The Best Daycare Centers in Brentwood, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brentwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brentwood
Primrose School of Brentwood
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Brentwood offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. Features include secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education backgrounds, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. The school emphasizes whole-child development with dedicated music, art, and physical education programs, plus regular parent communication through the Primrose Schools app.
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The Goddard School of Brentwood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Brentwood provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, low student-teacher ratios, and highly qualified early childhood educators. The program includes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, yoga, and music. The facility offers modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents receive daily activity reports and photos through the proprietary mobile app.
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Cadence Academy Preschool of Franklin
Cadence Education
Located just minutes from Brentwood in Franklin, Cadence Academy Preschool serves families throughout Williamson County with a comprehensive early childhood program. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The center features secure entry systems, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and spacious indoor/outdoor learning environments. Special programs include Spanish language exposure, music and movement classes, and technology-integrated learning. The academy maintains excellent staff retention and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brentwood, TN
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Brentwood, TN, and what factors influence the price?
In Brentwood, TN, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers, it's slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,500 per month. These costs are generally higher than the Tennessee state average due to Brentwood's affluent community and high cost of living. Factors that influence the price include the type of facility (corporate chain vs. in-home licensed daycare), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of educational curricula (like Montessori or Reggio Emilia), and extra amenities such as organic meals, webcam access, or extended hours. It's important to note that many centers have annual registration or supply fees ranging from $100 to $300.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Brentwood, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Brentwood can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. For popular centers, it's not uncommon for parents to add their child to a waitlist before the child is born or shortly after. We recommend starting your search and making inquiries at least 12 months before your desired start date. Many centers have "sibling priority" policies, so securing a spot for your first child can ease the process for subsequent children. It's wise to get on multiple waitlists and maintain communication with the centers every few months.
What are the key differences between licensed childcare centers and licensed family childcare homes in Brentwood?
In Brentwood, parents have two primary licensed options: childcare centers and family childcare homes (often called in-home daycares). Centers are larger facilities, often part of chains (like Primrose or The Goddard School), offering structured programs, multiple classrooms by age, and larger staff teams. They typically have more resources and extracurricular activities. Family childcare homes are smaller, run out of a provider's residence, and are licensed for fewer children (usually 6-12). They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment with mixed-age groups and potentially lower costs. Both are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) but must meet different sets of standards for space, ratios, and safety. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize a structured educational environment or a smaller, family-oriented setting.
Are there any Brentwood-specific resources or programs to help parents find and evaluate local childcare options?
Yes, Brentwood parents have several valuable local resources. The primary tool is the Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral Network (CCR&R), which maintains a searchable database of all licensed providers in Williamson County, including Brentwood. You can filter by location, age, and type of care. Additionally, the City of Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department offers preschool programs and seasonal camps, which can be a part-time childcare solution. For evaluations, many parents rely on local Facebook groups (e.g., "Brentwood, TN Moms") for firsthand recommendations and reviews. The Williamson County Schools website is also a resource, as some daycare centers partner with or feed into specific elementary schools, which can be a consideration for continuity.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios and safety regulations I should verify when touring a daycare in Brentwood?
All licensed facilities in Brentwood must adhere to Tennessee state regulations enforced by TDHS. Key ratios are: 1:4 for infants (0-12 months), 1:5 for toddlers (12-24 months), 1:7 for 2-year-olds, and 1:9 for 3-year-olds. For preschool (4-year-olds), it's 1:10. During tours, you should verify that these ratios are maintained in each classroom. Important safety regulations include mandatory background checks for all staff, specific square footage requirements per child, safe sleep practices for infants (ABC - Alone, on their Back, in a Crib), and detailed emergency preparedness plans for events like tornadoes, which are relevant to Middle Tennessee. Don't hesitate to ask the director for proof of their current license and their most recent inspection report, which is public record.