The Best Daycare Centers in Big Rock, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Big Rock. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Big Rock
The Goddard School of Clarksville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clarksville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and incorporates play-based learning with structured academic preparation. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. They emphasize STEM learning, literacy development, and character education while providing nutritious meals and regular parent communication through their proprietary mobile app.
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Primrose School of Clarksville
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Clarksville provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum focuses on developing the whole child through character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. Their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program incorporates music, and they offer Spanish language exposure. Teachers maintain detailed developmental milestones tracking and provide regular portfolio updates to parents. The school emphasizes health and safety with strict cleanliness protocols and nutritious meal programs prepared on-site.
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Kiddie Academy of Clarksville
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
Kiddie Academy of Clarksville utilizes their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that prepares children for school and life success through project-based learning and character education. The program focuses on STEM, literacy, creative arts, and physical development while emphasizing values like kindness and responsibility. The facility features secure access systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and age-appropriate outdoor learning environments. Their Communication Board app keeps parents connected throughout the day with real-time updates, photos, and developmental progress reports. The academy maintains high staff qualifications with ongoing training and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. They offer flexible scheduling and include meals and enrichment programs in their comprehensive approach to early childhood education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Big Rock, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Big Rock, TN, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Big Rock, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety inspections, staff training (including CPR and First Aid), and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online or contact the local DHS office. It's crucial to confirm this, as it ensures a baseline of safety and quality for your child.
How far in advance should I start looking for and applying to daycares in Big Rock, and are waitlists common?
Due to the smaller, more rural nature of Big Rock and surrounding Stewart County, quality daycare slots can be limited. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 6-9 months before you need care, especially for infant spots which are the most scarce. Many of the well-regarded in-home providers and the limited centers in the area often have waitlists, which can sometimes be a year long for infants. Starting early allows you to tour facilities, get on multiple waitlists, and have a backup plan.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Big Rock, TN?
Childcare costs in Big Rock are generally lower than in major Tennessee cities but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed in-home daycare, you might expect to pay between $120-$160 per week for an infant/toddler. A licensed childcare center, if available in the area or in nearby Clarksville, would typically range from $150-$200 per week. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum). Tennessee also offers the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible families, which can be applied for through the TDHS.
Are there any unique local resources or programs for finding childcare in Big Rock and Stewart County?
Yes, a key local resource is the Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network, specifically the agency that serves your region. For Big Rock, this is typically the CCR&R operated by the Austin Peay State University Center for Extended and Distance Education. They maintain a database of licensed and license-exempt providers in Stewart County, offer parenting resources, and can help you navigate your search. Additionally, connecting with local community groups on social media (like Big Rock/Stewart County community pages) can provide personal recommendations for trusted in-home providers.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to a rural community like Big Rock?
When touring a daycare in Big Rock, pay special attention to factors important in a rural setting. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plans for severe weather (common in Tennessee) and their protocol for power outages. Ask about their outdoor play area safety, given the potential for more wildlife or uneven terrain. For in-home providers, ensure the home is childproofed and that there is a clear separation between family living space and childcare space. Also, discuss transportation policies if the provider does school pick-up for older siblings, as distances to schools can be greater. Finally, gauge their communication plan, as reliable cell service can sometimes be spotty in rural areas.