Licensed Daycare in Tennessee
Find the right daycare in Tennessee in under 5 minutes. 2,704 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing. Free, no signup.
Tennessee Childcare Licensing
In Tennessee, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:7 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:13 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care LicensingWhat's distinctive about Tennessee: Tennessee's Star Quality Rating System is voluntary but increasingly common. Costs run modest ($870/mo infant) with subsidies for families up to 85% state median.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:7
- Preschool ratio
- 1:13
- Avg infant cost
- $870/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $680/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in Tennessee
View all cities →Tennessee Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Tennessee families can apply for Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (833) 740-1440
Official Tennessee & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
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Daycare in Tennessee — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Tennessee is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Tennessee?
How much does daycare cost in Tennessee?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Tennessee?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Tennessee daycare?
Search 2,704 Licensed Tennessee Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.