The Best Daycare Centers in Chattanooga, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chattanooga. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chattanooga
Bright Horizons at Chattanooga
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Chattanooga offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and social-emotional development. The center features the World at Their Fingers curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean environment, and strong communication about child development progress.
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The Goddard School of Chattanooga (Hixson)
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hixson serves the greater Chattanooga area with a play-based learning approach that balances academic preparation with social development. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. All teachers are professionally trained in early childhood education, and the facility features secure classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The school is noted for its excellent parent communication, developmental assessments, and flexible scheduling options for working families.
Daycare Services:
Chambliss Center for Children
Chambliss Center for Children
Chambliss Center for Children is a highly respected nonprofit childcare organization serving Chattanooga families for over 50 years. The center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness and social development. Their NAEYC-accredited program features developmentally appropriate curriculum, low child-to-teacher ratios, and highly qualified early childhood educators. The campus includes secure facilities, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal services. Chambliss is particularly noted for its sliding scale tuition, inclusive environment, and strong community reputation for quality care and education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chattanooga, TN
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Chattanooga, TN?
In Chattanooga, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 per month, while toddler care often falls between $700 and $1,000 per month. These rates can vary significantly based on the type of facility—center-based care tends to be at the higher end of the range, while licensed in-home family childcare providers may offer more affordable options. Factors influencing cost include the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and amenities like meals or technology. It's important to note that costs in downtown Chattanooga or newer suburban areas like Ooltewah may be higher. Tennessee does not have a state-funded universal pre-K program for all 4-year-olds, but the Voluntary Pre-K program in Hamilton County Schools is a free, high-quality option for eligible children, which can provide significant cost relief for that age group.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Chattanooga?
All licensed childcare providers in Tennessee are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Parents can use the "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the Tennessee DHS website to look up any licensed facility in Chattanooga. This tool provides crucial information, including the provider's license status (Family, Group, or Center), capacity, ages served, and any serious violations or corrective actions noted during state inspections. You can also view the provider's most recent inspection report, which details compliance with health, safety, and educational standards. For an additional layer of verification, you can contact the Tennessee Child Care Licensing office for the Southeast Region, which oversees Hamilton County. Always ask the provider directly for their license certificate and their most recent DHS evaluation report during your tour.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Chattanooga, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-regarded daycare centers in Chattanooga, especially for infant rooms, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's not unusual for popular centers in areas like North Shore, St. Elmo, or East Brainerd to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. To navigate this, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee) and check in with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like Hixson or Red Bank, which may have shorter wait times and offer a smaller, home-like setting. Utilizing resources like the Chattanooga 2-1-1 Helpline or the Early Matters Chattanooga coalition can also help identify available openings.
What are some local Chattanooga resources to help me find and pay for quality childcare?
Chattanooga offers several key resources for parents. For financial assistance, the Tennessee Department of Human Services administers the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible families based on income and need (like working or attending school). You can apply through the Hamilton County DHS office. For finding care, the **Early Matters Chattanooga** website and their "Quality Child Care Checklist" are invaluable local tools. The **Chattanooga 2-1-1 Helpline** (dial 2-1-1) can provide referrals to licensed providers. Additionally, organizations like **The Chambliss Center for Children** offer crisis and extended-hour childcare services, which are unique resources in the area. For school-age children, the City of Chattanooga's **Youth and Family Development Centers** offer affordable after-school programs.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare center in Chattanooga?
When touring a daycare in Chattanooga, go beyond the basics. First, observe the interactions: Are teachers engaged at the children's level, speaking kindly and responding to needs? Check for Tennessee DHS licensing certificates and inspection reports posted visibly. Inquire about staff tenure—low turnover indicates a positive work environment. Ask about their policies for outdoor play, especially given Chattanooga's variable weather; do they utilize covered areas or have indoor gross motor spaces? Discuss their emergency preparedness for severe weather common to the region. For older toddlers and preschoolers, ask if they follow a specific curriculum and how they incorporate local elements, like trips to the Creative Discovery Museum or the Tennessee Aquarium. Finally, trust your instincts about the cleanliness, safety, and overall feel of the environment.
Nearby Cities
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