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Licensed Daycare in Tennessee

Search 2,704 verified daycare and childcare centers across Tennessee, sourced directly from Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,704
Licensed Centers
$870/mo
Avg Infant Care
$680/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

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 Licensing

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
Financial help

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

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Daycare in Tennessee — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Tennessee is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://apps.tn.gov/childcare/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Tennessee?
State minimums in Tennessee are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:7 toddlers, and 1:13 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Tennessee?
Full-time infant care averages about $870/month; preschool runs around $680/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Tennessee trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Tennessee?
Yes. The primary state program is Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program, reachable at (833) 740-1440. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Tennessee daycare?
File a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 2,704 Licensed Tennessee Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.