The Best Daycare Centers in Centerville, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Centerville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Centerville
Hickman County Head Start
Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency
Hickman County Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in Centerville. The center follows the evidence-based Head Start curriculum that focuses on school readiness, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. Teachers are trained in early childhood development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The program includes health screenings, nutritious meals, family engagement activities, and special needs services. Facilities feature age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated play areas and educational materials aligned with Tennessee early learning standards.
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Primrose School of Dickson
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Dickson serves families throughout Hickman County with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines academic preparation with character development. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, music, and arts. The secure facility includes monitored access, comprehensive safety protocols, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms. Parents praise the consistent communication through the Primrose app and the school's focus on developing the whole child through their exclusive Harmony & Heart® curriculum.
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Kiddie Academy of Dickson
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Dickson provides educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes learning through play and structured activities. The center serves Centerville area families with programs for infants through school-age children. Features include secure entry systems, daily health screenings, and CPR-certified staff. Curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while developing social skills and character. The academy offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals, and real-time updates through their mobile app. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and maintain Tennessee early childhood education credentials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Centerville, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Centerville, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Centerville and throughout Tennessee, 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. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and nutrition. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database and look for any documented violations before enrolling your child. You can also contact the local TDHS office serving Hickman County for additional guidance.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Centerville, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Centerville and the surrounding Hickman County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $140 per week. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and whether it's a home-based or center-based program. For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program through the Department of Human Services, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the TDHS website or the local Family Assistance office. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in Centerville may offer sliding-scale fees or limited scholarships.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Centerville for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding daycare with extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend care in Centerville can be challenging due to the city's smaller, rural nature. Most licensed home daycares and centers operate on a standard weekday schedule, typically from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Your best options are to inquire directly with individual home-based providers, as some may offer more flexible hours by arrangement. For reliable evening or weekend care, you may need to explore options with registered in-home babysitters or nanny shares within the community. Networking through local Facebook groups like "Centerville, TN Community" or "Hickman County Parents" can be a valuable way to find caregivers who accommodate shift work.
What should I look for when touring a daycare facility in Centerville to ensure it's a safe and nurturing environment?
When touring a daycare in Centerville, go beyond the basics. First, observe the cleanliness and safety: check for secure entrances, covered electrical outlets, age-appropriate toys, and clear evacuation plans. Notice how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff qualifications and turnover rates. Inquire about their daily schedule, including outdoor playtime (important in our rural setting) and how they handle discipline. Specifically ask about their protocols for severe weather, given Tennessee's climate, and how they communicate with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or daily sheets). Trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers or home daycares in Centerville, and when should I start looking for care?
For the most sought-after licensed daycare providers and centers in Centerville, waitlists can vary from a few months to over a year, especially for infant spots, which are limited by strict staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally in your second trimester. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they offer a "sibling priority" policy. Be prepared to place a deposit to secure a spot. Due to limited options, many parents also expand their search to nearby towns like Dickson or Columbia, which may have more facilities but also longer commutes. Starting early and being flexible are key in the Hickman County childcare market.