The Best Daycare Centers in Chestnut Mound, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chestnut Mound. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chestnut Mound
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located approximately 15 minutes from Chestnut Mound in Gainesboro. They offer a comprehensive educational program using a play-based learning approach combined with structured curriculum. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with monitored access. Their program includes daily developmental activities, nutritious meals, outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate learning centers. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and strong communication about child progress and daily activities.
Daycare Services:
First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Cookeville
Located about 25 minutes from Chestnut Mound in Cookeville, First Baptist Church Child Development Center provides a faith-based educational environment with strong academic foundations. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and Christian values in a nurturing setting. Facilities include secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The center is known for its structured daily schedule, experienced teaching staff, and strong parent-teacher partnerships that support child development milestones.
Daycare Services:
Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center serves families from Chestnut Mound and surrounding areas from their Cookeville location approximately 20 minutes away. This center features a research-based curriculum that incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early childhood education. Their qualified teaching staff holds degrees in early childhood education and receives ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms with educational technology, and expansive outdoor play spaces. Parents highlight the center's individualized attention to each child's learning style, comprehensive progress reporting, and engaging enrichment activities including music, art, and physical education programs.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chestnut Mound, TN
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Chestnut Mound, TN?
In Chestnut Mound and the broader Smith County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. First, there are licensed family childcare homes, which are smaller, home-based settings often offering a more flexible, family-like environment. Second, there are licensed childcare centers, though these are more commonly found in larger nearby towns like Carthage or Cookeville, which some Chestnut Mound residents commute to. Third, there are Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) affiliated programs, which ensure staff have specific training. Due to Chestnut Mound's rural nature, the family childcare home is often the most accessible local option. All licensed providers in Tennessee are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and must meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health protocols.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Chestnut Mound?
The State of Tennessee provides an essential online tool called the **Child Care Agency License Search**. You can access this through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DDS) website. By searching for a provider's name or by county (Smith County), you can view their current license status, capacity, and any serious violations noted during state inspections. It's highly recommended to review this report and also contact the local DHS licensing office for the Upper Cumberland region for any recent updates. For an in-person perspective, you can also ask the provider directly to see their most recent licensing report, which they are required to post in a visible location.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in Chestnut Mound, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Given Chestnut Mound's rural setting, costs can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between **$120 to $160 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Rates for preschool-age children may be slightly lower. These costs are generally more affordable than in urban areas like Nashville but are relative to local incomes. For financial assistance, Tennessee's **Child Care Certificate Program** (subsidy) is the primary resource, administered by DHS. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. It's crucial to apply early, as waitlists exist. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in Smith County may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Chestnut Mound, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, particularly for the limited number of licensed providers in a small community like Chestnut Mound. High-quality spots, especially for infants and toddlers, fill up quickly. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**, if possible. For expecting parents, starting during the second trimester is a good rule of thumb. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update it, and their estimated timeline for an opening. Don't hesitate to also explore options in neighboring communities such as Gordonsville or Carthage to increase your chances.
What are some key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Chestnut Mound during a tour or interview?
Beyond general questions, tailor your inquiries to the rural context. Essential questions include: "What is your plan for emergency medical response given our distance from a major hospital?" (Nearest is likely in Cookeville or Lebanon). "How do you handle inclement weather or power outages common in our area?" "Can you describe your daily outdoor play and learning activities, utilizing the natural surroundings?" Also ask about staff qualifications and turnover, their sick policy, meal provisions, and their philosophy on discipline and learning. Finally, ask for references from current or past families in the community—personal recommendations carry significant weight in a close-knit area like Chestnut Mound.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Chestnut Mound: