The Best Daycare Centers in Burns, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burns. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burns
The Goddard School of Dickson
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Dickson 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 includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and emphasizes individualized learning paths for each child's development.
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Kiddie Academy of Dickson
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Dickson provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The program includes technology-enriched learning, hands-on activities, and community awareness projects. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive continuous training in child development and safety protocols. The academy emphasizes communication with parents through daily activity reports and regular conferences.
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Primrose School of Dickson
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Dickson offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their curriculum includes literacy development, math concepts, science exploration, and character development through their Harmony & Heart® program. The school features secure facilities with surveillance systems, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All teachers meet state certification requirements and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and family engagement events, while maintaining high health and safety standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burns, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Burns, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Burns, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This licensing ensures they meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's compliance, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. You can search by county (Dickson County, where Burns is located) or by the provider's name. It's also recommended to visit the facility in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted. For smaller, family-based care (4-7 children), providers can operate as a "Family Home" under specific regulations, which you can also verify through TDHS.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Burns, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Burns and the surrounding Dickson County area, costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $150 to $200 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, the cost may be slightly lower, around $130 to $180 per week. Home-based daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $100 to $160 weekly. These rates can vary based on the program's hours, curriculum, and amenities. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Payment Assistance Program (CCPAP) is the primary resource for eligible families. You apply through the TDHS website or your local Dickson County TDHS office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are daycare waitlists common in Burns, and how far in advance should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists for infant care, in particular, are common in Burns due to the limited number of facilities and the lower staff-to-child ratio required by state law for babies. It is strongly advised to begin your search during your second trimester of pregnancy, at least 6-9 months before you need care. For toddler or preschool spots, a 3-6 month lead time is more typical. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist policy: if there's a fee to join, how often they update you on your position, and their estimated timeline. Exploring options in nearby towns like Dickson or Charlotte may also be necessary if local Burns providers have extensive lists.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Burns, TN?
Parents in Burns have several options, though the selection is more limited than in larger cities. The primary types include: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: These are formal facilities, like the Burns Head Start program (which has income eligibility requirements) or private centers, offering structured care and education. 2) **Licensed Family Home Providers**: These are caregivers who operate out of their own homes in the community, often providing a more intimate, family-like setting for a smaller group of children. 3) **Faith-Based Programs**: Some local churches may offer preschool or Mother's Day Out programs, which are often part-time. Due to Burns' rural nature, there are also many **Registered Family Home Providers** (caring for 5-7 children) who are a common and valued part of the childcare landscape here.
How does the rural location of Burns, TN, impact access to childcare, and what should parents consider regarding transportation?
Burns' rural setting means childcare facilities are fewer and more spread out compared to urban areas. This can limit immediate choices and may require a commute to a neighboring community like Dickson. Key considerations include: 1) **Transportation**: Most providers do not offer transportation services. You will need to assess your daily commute to and from the facility, especially if it's not on your direct route to work. 2) **Backup Care**: Having a backup plan is crucial, as a single provider's closure (e.g., for illness) may leave you with fewer convenient alternatives. 3) **Network Reliance**: Building a network with other local parents can be invaluable for sharing recommendations for in-home providers and potential carpooling arrangements. Always confirm a provider's hours align with your schedule, as options for extended evening or weekend care are extremely limited in Burns.