City proclaims Provider Appreciation Day and recognizes local childcare providers

The Chattanooga City Council paused May 12 to honor childcare providers with a proclamation read on behalf of the mayor’s office and the Office of Early Learning. The proclamation recognized Provider Appreciation Day — described by staff as a long‑running annual observance — and thanked home‑based and center‑based providers for their role in early childhood development and the local workforce.

Early learning staff introduced award recipients and leaders. Julissa Brumfield, director of early learning, framed providers as foundational to children’s social and academic development: "They are the quiet partners behind nurses, school teachers, school bus drivers, business owners, essential workers in our community," she said. Aikiko Bass, identified as the office’s business navigator, read the official proclamation signed by Mayor Tim Kelly.

Several local providers rose to introduce themselves and their programs, including Nadine Fortson (Nadine’s Neighborhood Child Care Development); Wendell and Renee Taylor (United Learning Center); Gabrielle Barton (Newton Child Development Center); Catherine Gladden (Tweedy's Childcare); Danita Strickland (Serenity Childcare 1 and 2); Shamil King (Little King's and Queenshaw Development Center); and Darryl Wheeler (21st Century Child Development Center). Many described long tenures in the field (from more than a decade to nearly four decades) and characterized their work as a calling.

The proclamation and public recognition were ceremonial; no formal council action was required. The council thanked providers and moved on to regular agenda business.