MICRO-CENTERs
Micro-centers are small mixed age group child care programs that operate under the DHS license of Family Group Homes, located outside of a home-based setting. Chambliss Center for Children has been establishing micro-centers inside the local school system for more than 20 years to serve the children of teachers. The current expansion project in Hamilton County aims to establish microcenters in businesses and other buildings in order to increase the supply of child care seats, especially for infants and toddlers.
Learn more below and contact us to see if your business might be a good fit!
A fully licensed, single-classroom early childhood program conveniently located within your business, school, clinic, or municipal building - bringing quality child care directly to where people work and live.
A forward-thinking solution designed to help expand access to child care in Hamilton County by creating more seats where they’re needed most.
A powerful recruitment and retention tool that supports working families and sets your organization apart as an employer that values work-life balance.
A flexible, high-quality child care option serving up to 12 children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years - providing personalized attention in a safe, nurturing environment.
An opportunity to offer a meaningful benefit to your employees, tenants, or local community - without taking on the complexities of running a child care program yourself.
The space must be located on the ground floor, or have ramp access to ensure safe and easy entry for young children, families, and staff.
Indoor space should offer a minimum of 30 square feet of usable area per child, totaling approximately 600–750 square feet of walkable space to support active learning and play.
Access to an outdoor area that can be transformed into a small, secure play space is ideal for promoting physical activity and outdoor exploration.
The space should be near existing plumbing infrastructure to allow for the addition of a child-friendly restroom within the classroom.
Source: “Employer Child Care Survey from Care.com.” First Five Years Fund, March 13, 2024.
Consult with you on an individualized business structure to maximize micro-center success
Hiring, training, and management of all staff
Enrollment of children and fee collection
General administrative operations (accounting, HR, etc)
Licensing compliance and inspections
Carry the classroom’s liability insurance
Allow in-kind use of your space for the micro-center with a $0 fee agreement
Cover all utilities, janitorial, and other occupancy costs for the space
Fund any renovations to the space necessary*
Assist in publicizing enrollment and child care staff openings to your employees (Full enrollment is necessary to generate enough revenue to cover the cost of the program)
*Potential grant opportunities to help with significant renovation needs
Contact us if your business is interested in hosting a new micro-center classroom.
Stephanie Foster
swfoster@chamblisscenter.org
Nikki Miller
nmmiller@chamblisscenter.org