Kandy Kastle celebrates 42 years of child care

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It was once licensed to provide childcare to 1200 students. Today, Chattanooga’s Kandy Kastle Daycare centers were recognized by city and county officials for 42 years of child care service.

“When you see a child that doesn’t feel good about themselves and don’t project, you know there’s work to do and I realized there was work to do and that’s how Kandy Kastle started,” says Diane Mason.

She started Kandy Kastle in the basement of her parent’s home in 1974. She talked her mother into quitting her job to help start the daycare. By 1997, it was the largest privately owned day care in Tennessee.

Community officials honored the Masons at a ceremony this morning.

“We can trust people with our cars, we can trust people with our houses, or let them borrow our clothes, or whatever – but trusting them with our kids – right Pastor? – now that’s a whole different thing…For people to trust somebody for 42 years, you’ve got to have a heck of a reputation. You’ve got to have people like you and people that think you do a great job. And that’s exactly what’s happened with the Mason’s,” said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.

County Commissioner Greg Beck  also spoke: “To the Masons, for 42 years of serving and preparing our community”

“In so many ways, in my view, the Masons have been great contributors to the community and we thank you for it,” added Council Member Yusuf Hakeem.

The Masons took a break from childcare in 2001 but opened a new Kandy Kastle in 2008.

Now former Kandy Kastle students bring their kids to the daycare.

“I feel that we have worked and we have because we see so many of our children successful and we’re working on the next generation to be the same!” says Diane Mason. “If you start early, you can lead them to a good, good life.”

Her husband, Gerald Mason adds, “We’ve got 229 students now. The community has always supported everything we’ve done and we’re proud of what Chattanooga has offered us.”

Through the years, the family business has served over five thousand students and employed more than six hundred people.

“The whole family – we’re all part of this. And I really am really proud of the family affair,” says Diane Mason.

Today, Kandy Kastle continues its legacy on North Tuxedo Avenue.