What we do
Early Matters Chattanooga is a coalition made up of over 40 organizations from different sectors invested in early childhood, positively impacting the systems that ensure happy and healthy childhoods in Chattanooga-Hamilton County, TN.
Working together, these organizations promote increased access to quality early childhood programs and services through systems building and advocacy efforts.
We know that access to early childhood programs and services is a key factor that leads to thriving families, thriving programs and a thriving community — making Chattanooga-Hamilton County the best place in the nation for a child to be born and raised. Enhancing opportunities in early education involves improving circumstances that have traditionally limited the full development of many children due to socioeconomic and other factors.
Work is driven within three working groups:
- Early Childhood Educator Workforce (recruitment and retention)
- Policy and Advocacy Committee
- Early Childhood Health
For more information, email earlymatterschatt@gmail.com.
Child care providers looking to sign up for industry updates should use the form at the bottom of the page.
initiatives
The Quality Matters Fund (QMF)
The Quality Matters Fund (QMF) was developed in 2020 to support the child care sector of Hamilton County, TN. To apply for future funding or learn more about past rounds and the impact of the projects that were funded, click the links below.
KINDERGARTEN READINESS
Chattanooga 2.0, Hamilton County Schools, and community partners are aligned around a common understanding of what it means for rising Kindergarten students (four and five-year-olds) to be equipped with the right set of skills to set them up for success in school and life.
Learn about the Ready, Set, Kindergarten! campaign, including materials for parents and videos from the community.
EARLY CHIlDHOOD EDUCATOR WORKFORCE
Currently, our working group is focused on the retention and training of early childhood educators in Hamilton County, TN. We are exploring child care apprenticeships, examining public messaging to support child care, and conducting a cost model for improved teacher pay.
Read our 2021 landscape analysis of the child care system at THIS LINK. In it, we highlight the barriers that families face to accessing quality child care and what we can do about it.
Advocacy
The Policy and Advocacy Committee for Early Matters is a group of cross sector leaders elevating local data and connecting elected officials to the lived experience of providers and families of young children.
PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY 2025
Learn more about the day and how you can show support for your local child care provider on the blog.
Post a thank-you graphic to social media.
Early Childhood Health
Working group members are in the process of conducting a needs assessment to determine the nutritional needs of children from birth to age 8. If you’re interested in participating, please email earlymatterschatt@gmail.com.
Sign Up for Child Care Provider News
Want to be notified about new resources and funding opportunities for child care providers? Have an edit to the child care substitute lesson plan toolkit? Sign up here to stay in-the-know.