The Best Daycare Centers in Collierville, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Collierville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Collierville
Primrose School of Collierville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Collierville offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features a STEM lab, music room, and outdoor learning environments. Their approach focuses on character development and academic readiness with low student-teacher ratios. The facility maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school is known for its strong parent communication through daily updates and regular progress reports.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Collierville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Collierville provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated art and movement areas. All lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains state-mandated ratios with additional support staff. Security features include keypad entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pick-up authorization procedures. The school is recognized for its comprehensive enrichment programs including yoga, Spanish, and music.
Daycare Services:
Collierville United Methodist Church Weekday School
Collierville United Methodist Church
Collierville United Methodist Church Weekday School offers a faith-based early childhood education program with a strong academic foundation. The curriculum incorporates hands-on learning centers, literacy development, and social-emotional learning within a Christian environment. The school features recently renovated classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and a dedicated music room. Teachers average over 8 years of experience and hold degrees in early childhood education. The program emphasizes small class sizes and individualized attention, with comprehensive safety protocols including secure check-in systems and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong community feel.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Collierville, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Collierville, TN?
In Collierville, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the type of facility and the child's age. For infant care at a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare providers in Collierville often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum (e.g., Montessori or faith-based programs), and included amenities like meals. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about any registration or supply fees, which are common in the area.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare in Collierville?
All childcare providers in Tennessee, including those in Collierville, must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). You can verify a facility's license and review its compliance history through the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. This public database shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious violations or commendations from state inspections. For Collierville specifically, you can also contact the Shelby County DHS office for additional local insights. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current license certificate, and don't hesitate to request their most recent inspection report, which providers are required to make available to parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Collierville, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to Collierville's growing family population and high demand for quality childcare, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms and highly-rated centers. For popular centers in areas like the Town Square or near the Schilling Farms community, it is not unusual to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infant care. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and applying by the end of their first trimester. For toddler or preschool openings, a lead time of 3-6 months is more typical. When applying, ask about the specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot and how often you should check in for updates.
What are some of the unique enrichment or extracurricular programs offered by Collierville daycares?
Many daycare and preschool programs in Collierville leverage the city's community resources and focus on holistic development. It's common to find centers offering specialized enrichment programs, often at an additional cost. These may include on-site soccer or tumbling classes with local organizations, introductory Spanish language lessons, music and movement programs, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) labs. Given Collierville's strong agricultural heritage, some centers also incorporate garden-based learning where children plant and harvest vegetables. Furthermore, several faith-based centers integrate chapel time or biblical lessons. Always ask for a weekly schedule to see how these enrichments are woven into the daily routine.
How do Collierville daycares handle school closures and inclement weather, especially given local weather patterns?
Collierville daycares typically follow the closure decisions of the Collierville Schools district for major weather events like ice storms or severe thunderstorms, which can occur seasonally. Most centers have detailed inclement weather policies outlined in their parent handbooks. Generally, if Collierville Schools are closed, the daycare will also be closed. For delayed openings, many centers will open at a later time, such as 9:00 AM. It's crucial to understand your specific provider's notification system—most use text alerts, email, or apps like Brightwheel. Parents should also have a backup care plan, as closures can happen with little notice. Some centers may offer limited "bad weather camp" for school-age children on days when public schools are closed but the center remains open.
Childcare Insights for Collierville
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with deep emotional trust. If you're a parent in our wonderful town typing "daycare around me" into your search bar, you're likely seeking not just a location, but a nurturing extension of your home. Here in Collierville, Tennessee, we are fortunate to have a variety of quality childcare options, each with its own character, and navigating them begins with understanding our local landscape.
Collierville is a community that values family, education, and a strong sense of place, and this is reflected in its daycare and preschool offerings. Your search will likely lead you to consider several types of care. There are established, faith-based preschools often affiliated with local churches, which provide structured programs rooted in community values. There are also dedicated childcare centers, some of which are part of larger networks, offering full-day, year-round care with structured educational curricula. Furthermore, Collierville has many wonderful licensed in-home daycares, which can offer a smaller, family-like setting often with mixed-age groups, a popular choice for parents seeking a home-away-from-home atmosphere. The historic Town Square and the growing areas along Poplar Avenue and Byhalia Road are hubs where many of these providers are conveniently located.
As you begin visiting potential places, there are specific local considerations to keep in mind. Given Collierville's growth, inquire about current enrollment and future availability, as waitlists can be common for sought-after programs. Ask about their approach to outdoor time; our beautiful parks like W.C. Johnson Park or the Greenbelt are sometimes utilized for outings, and a provider's philosophy on active play aligns with our community's appreciation for green spaces. Given our suburban layout, understanding drop-off and pick-up logistics is crucial. A center with a well-organized carline can make your daily commute smoother, especially if you are heading towards the 385 corridor for work. Don't hesitate to ask about how they incorporate local culture, whether it's a visit from the Collierville Fire Department or celebrating the town's historic heritage.
The most important step is always the in-person visit. Schedule a tour and observe not just the facilities, but the interactions. Do the caregivers get down on the children's level? Is the atmosphere calm and engaged? Trust your instincts as a parent. Talk to other Collierville parents at the playground or community center; personal recommendations are invaluable in a tight-knit town like ours. Remember, you are looking for a partner who will support your child's development during these foundational years. The right daycare in Collierville will feel like a seamless part of our community, a place where your child can learn, play, and grow safely while you have peace of mind. Your search, though demanding, is the first step in finding a supportive circle for your family right here in our hometown.