The Best Daycare Centers in Ardmore, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ardmore. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ardmore
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Huntsville is a highly-rated facility known for its research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Staff include qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, and the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Safety is prioritized with secured entrances, regular drills, and clean, modern facilities. Parents praise the engaging learning environments, nutritious meal programs, and strong communication on child progress. Located just a short drive from Ardmore, it serves families across the region with flexible scheduling options.
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Primrose School of Huntsville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Huntsville offers a balanced learning approach through its exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities to foster academic readiness and character development. The center features highly qualified educators with ongoing training, safe and stimulating classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Emphasizing health and safety with strict protocols and nutritious meals, it has earned high parent satisfaction for its individualized attention and inclusive environment. Its proximity to Ardmore makes it a popular choice for families seeking quality childcare with a strong educational foundation.
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The Goddard School of Huntsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Huntsville provides a play-based learning environment rooted in the Goddard Play-Based Learning Philosophy, which encourages creativity, problem-solving, and social skills through structured and unstructured activities. Staff hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and robust safety measures like keypad entry and health screenings. Parents value the school's focus on developmental milestones, diverse curriculum, and convenient location for Ardmore residents, with options for full- and part-time care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ardmore, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ardmore, TN, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Ardmore, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes, group homes, and childcare centers. The licensing process involves rigorous background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections of the premises, and adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a facility's compliance and view its licensing history, including any violations, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this information with a personal visit to the facility in Ardmore to ask about their specific policies and observe the environment firsthand.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ardmore, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ardmore and the surrounding Giles/Lincoln County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $110 to $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), the hours of operation, and included amenities like meals. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You can apply through the TDHS office. Additionally, some local providers in Ardmore may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Ardmore, TN, for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding daycare with extended evening or weekend hours in a smaller community like Ardmore can be challenging, as most facilities operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some licensed family home providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers, especially those commuting to nearby industrial or healthcare employers in Huntsville, AL, or Pulaski, TN. Your best strategy is to contact providers directly to inquire about their flexibility. You might also explore smaller, in-home nanny shares with other local families as an alternative for covering irregular hours.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Ardmore, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare centers in Ardmore itself, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to Ardmore begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before care is needed. Be prepared to place a (often refundable) deposit to secure a spot. Also, consider expanding your search to licensed family homes in the area, which may have shorter wait times.
What resources are available in Ardmore to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare program?
Beyond the state's online licensing lookup, a key local resource is the Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) network, specifically the agency serving the South Central region. They can provide personalized referrals to licensed providers in Ardmore and Giles County. You can also contact the Ardmore Public Library or the Giles County Family Resource Center for community insights. When evaluating a program, use Tennessee's voluntary Star-Quality Child Care Program rating system as a benchmark—programs with higher star ratings meet standards beyond minimum licensing. Always schedule tours, ask for references from current parents, and observe how caregivers interact with children during your visit.