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Early Learning

Our Mission

To help Chattanooga’s children receive the best possible start in life by increasing their access to high quality early learning experiences that shape their future.

Our Vision

The Department of Early Learning leads the movement in high quality education where every child in Chattanooga is prepared to thrive and succeed.

About Us

The Department of Early learning is dedicated to the safe and healthy development of our city's most valuable assets: our children. We are committed to creating a system that fosters every child's ability to thrive and learn in efforts to reach their highest potential. We will promote, support, and optimize early childhood development by enhancing fundamental skill development. We will provide public investment, expertise, and leadership to put resources into the hands of those who nurture and educate our children. We will broaden and deepen opportunities and experiences for Chattanooga families and children by strengthening early foundations for little learners and leading sustainable efforts to aid them as they matriculate through their primary and secondary education journey.

Our Divisions

The Department of Early Learning was a newly formed department under the Kelly administration in 2021 with department leadership established in Spring 2022. This department manages the following divisions:

Office of AmeriCorps Seniors - Foster Grandparents

Office of Community Forward

Office of Early Learning

Office of Head Start

Responsibilities

Our One Chattanooga Strategic Plan Goal: Build A Universal Path To Early Learning

Priorities

  • Expand access to early learning for all families
  • Integrate our early learning programs from prenatal care to kindergarten
  • Train the next generation of excellent early learning professionals
  • Partner with Hamilton County Schools to provide high-quality learning opportunities and services for families
  • Make Chattanooga an investment-ready early learning model for the nation

 

Department of Early Learning Focus Areas* for FY 24-25

  • Brain Development
  • Early Literacy and Language Development
  • Prenatal to Age eight resources and supports
  • Pre - K, Kindergarten and 3rd Grade Readiness
  • Multi-generational whole child/family approach strategies
  • Best Practices for Early Learning Provider Workforce
  • Family Friendly Workplace, Best place for working parents designation

 

*These areas are in direct alignment with National Head Start Association - Head Start/Early Head Start programs, Hamilton County Schools Opportunity 2030 plan, Hamilton County- Chattanooga Children’s Cabinet, Chattanooga 2.0 Early Matters 2025 Early Childhood Action Plan, local, regional and national initiatives/priorities.

Leadership

KJ
Karitsa M. Jones
Administrator
CV
Christy Vandergriff
Deputy Administrator
JW
Janice Williamson
Executive Assistant
AD
AmeriCorps Seniors (Foster Grandparents) Director
Claudius Pratt
JT
Jacqueline Thomas
Community Forward Program Director
J
Jaleesa Brumfield
Office of Early Learning Director
MC
Maranda Clark
Head Start Director
BM
Brittany McAdoo
Parent Family Community Engagement Coordinator

Resources

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Contact Us

Call
(423) 287-5055 (423) 287-5055

Hours of Operation

monday - friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.