The Best Daycare Centers in Cordova, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cordova. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cordova
The Goddard School of Cordova
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Cordova offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Primrose School of Cordova
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Cordova follows the Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and arts. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive continuous training. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and maintains strong parent communication through regular updates and conferences.
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La Petite Academy of Cordova
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy of Cordova provides comprehensive early education with their proprietary Grow Early Learning System™ that focuses on developmental milestones across cognitive, social-emotional, and physical domains. The curriculum includes literacy enhancement, mathematical reasoning, and scientific exploration. The facility features secure environments with surveillance systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. Certified teachers implement individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The center offers flexible scheduling options and emphasizes creating a nurturing, inclusive environment for all children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cordova, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Cordova, TN?
In Cordova, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the type of center, age of the child, and included amenities. For infants (6 weeks to 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,500 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), monthly rates typically range from $950 to $1,300. Church-affiliated centers or in-home licensed providers may be on the lower end of this range, while nationally accredited centers or those with specialized curricula (like Montessori) often charge premiums. It's important to note that these are base tuition rates; many centers also have registration fees (often $100-$200) and may charge extra for meals, supplies, or early/late care.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center in Cordova?
All licensed childcare providers in Cordova, as part of Tennessee, are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). You can verify a center's license and view its compliance history online through the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool. This public database shows the facility's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any cited violations from their last three inspections. For a more detailed report, you can contact the Shelby County DHS office directly. We highly recommend reviewing these reports and asking any center you visit about their most recent inspection results to ensure they meet Tennessee's health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Cordova, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms at highly-rated centers in Cordova. Due to lower staff-to-child ratios required for younger children, infant spots are the most limited. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tour centers at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Some premier centers in areas like the Houston Levee or Germantown Parkway corridors may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring, always ask about the 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 of the key factors to consider when choosing between a large daycare chain and a smaller, local provider in Cordova?
This choice depends on your family's priorities. Large national or regional chains (often found in Cordova's commercial corridors) typically offer structured curricula, consistent policies, and robust facilities, but may have less flexibility and a higher turnover of staff. Smaller local centers or in-home providers often provide a more home-like atmosphere, potentially more personalized care, and greater schedule flexibility, but may have fewer resources and backup staff. In Cordova, consider your commute—larger centers are often near major roads like Germantown Parkway, while smaller providers may be nestled in residential neighborhoods. Visit both types, observe caregiver-child interactions, and ask about director tenure and staff turnover rates specific to that location.
Does the City of Cordova or Shelby County offer any financial assistance programs for childcare?
Direct financial assistance for childcare in Cordova is primarily administered at the state level through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). The Child Care Payment Assistance Program (CCPAP) helps eligible low-income families, those in job training, or parents pursuing education. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You must apply through TDHS, and if approved, you can choose from a network of participating providers in Cordova. Additionally, many Cordova daycare centers offer their own sibling discounts or limited scholarships. It's also worth checking if your employer, especially if based in the greater Memphis area, offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or has partnerships with local childcare providers.