Community Reacts to Siskin Closing Early Learning Centers
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A childcare center in Chattanooga is closing its doors.
The Siskin Institute announced on Thursday morning that they are closing their early learning centers.
These centers are located at their Children’s Institute on Carter Street and the Little Miss Mag Early Learning Center on Lookout Street in Downtown Chattanooga.
These early learning centers according to Siskin’s website have been in operation for over 70 years and have been serving children with special needs and developmental disabilities.
In their announcement, Siskin cited two key reasons why they are closing their doors.
These are rising operating costs and increasing struggles to retain and recruit staff.
They mentioned that if it weren’t for American Rescue Plan funding, the centers would have lost 1.5 million dollars last year.
Derek Bullard, the President and CEO of Siskin, said, “We arrived at this decision by weighing the cost of operating the program against our impact, the quality of the program, and our ability to fulfill our core mission.”
For Chattanooga’s Special Needs community, the loss of the Early Learning Centers will provide a challenge moving forward for childcare in the area.
Dr. Dave Buck, the executive director of the Chattanooga Autism Clinic, said, “Young children with disabilities are in great need of preschool opportunities with quality staff, and all of the schools and organizations in the region are experiencing shortages.”
One parent of a child that went to Siskin, but chose not to be on camera, told us that their family is devastated to be losing care for their child.
They said the teachers and staff at the clinic have been providing excellent care for their children.
They added that they are concerned about the availability of childcare moving forward, as they said it is difficult to obtain childcare in the area, especially those with special needs children.
They are also upset with the lack of notice, as the centers will be closing on September 29th.
Siskin says these closings will not affect their medical, therapy, and other community services.
Dr. Valerie Rutledge, the chair of Siskin’s board, said, “Although the decision to close our early learning centers was incredibly difficult, it will allow ultimately allow us to increase our impact for children with special needs throughout the region.”
Dr. Buck said, “It’s tough to keep these programs going but it’s incredibly devastating to these parents and kids who need it most.”
