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.
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
View all cities →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.
Recently Verified Centers
View all 2,704 →Kingsport Learning Tree #193
Atoka, TN
Montessori SchoolJumping Jacks Kingsport #194
Bells, TN
Licensed Child Care CenterKingsport Sunflower Daycare #195
Bolivar, TN
Licensed Family Daycare HomeKingsport Panda Kids Academy #196
Brighton, TN
Licensed Group Child Care HomeKingsport Wonder Years #197
Brownsville, TN
Preschool ProgramLittle Genius Kingsport #198
Burlison, TN
Head Start CenterKingsport Cloud Nine Kids #199
Collierville, TN
Before & After School CareNurturing Hearts Kingsport #200
Cordova, TN
Infant & Toddler CenterKingsport Smart Start Academy #201
Covington, TN
Montessori SchoolKingsport Little Angels #202
Crockett Mills, TN
Licensed Child Care CenterExplorer Kids Kingsport #203
Drummonds, TN
Licensed Family Daycare HomeKingsport Generations Daycare #204
Dyersburg, TN
Licensed Group Child Care HomeDaycare 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.