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.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Tennessee licensing records.
Tennessee childcare by the numbers
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.
What'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
Tennessee Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Tennessee runs about $10,440/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Tennessee center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Tennessee
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Check eligibility for Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program. Most Tennessee families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Tennessee often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (833) 740-1440.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing database and tour during operating hours.
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.
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?
Where to get childcare help in Tennessee
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programTennessee Child Care Certificate Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(833) 740-1440 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Tennessee are compiled from official Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 2,704 Licensed Tennessee Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.