Licensed Free Search State-verified

Licensed Daycare in Tennessee

Search 2,704 verified daycare and childcare centers across Tennessee, sourced directly from State Department of Children & Family Services . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,704
Licensed Centers
$1,230/mo
Avg Infant Care
$860/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 State Department of Children & Family Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
State Department of Children & Family Services
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,230/mo
Avg preschool cost
$860/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in Tennessee

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Memphis
235 centers
Chattanooga
187 centers
Nashville
107 centers
Knoxville
77 centers
Lenoir City
21 centers
Franklin
21 centers
Johnson City
20 centers
Harriman
18 centers
Maryville
17 centers
Clarksville
16 centers
Tullahoma
14 centers
Murfreesboro
14 centers
Financial help

Tennessee Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Tennessee families can apply for CCAP (Child Care Assistance 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.

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Tennessee

Preschool Program
338 centers
Montessori School
338 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
338 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
338 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
338 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
338 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 2,704 →
M

Memphis KinderSmile #13

Washington Colle, TN

Preschool Program
A

Active Kids Memphis #14

Mountain City, TN

Head Start Center
M

Memphis Playhouse Academy #15

Mtn Home, TN

Before & After School Care
M

Memphis Learning Center #16

Piney Flats, TN

Infant & Toddler Center
M

Memphis Childcare Academy #17

Roan Mountain, TN

Montessori School
M

Memphis Little Stars Daycare #18

Shady Valley, TN

Licensed Child Care Center
M

Memphis Rainbow Learning Center #19

Telford, TN

Licensed Family Daycare Home
M

Memphis Bright Futures Daycare #20

Trade, TN

Licensed Group Child Care Home
L

Little Hearts Memphis #21

Unicoi, TN

Preschool Program
M

Memphis Kids First Academy #22

Watauga, TN

Head Start Center
M

Memphis Sunshine Daycare #23

Zcta 376hh, TN

Before & After School Care
T

Tiny Tots of Memphis #24

Alcoa, TN

Infant & Toddler Center

Daycare in Tennessee — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Tennessee is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the State Department of Children & Family Services database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Tennessee?
State minimums in Tennessee are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:6 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Tennessee?
Full-time infant care averages about $1230/month; preschool runs around $860/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 CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program). 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 State Department of Children & Family Services. 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.

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