The Best Daycare Centers in Bloomington Springs, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bloomington Springs. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bloomington Springs
The Goddard School of Cookeville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Cookeville offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on play-based learning and developmental milestones. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication with parents through a proprietary app. The center is known for its structured yet nurturing environment and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center provides a balanced approach to early childhood education with a focus on Christian values and academic preparation. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math activities, and character development programs. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated infant rooms with specialized care protocols. Staff members receive ongoing training in early childhood development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and the individualized attention given to each child's developmental needs.
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Small World Child Care Center
Independent
Small World Child Care Center offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes social skills, creativity, and early academic foundations. Their program includes daily structured learning activities, outdoor play, and enrichment programs in music and movement. The center maintains excellent teacher retention with many staff members having 5+ years of experience. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-separated playgrounds, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent-teacher communication and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the Bloomington Springs area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bloomington Springs, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bloomington Springs, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Bloomington Springs and all of Tennessee, childcare facilities are licensed and monitored by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety protocols, and facility safety. In a smaller community like Bloomington Springs, many options may be registered family homes (caring for 5-7 children) or licensed group homes. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to do this check for any facility you are considering, as it provides an objective look at their compliance history.
Given Bloomington Springs is a rural area, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
As a rural community in Putnam County, Bloomington Springs offers a mix of licensed family childcare homes, faith-based preschool programs, and potentially some in-home nanny shares. Larger daycare centers are less common here than in nearby Cookeville. Due to the limited number of providers, waitlists are very common, especially for infant and toddler care. It's advisable to begin your search at least 6-9 months before you need care. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can help you discover smaller, home-based providers that may not have a strong online presence.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bloomington Springs, TN?
While costs can vary significantly based on the provider type and age of the child, parents in Bloomington Springs can expect to pay an average of **$120 to $180 per week** for full-time care in a licensed family home setting. Infant care is typically at the higher end of this range. Rates for a center-based facility in a nearby town like Cookeville would be higher, often $180-$220+ 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 to licensed providers in the area.
Are there any state or local programs in Tennessee that help with daycare costs for families in Bloomington Springs?
Yes, the primary program is the Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program, a subsidy for low-income working families, those in job training, or attending school. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You apply through the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Additionally, all Tennessee families can benefit from the state's partnership with **Child Care Aware of America**, which offers a referral service to help find licensed care. For local support, check with the **Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA)**, which may have resources or information on early childhood programs and assistance specific to the Upper Cumberland region, including Putnam County.
What are some key questions I should ask when touring a daycare or home-based provider in Bloomington Springs?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and daily routines, ask specific questions relevant to a rural setting and Tennessee regulations. Essential questions include: "What is your emergency plan for severe weather or medical situations, given our location?" "How do you handle transportation or field trips, if any?" "What is your policy on sick children, and what are your exclusion guidelines?" "Can you provide references from current or former families in the community?" "Are all caregivers CPR and First Aid certified, as required by TDHS?" "What is your staff turnover rate?" In a close-knit area like Bloomington Springs, a provider's reputation and long-term presence in the community are also strong indicators of quality.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Bloomington Springs: