Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee

Every early childhood educator has that story. 😂The one that made you laugh so hard you had to step into the hallway. The one you still tell your family at dinner. The one that perfectly captures the funny, sweet, completely unpredictable world of working with young children.

Now it’s your turn to share it!

Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee is hosting a Funny Classroom Story Contest, and we want to hear your funniest early childhood educator moment. Whether it was a hilarious toddler quote, a dramatic preschool misunderstanding, or a classroom moment you truly could not have made up, send it our way for a chance to win a BRAND-NEW iPAD!

Submit your story at the link in our bio (link is in linktree) by June 7 at midnight.

We can't wait to read your stories!

Happy Memorial Day!

Signal Centers’ operations and programs, including the Hart Gallery and The Speech & Hearing Center, will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. Services will resume Tuesday, May 26.

As we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, we extend our gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

At Signal Centers, we are grateful for the incredible moms and caregivers we serve, support, and work alongside each day. Thank you for all the ways you nurture, encourage, and inspire.

Wishing you a Mother’s Day filled with love and appreciation. 💖

Imagine someone being there specifically to cut the fat from the higher learning process, answering all your pressing questions about how to earn more from TN WAGE$, and steering you to exactly what classes you need to climb higher on the WAGE$ salary supplement scale.
That’s not a fantasy. You don’t have to do this alone. Read our latest blog at the linktree in our bio to learn more!

Happy teacher appreciation day to all our incredible, dedicated, life-changing educators out there!

Have you checked out our March newsletter yet? Learn about the best Teacher Appreciation Week deals, how our education counselors best support you, our annual survey, and MORE! Link in bio.

“I was a middle school teacher in France and when I moved here I started looking for a job. I had absolutely no experience with little kids: I had always worked with teenagers so this was really new to me. I learned from scratch and I enjoy working with young children.
WAGE$ is very helpful. It's more money than what we would be getting without you guys, so it really makes a difference. For me, it's played a big part in me not looking for another job because it's more money. I could teach older kids if I wanted to, but I think that the quality of what I have here with my colleagues and the children, plus my salary and what you guys are adding to it, makes me want to stay.

Do I feel more acknowledged because I have more money coming in through WAGE$? Totally. I think the message it sends is that our work is important and what we do is important. And this money shows us that we’re important and motivates us to stay for several years, if not an entire career."

-Caroline Kroese
Spring Hill, TN

Why does WAGE$ work?

Because it’s not just funding — it’s real change.

💸 Over $29 million put directly into educators’ pockets
👩‍🏫 5,473 educators supported across Tennessee
📚 84.6% say WAGE$ encourages them to keep

This means:
✔️ More educators staying in the field
✔️ More stable classrooms for children
✔️ More families able to go to work and thrive

When we invest in early childhood educators, we strengthen everything.

And the results speak for themselves.

If WAGE$ has impacted you, drop a ❤️ or share your story below — we’d love to hear it.

The child care crisis isn’t just an education issue — it’s a family one and an economic one.

💸 $172 BILLION lost every year
👶 4.2 MILLION children without access
🏫 Not enough educators to meet demand
📉 Families stretched to the brink

This isn’t sustainable — and it’s not okay.

But here’s the good news: solutions exist. Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee is working to strengthen the workforce, support educators, and stabilize child care across our state.

Because when child care works, everything works — families, businesses, and our economy.

📢 Stay tuned next week to see how we’re turning an obvious need into impact.

💬 In the meantime: What has child care meant for your family or workplace? Share your story below.