The Best Daycare Centers in Arnold AFB, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Arnold AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Arnold AFB
Arnold Air Force Base Child Development Center
U.S. Air Force
The Arnold AFB Child Development Center is a Department of Defense-certified facility providing high-quality childcare exclusively for military families. It employs a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development, incorporating literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through play-based activities. Staff members are required to have early childhood education credentials and undergo rigorous background checks and ongoing training. The center features secure access, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. It stands out for its military community support, low child-to-teacher ratios, and adherence to strict safety and accreditation standards, ensuring a nurturing environment for children's growth and development.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Tullahoma
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Tullahoma offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a balanced curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and creative arts. Their approach emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development through structured play and hands-on learning. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in continuous professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, indoor and outdoor play areas, and healthy meal options. It is known for its inclusive environment, strong parent communication through daily reports, and flexibility in scheduling, making it a trusted choice for families in the Arnold AFB area.
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Tullahoma Child Development Center
Independent
Tullahoma Child Development Center is a locally owned facility renowned for its personalized care and strong community ties. It uses a blended curriculum incorporating elements of Montessori and play-based learning to foster independence, curiosity, and school readiness. Staff are highly qualified with certifications in early childhood education and first aid, maintaining low child-to-teacher ratios for individualized attention. The center features safe, clean classrooms, fenced outdoor play spaces, and a focus on nutritional wellness. It stands out for its family-oriented atmosphere, regular developmental assessments, and commitment to creating a supportive learning environment for children from infancy through pre-K.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Arnold AFB, TN
What are the main childcare options available for military families stationed at Arnold AFB, Tennessee?
Military families at Arnold AFB have several primary options. The most direct resource is the **Child Development Center (CDC)** on base, which offers full-time, part-time, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with priority given to military personnel. For school-age children, the **School Age Care (SAC)** program provides before-and-after-school care and summer camps. Off-base, parents can utilize the **MilitaryChildCare.com** portal to find licensed family child care homes (FCC) operated by certified providers in the surrounding military housing areas and nearby communities like Tullahoma and Manchester. These FCC homes often offer more flexible hours. Given the rural nature of Coffee County, on-base options are highly sought after, so applying early is crucial.
How do I get on the waitlist for the Arnold AFB Child Development Center, and how long is the typical wait?
To join the waitlist, you must create an account and submit an application through the Department of Defense’s centralized **MilitaryChildCare.com** website. Your placement on the waitlist is determined by your priority category (e.g., active-duty military, DoD civilians, contractors), your requested start date, and the date you applied. Due to high demand and limited capacity, wait times can vary significantly. For infants and toddlers, waits can be several months to over a year. For preschool-age slots, it may be shorter. It is strongly recommended to apply as soon as you have orders to Arnold AFB. You should also explore the network of certified Family Child Care homes as a concurrent option, as they may have more immediate availability.
What are the typical costs for childcare in the Arnold AFB area, and is there financial assistance for military families?
Childcare costs are based on your **Total Family Income (TFI)** tier, a standard DoD policy. At the on-base CDC and SAC, you will pay your assigned weekly fee based on your TFI, which is typically significantly lower than comparable civilian market rates in Tennessee. For the 2024 fiscal year, weekly fees for full-time care at a CDC generally range from approximately $100 to $200 per child. Off-base, in Tullahoma or Manchester, full-time daycare centers can cost between $150 to $250+ per week. Military families can apply for fee assistance through the **Child Care Aware of America** program if they use a community-based, state-licensed provider. This program can subsidize a portion of the cost to bring it closer to the on-base fee.
What Tennessee state licensing standards should I look for when considering an off-base daycare provider near Arnold AFB?
All legitimate childcare centers and group homes in Tennessee must be licensed by the **Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)**. Key standards to verify include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:9 for 3-year-olds), background checks for all employees, annual health and fire inspections, and required training in CPR, First Aid, and child development. You can check a provider’s license status, compliance history, and any reported violations on the TDHS website. When touring facilities, ask to see their license. Family Child Care homes affiliated with the military FCC program meet additional DoD safety and training requirements, offering an extra layer of oversight that aligns with military family needs.
Are there any unique programs or resources for children with special needs in the Arnold AFB childcare system?
Yes, the **Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)** is a key resource. The on-base Child Development Center and School Age Care programs practice inclusion and can provide accommodations for children with special needs. It is critical to register with the EFMP office at the Arnold AFB Airman & Family Readiness Center as early as possible. This allows for coordination between EFMP staff, the CDC/SAC directors, and any outside therapists to develop an Individualized Accommodation Plan. While providers will make reasonable accommodations, advanced notice is essential to ensure proper staff training and resource allocation. For off-base care using fee assistance, Child Care Aware can help identify community providers with experience in special needs care.