Daycare in Ooltewah (Chattanooga, East Ridge: day care, preschool, live in)

[jwright52]

My family and I are moving to Ooltewah in the next couple of weeks and have a pre-k aged child. We're eligible for the pre-k program, but have discovered that there is a serious lack of aftercare for children in that age group! Hamilton County schools don't provide aftercare for that age, nor do they provide transportation for them. What do working parents in this community do with their pre-k aged children afterschool?!?

I'm exploring every possible avenue so that my husband and I can have my children cared for without dropping hours. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[jkmewright]

j, I am having the same problem. The Y does not transport pre-k (I tried there) and you are right, the schools do not provide day care for children that age. I called the daycare director and the prek teacher @ the school we are zoned for and they had no information. Makes you wonder how all of these other kids get to school and back. SURELY someone has a regular job who has a child in pre-k. Maybe a private sitter? For us, it's another $6k down the drain for another year of daycare I wish I could help

[jwright52]

I was told by the school secretary that the kids' grandparents pick them up, but that doesn't work for us... I feel your pain about the $6K on daycare--we also have an 11 month old.

On a separate note, does anyone know of a good private sitter?

[MSSMOKIE9]

Does anyone know of a senior citizens center in or near ooltewah?

[rpg17]

I am in the same situation. I also have a 3 year old and looking for a full time school...any info would be greatly appreciated.

[jkmewright]

rpg, If you are looking for a wonderful preschool try Aleph Bet in the Brainerd/East Ridge area.

[blsdwmn72]

I'm an educator moving to Chattanooga this summer from NYC. I'm looking into what educational services and care families lack. I've have started the wheels in motion to find out what I need to do to open a center that can help this time gap. If anyone has quick info, let me know. I'm also a trained special education teacher and would like to eventually open up a center where adolescents with disabilities can come and get support but also have some fun.

[littleelvis]

We are moving to the area next summer. So about one year from now and we will have the same issue. Our youngest will not be in Kindergarten yet but more of like a Pre-school with (we are hoping like an after school program). That's what we have now and we love it. We live in WI and they have ONLY full day Kindergarten and all preschools offer after and before school care, either on site or bussed to the location. Hopefully someone sees the need.