The Best Daycare Centers in Bells, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bells. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bells
KinderCare at Vann Drive
KinderCare Learning Centers
KinderCare at Vann Drive is a highly-regarded childcare center known for its balanced learning approach that combines play-based activities with structured academic preparation. The curriculum focuses on early literacy, math, and social-emotional development, aligned with state early learning standards. Certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education maintain low child-to-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, daily safety checks, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise the center's strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, highlighting its nurturing environment and focus on developmental milestones for children from infancy through school age.
Daycare Services:
Childtime of Jackson
Childtime Learning Centers
Childtime of Jackson offers a comprehensive early childhood program emphasizing hands-on, play-based learning to foster cognitive, physical, and social development. Their research-based curriculum includes activities for language, STEM, and creative arts, supported by qualified staff with ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The center maintains rigorous health and safety standards, including sanitized classrooms, fenced outdoor play areas, and emergency preparedness drills. With a focus on parent partnership, Childtime provides regular updates and flexible scheduling options, making it a trusted choice for families in the Bells area seeking reliable, high-quality childcare with a track record of positive parent satisfaction.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Jackson
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Jackson stands out for its F.L.E.X.® Learning Program, which blends play-based exploration with academic readiness in a child-directed environment. The curriculum promotes literacy, math, and science skills through individualized learning plans, led by degreed teachers in small class settings. Safety is paramount, with features like keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and allergy-aware meal plans. The school emphasizes holistic development, including arts and physical activities, in bright, modern classrooms and outdoor spaces. Highly rated for its communicative staff and inclusive atmosphere, it has built a strong reputation for preparing children for kindergarten while ensuring a warm, engaging experience for families from Bells and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bells, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bells, Tennessee, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Bells, Tennessee, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes caring for 5-12 children and childcare centers. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, minimum staff-to-child ratios based on age, health and safety inspections, and ongoing training in areas like CPR and First Aid. To verify a specific facility's license and compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's also recommended to visit the facility in person and ask to see their current license and any recent inspection reports, which they are required to post.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bells, TN?
In Bells and the surrounding Crockett County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Tennessee but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers, the cost is often slightly lower, around $110 to $150 per week. Licensed family home daycares may offer more affordable rates, sometimes starting around $100 per week. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Financial assistance may be available through the Tennessee Child Care Payment Assistance program for eligible families.
Are there many daycare options with flexible or non-traditional hours in Bells for parents working shifts?
Finding daycare with extended, evening, or weekend hours in a smaller community like Bells can be challenging. Most licensed centers and family homes operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some in-home providers may offer more flexible arrangements by individual agreement. Your best options are to: 1) Inquire directly with local providers about potential flexibility, 2) Explore registered "drop-in" care options in nearby Jackson, TN (about a 25-minute drive), which may have more extended hours, or 3) Consider forming a nanny share with another family in the area to create a custom schedule. Planning ahead is crucial due to limited availability.
What resources are available in Bells to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
The primary local resource is the Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network, specifically the Southwest Tennessee Development District's CCR&R. They maintain a database of licensed providers in Crockett County, including Bells. You can contact them for a customized referral list. Additionally, the Bells Elementary School or local churches (like First Baptist Church or Bells Church of Christ) can be good sources of community recommendations for trusted in-home providers. For evaluation, always schedule a tour, ask for references from current parents, and use the TDHS inspection lookup tool. Local Facebook groups, such as "Bells, TN Community," are also commonly used by parents to share experiences and recommendations.
How long are waitlists typically for infant care at daycare centers in Bells, and when should I start looking?
Due to stricter staff-to-child ratios for infants, spots in licensed infant rooms are the most limited in Bells. It is not uncommon for there to be a waitlist of 3 to 6 months, or even longer for the most sought-after providers. We strongly recommend beginning your search during your second trimester of pregnancy at the latest. When you tour a facility, be sure to ask: 1) The current estimated wait time, 2) If there is a fee to get on the list, 3) How often they update families on their position, and 4) If they offer a "sibling priority" policy. Putting your name on multiple lists is a common strategy to increase your chances of securing a spot when needed.