The Best Daycare Centers in Cookeville, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cookeville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cookeville
The Goddard School of Cookeville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Cookeville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning with structured curriculum elements including STEM activities, literacy development, and character education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication with parents through their proprietary app. The center is known for its comprehensive safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and extensive enrichment activities including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Kiddie Academy of Cookeville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cookeville provides educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. Their certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility includes secure keypad entry, modern classrooms with observation windows, and age-appropriate playgrounds. They offer enrichment programs in music, physical education, and technology. The academy is recognized for its strong communication with parents, health and safety standards exceeding state requirements, and commitment to developing the whole child through structured play and guided learning.
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Cookeville Children's Academy
Independent
Cookeville Children's Academy is a locally-owned childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs with a focus on school readiness and social-emotional development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Montessori-inspired hands-on learning activities. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, spacious classrooms with natural lighting, and shaded outdoor play areas. Their experienced teaching staff includes many with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The academy is particularly noted for its family-like atmosphere, individualized attention to each child's needs, and strong emphasis on building foundational literacy and math skills through play-based learning and structured activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cookeville, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cookeville, TN?
In Cookeville, 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 providers in Putnam County often charge slightly less, averaging $120 to $170 per week for full-time care. These costs are generally lower than in major Tennessee metro areas like Nashville but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, formula) and to inquire about any registration or annual supply fees, which are common.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare in Cookeville?
All childcare providers in Cookeville must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the TDHS Child Care Agency License Search tool online. This public database shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited violations from recent inspections. For a more detailed report, you can contact the local TDHS Child Care Licensing office that oversees the Upper Cumberland region. We also recommend visiting the facility in person and asking the director to see their most recent licensing report, which they are required to post. Checking for accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) can indicate a higher standard of quality, though few centers in Cookeville may hold this.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Cookeville, and how far in advance should I apply?
Waitlists are common for infant rooms and highly-rated preschool programs in Cookeville, especially at centers affiliated with Tennessee Tech University, major employers, or with strong reputations. For infant care, it is advisable to get on a waitlist as soon as you know you are expecting, or at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool spots, a 3 to 6-month lead time is often necessary. Some smaller home-based providers may have more immediate availability. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position.
What are some local resources in Cookeville to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the **Upper Cumberland 2-1-1** helpline (dial 2-1-1 or visit their website), which can provide referrals to licensed childcare providers in Putnam County. The **Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral Network**, serving the Upper Cumberland region, offers free counseling to parents on choosing quality care and can explain state quality rating programs like the Star-Quality Child Care Program. Additionally, the **Cookeville Leisure Services Department** and the **Putnam County Library** often have community bulletin boards with information on local preschools and daycares. For parents affiliated with Tennessee Tech, the university's Human Resources department may offer guidance on childcare options for faculty, staff, and students.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare center or home-based provider in Cookeville?
When touring a facility in Cookeville, go beyond the basics. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, including secure outdoor play areas. Notice how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and the adult-to-child ratio (Tennessee mandates specific ratios, but high-quality centers often have even better ratios). Inquire about their daily schedule, educational philosophy, and how they handle discipline. For Cookeville specifically, ask about their plan for severe weather, as the area can experience tornadoes. Also, verify their sick policy and how they communicate with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles). Trust your instincts about the overall warmth and organization of the setting.
Nearby Cities
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