Licensed Daycare in Knoxville, Tennessee

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Knoxville?

Statewide averages in Tennessee run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Knoxville?

Tennessee families can apply for Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program (intake: (833) 740-1440). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

65 licensed daycares in Knoxville, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Tennessee licensing records.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$870/mo

Tennessee avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Knoxville

ChildCare Aware reports the Tennessee average full-time cost at $870/month for infant care and $680/month for preschool. City-level prices in Knoxville vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Tennessee families may also qualify for Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program (intake: (833) 740-1440).

Full Tennessee licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:7
Preschool ratio: 1:13
Avg capacity: 69 kids

ZIP codes covered

37909 9 37919 7 37917 7 37916 6 37912 6 37931 5 37923 5 37915 5

Program types in Knoxville

Before & After School Care

9 centers

Child Care Center

7 centers

Licensed Group Child Care Home

6 centers

How many licensed daycare centers are in Knoxville, Tennessee?

Our directory lists 65 licensed childcare centers in Knoxville, Tennessee, sourced from Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Knoxville?

Statewide averages in Tennessee run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Knoxville daycares?

All licensed Tennessee centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, and 1:13 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Knoxville typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Knoxville?

Tennessee families can apply for Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program (intake: (833) 740-1440). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Knoxville daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.