|
Parent Handbook
2507 Bailey Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: 423-648-8290
Fax: 423-648-8291
|
About us
|
|
|
Diciree Wheeler
|
Theodore Wheeler, Jr
|
Theodore R. Wheeler, III
|
|
History
|
More than a decade ago, three Chattanooga business activists had a vision to serve the Chattanooga
community in a manner that would have a positive impact on the lives of children, regardless of their
race, ethnicity, or socio-economic background. The vision of these individuals became 21st Century Child
Development and Learning Center.
Theodore R. Wheeler, Jr, a businessman and retired assistant chief of the Chattanooga Police Department,
business woman Diciree Wheeler, and businessman and ex-law enforcement officer Teddy Wheeler, had all
encountered many men and women who struggled tremendously with maintaining stability in their daily
existence. The Wheelers identified the existence of an unstable childhood as a common tread in the lives of
many adults who experience life-long challenging circumstances.
It became a mission of the Wheelers to create a center base learning establishment that would nurture
children and their families in a safe, Christian environment, while enhancing the development of children.
As a result of their efforts, 21st Century Child Development and Learning Center was established in 1997.
Since then, the mission of 21st Century Child Development and Learning Center has been to enhance the
development of the whole child through partnerships with parents, and the community at large.
In 1999, Angela Wheeler Hayes, who was a Federal Probation Officer, was moved to leave her career in
corrections to join her family to share in the charge of impacting the lives of children and their families
through early childhood development. In her position as a probation officer, Angela routinely counseled
adult offenders who shared stories of their traumatic life changing events. Often the offenders’ stories
detailed early childhood events. In August of 1999, Angela joined 21st Century Child Development and
Learning Center eager to serve.
Darryl Wheeler, a noted contributor to the mission of 21st Century CDLC, has been involved with the agency
as a volunteer and board member since its inception.
21st Century CDLC continues to impact the lives of children and their families in the Chattanooga community through its program and dedicated staff.
|
|
I WANT CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD, BUT NOT JUST BECAUSE THE WORLD IS FASCINATING AND THE HUMAN MIND IS CURIOUS. I WANT THEM TO UNDERSTAND IT SO THAT THEY WILL BE POSITIONED TO MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE. KNOWLEDGE IS NOT THE SAME AS MORALITY, BUT WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND IF WE ARE TO AVOID PAST MISTAKES AND MOVE IN PRODUCTIVE DIRECTIONS. AN IMPORTANT PART OF THAT UNDERSTANDING IS TO KNOW WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE CAN DO...
HOWARD GARDNER (1999:180-181)
|
|
Our Mission Statement
|
To enhance the development of the whole child, in an environment where partnerships between 21st Century CDLC, parents, and the community are encouraged.
|
|
|
|