QUALITY MATTERS FUND
Community leaders in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, TN value early childhood education because it lays the foundation for lifelong learning, strengthens communities, and boosts long-term economic growth by supporting working families. The Quality Matters Fund was established in 2019 through a public-private partnership to support a strong local network of high-quality child care programs that employ and retain a well-trained and skilled early childhood workforce.
To apply for 2025 Quality Matters Fund programs
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To read the Impact Report from the 2023-2024 QMF
The 2025 Quality Matters Fund will support child care providers with tuition assistance, unique skills training via UTC Wolf Trap Teaching Artist classroom residencies, facility-update “Child Care Builder Funds”, and as of July 1, 2025, the Fire Marshal facility upgrade fund.
To learn more about 2025 GRANT opportunitieS click the buttons below.
Child Care Teacher Tuition Assistance
For Teachers
Earn more money by taking college courses and joining the Child Care WAGE$ pay stipend program. Starting with just two college courses, you can earn $600 per year and beyond! We’ll cover the CDA Exam fee or tuition for up to two classes per semester at Chatt State.
Fire Marshal Facilty UPDATE FUNDS
Chattanooga 2.0, the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and the City of Chattanooga are partnering to support local child care providers with one-time relief funds for important fire marshal facility safety updates. All Hamilton County child care providers are eligible. Award amounts will be determined when applications close Aug 1.
Child Care Builder Funds
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Teaching Artist Classroom Residencies
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Child Care Teacher COLLEGE Tuition Assistance
Community leaders want to help you earn more money by taking college courses and joining the Child Care WAGE$ pay stipend program. Starting with just two college courses, you can earn an extra $600 per year and beyond!
Up to $2,500 in financial support for current, employed child care teachers in Hamilton County, TN to pursue coursework at Chattanooga State Community College – OR – to take the CDA exam. Our goal is to help teachers advance their credentials, meet state licensing requirements, and improve classroom quality – all while earning more money through Child Care WAGE$ TN.
Tuition assistance may cover any relevant courses for continuing education (not just ECE classes). Application details and eligibility requirements are available through the program’s dedicated portal. For specific college course registration questions, please contact Tania at tania.henson@chattanoogastate.edu
In order to ensure students are not dropped from classes for nonpayment, we will strictly adhere to the below deadlines for tuition assistance applications. Any applications received after these deadlines will be considered for the following semester.
• Summer Term Deadline: May 6th
• Fall Term Deadline: August 12th
• Spring 2026 Term Deadline: January 7th
Important Term Information for Chattanooga State Community College
Term (When you take classes) | Date Classes Begin | Date Classes End | Last Day to You’re your Class Without You Being Charged |
Summer 2025 | May 12, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | May 13, 2025 |
Fall 2025 | August 18, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
Spring 2026 | January 20, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | January 21, 2026 |
For questions, visit our FAQ page or email earlymatterschatt@gmail.com
This tuition assistance is ideal for teachers who have failed a college course and need a second chance to pass their course in order to earn back TECTA tuition assistance. Funds are paid directly to the college. Funds must be repaid in order to receive continued funding support in the next semester. Save time and fill out the co-signer form before you complete your application.
