyner’s new Early Learning Center a test drive, now that Tyner Middle and High School staff members have a daycare on campus.

“So for my teachers, they have a childcare in our school, so they can bring their children to work,” said Rashaad Williams, Executive Principal of Tyner Middle High Academy. “Also the rate they will pay is about half of market value.”

This team effort, which includes contributions from Hamilton County schools, the city of Chattanooga, Chambliss Center for Children, UTC and Chattanooga State, benefits everyone involved. Of course, it’s a much needed service for Tyner teachers and their children, but it also pays off for Tyner students, pursuing careers in early childhood education.

“There’s so many happening with on-site child care at schools. But what makes this one even more unique, is this will be the only one that will serve as a work-based placement for students who are interested in teaching,” said Katie Harbison, CEO of Chambliss Center for Children.

The program is part of the One Chattanooga Early Learning Pathway, which offers students hands-on, work-based learning experiences in actual childcare and early education practices.

The skills and certifications the students receive will prepare them for future careers in education.

Plus, the students get paid!

“They work in the center and they’re paid to work here. They don’t have to leave and work late hours in fast food. They get to be employed and receive a check through work-based learning,” Williams said.

Principal Williams was determined to have the program in place on the first day at a new facility for middle and high school students.

It’s been a race to the finish, and some parts of the center, like a new outdoor playground, are still on the drawing board. But it’s a start that will give a much needed assist for Tyner staff members and their kids, and Tyner students who will make up the next generation of educators.

“We’re setting the course on what you can do to recruit and retain staff, but also build a program with the training students need and certifications they need to go out and make a livable wage,” Williams said.

Best of all, the students who assist in the child care program will get high school credit for their work.

Hamilton County students will begin the new school year on Wednesday, August 6.