The Best Daycare Centers in Collegedale, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Collegedale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Collegedale
The Goddard School of Ooltewah
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ooltewah provides a premier early childhood education program serving families in Collegedale and surrounding areas. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning. The school features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. The facility offers modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents appreciate the regular communication through daily reports and the high-quality educational environment.
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The Learning Center at Collegedale Methodist Church
Collegedale Methodist Church
This church-affiliated learning center has served Collegedale families for nearly two decades with a strong focus on Christian values and early childhood development. The center employs experienced early childhood educators who provide individualized attention with low student-teacher ratios. Their curriculum balances academic preparation with social development through hands-on activities, circle time, and creative play. The secure facility includes monitored access, fenced playgrounds, and age-appropriate learning environments. The program emphasizes character development, literacy skills, and kindergarten readiness while maintaining a nurturing, family-like atmosphere that parents consistently praise in reviews.
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Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Apison
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids of Apison offers a technologically advanced learning environment with their exclusive STEAM Ahead® curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The academy features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, live streaming video for parents, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their Brain Development curriculum focuses on cognitive, physical, and emotional development through age-appropriate activities. The center boasts highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and spacious playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents consistently highlight the excellent communication, nutritious meal program, and strong kindergarten preparation in their reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Collegedale, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Collegedale, TN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Collegedale, the cost for full-time daycare or preschool typically ranges from $150 to $250 per week, depending on the child's age, the program's curriculum (e.g., Montessori, faith-based), and the facility's amenities. Infant care is generally at the higher end of this range. While costs can be slightly lower than in nearby Chattanooga, they are consistent with the suburban Hamilton County average. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Child Care Certificate Program, which provides subsidies to eligible families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with local employers like McKee Foods Corporation or Southern Adventist University, as they may have partnerships or referral programs for employees.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center in Collegedale?
All licensed childcare providers in Collegedale are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a center's license and review its compliance history through the online **Child Care Provider Search Tool** on the TN DHS website. This tool allows you to search by provider name or location and view details such as license status, capacity, ages served, and any documented violations from state inspections. For the most thorough vetting, parents are encouraged to visit a prospective center in person, ask to see their current license, and request references from other families. The local DHS licensing office covering Hamilton County can also be contacted for additional information.
Are there many daycare centers with waitlists in Collegedale, and what strategies can help secure a spot?
Yes, due to high demand for quality childcare in this family-friendly community, many well-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Collegedale have waitlists, especially for infant and toddler rooms. Waitlists can range from a few months to over a year. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 months before you need care. Get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed home-based providers in the area, which may have more immediate availability. Some centers also give priority to siblings of current students or employees of affiliated organizations.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Collegedale, TN?
While most daycare centers in Collegedale focus on full-time enrollment, there are some options for part-time care. Several local church-affiliated preschools (common in the area) offer half-day programs, 2-3 days a week, typically for ages 2-5. For more flexible drop-in care, options are more limited. Some fitness centers, like the Collegedale Commons or nearby facilities in Ooltewah, may offer parent's day out programs or supervised childcare for members. Additionally, you can explore registered in-home providers who might offer more flexible schedules. For occasional needs, consider using vetted babysitting services or apps that connect parents with local caregivers, though these are not licensed daycare substitutes.
How does the presence of Southern Adventist University influence childcare options in Collegedale?
Southern Adventist University (SAU) significantly influences the local childcare landscape. The university itself operates the **SAU Child Development Center**, which serves as a lab school for its education and child development students. This center is highly sought after for its quality curriculum and trained staff, but it often has a substantial waitlist. Additionally, many SAU students work as part-time nannies or babysitters, providing a pool of affordable in-home care for local families. The university community also supports several faith-based preschools that align with the Seventh-day Adventist values prevalent in the area. Parents connected to the university (as employees or students) may have access to referral networks or priority consideration at affiliated programs.