The Best Daycare Centers in Clarksville, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clarksville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clarksville
Primrose School of Clarksville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Clarksville offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features highly qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure entry systems with coded access, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their approach emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM education in purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials. The facility includes multiple outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups and provides nutritious meals through their exclusive Wholesome Tummies food program. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured curriculum, and nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten readiness.
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The Goddard School of Clarksville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Clarksville implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development through play-based learning. The school employs state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education or related fields and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, literacy development, and social skills through hands-on activities in well-equipped classrooms. The facility features age-specific playgrounds, indoor gym space for active play, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Parents highlight the school's excellent communication through daily reports and the developmentally appropriate learning environment.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Rossview
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Rossview offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum aligned with Tennessee early learning standards. The center features experienced early childhood educators with ongoing professional development in early literacy, math concepts, and social-emotional learning. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry systems, comprehensive security protocols, and regular safety training for staff. The curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, early math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts in purpose-designed learning centers. The facility includes multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated nap rooms, and spacious classrooms with modern learning materials. Parents consistently praise the center's structured learning environment, qualified teaching staff, and effective kindergarten preparation program that includes assessments and progress reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clarksville, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clarksville, TN?
In Clarksville, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $150 to $220 per week at licensed daycare centers. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $130 to $190. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive, averaging $120 to $170 per week for infants. These costs are generally lower than in larger Tennessee cities like Nashville but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Many facilities in Clarksville also charge registration or annual supply fees, which can be $75 to $150.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and check its compliance history in Tennessee?
All childcare providers caring for more than four unrelated children in Tennessee must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). You can verify a Clarksville provider's license and review its compliance history through the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. This public portal shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious violations from the past three years. We recommend visiting the facility in person and asking to see their current license, which should be posted. You can also contact the local TDHS Child Care Licensing office that oversees Montgomery County for additional information. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure minimum health, safety, and staff training standards are met.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Clarksville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Clarksville's growing population, especially with families connected to Fort Campbell, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at highly-rated daycare centers are common and can be several months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, particularly for infants. Some popular centers near the interstate or in newer subdivisions may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring, ask specifically about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is often non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including registered family childcare homes in your neighborhood, can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What childcare resources or referral services are available specifically for military families stationed at Fort Campbell?
Military families at Fort Campbell have access to dedicated support through the **Child and Youth Services (CYS)** program. The Fort Campbell CYS operates its own childcare centers on post, which are nationally accredited and offer priority placement and subsidized fees for active-duty personnel. They also maintain a list of approved off-post childcare providers in the Clarksville area that meet specific safety and quality standards. The **Military Child Care (MCC)** website is the central portal to search for and request care at both on-post and affiliated off-post homes. Additionally, the **Army Community Service (ACS)** office on post offers childcare referral and can provide information about fee assistance programs for off-post care if on-post options are full.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a large daycare center and a home-based family childcare in Clarksville?
Your choice depends on your child's needs and your family's priorities. Large daycare centers in Clarksville (like chains or church-affiliated centers) often offer structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger facilities with playgrounds. They may have more staff, leading to better coverage during absences, but can feel less personal. Home-based family childcare, registered with the state, typically offers a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often provide more flexible hours, which is helpful for shift workers common in the Clarksville/Fort Campbell area. For either option, check their TDHS license, adult-to-child ratios, emergency plans, and ask about their policies on sick children, outdoor play, and parent communication. Visiting during operating hours is the best way to gauge the environment.