The Best Daycare Centers in Apison, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Apison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Apison
The Goddard School of Collegedale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Collegedale offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff.
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Little Debbie's Day Care & Learning Center
Independent
Family-owned and operated since 2006, Little Debbie's Day Care provides personalized care with a strong educational foundation. Their play-based curriculum incorporates early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features secure facilities with CCTV monitoring, age-separated classrooms, and large outdoor play areas. Staff members are CPR/first-aid certified and participate in ongoing professional development. They offer flexible scheduling, home-cooked nutritious meals, and maintain excellent parent relationships through daily reports and open communication. Specializes in creating a nurturing, home-like environment while preparing children for kindergarten.
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Primrose School of Ooltewah
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Ooltewah delivers balanced learning through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The school features secure, technology-enhanced facilities with dedicated music and art rooms, indoor gymnasium, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their degreed teachers implement research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, character development, and hands-on learning. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and strict health protocols. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and family events. Offers exclusive enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and philanthropy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Apison, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Apison, TN, and what factors influence the price?
In Apison and the surrounding Hamilton County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $150 to $220 per week. Several factors influence these prices, including the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of meals and curriculum, and the specific age of your child. Home-based daycares in Apison may sometimes offer more competitive rates. It's important to note that these are average estimates, and prices can vary. Many facilities also charge registration or supply fees annually. Compared to larger cities like Chattanooga, Apison can offer a slight cost advantage, but high-quality programs with advanced curricula or extended hours will be at the higher end of the spectrum.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare provider in Apison?
All licensed childcare providers in Apison, Tennessee, are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, you should visit the TDHS Child Care Agency Search website. You can search by provider name, city (Apison), or zip code. This report will show the facility's license status (Active, Probation, etc.), capacity, ages served, and, crucially, a history of inspection reports noting any violations. You can also call the TDHS Child Care Licensing office for the East Tennessee region for assistance. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your tour. Unlicensed care is legal in Tennessee for caring for up to 4 unrelated children, but these providers are not subject to state inspections, so due diligence is entirely up to the parent.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Apison, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler spots at reputable daycare centers and licensed home providers in Apison. Due to the smaller number of facilities in this semi-rural community compared to Chattanooga, high-quality options often have limited availability. For infant care (6 weeks to 12 months), it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool openings, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position.
What are my options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Apison area?
For school-age children attending Apison Elementary or other schools in the Collegedale/Ooltewah zone, you have a few primary options. First, many local daycare centers offer before and after-school programs that include transportation to and from the school. Second, the Apison Elementary PTA or school district may facilitate information on private, licensed providers who offer transportation. Third, some in-home daycare providers specialize in school-age care. These programs typically run from around 6:30-7:30 AM until school starts and then from school dismissal until 6:00 PM. They often provide homework help, snacks, and recreational activities. Costs are generally lower than full-time daycare, averaging $75-$120 per week. It's essential to confirm transportation logistics and driver credentials as part of your selection process.
What local resources or networks can help me find and evaluate childcare in Apison?
Parents in Apison have several valuable local resources. The primary tool is the **Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCR&R)**, operated by the Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC). You can call their referral line or use their online search to get a customized list of licensed providers in your zip code. Locally, connecting with other parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Apison, TN Community" or "Ooltewah/Collegedale Moms") is incredibly effective for getting personal recommendations and learning about upcoming openings. Additionally, your pediatrician's office in the Ooltewah/Chattanooga area often has insights into reputable local providers. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Tennessee's voluntary quality rating system, the Star-Quality Child Care Program, which indicates a higher standard of care and learning.