The Best Daycare Centers in Crawford, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crawford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crawford
Crawford First Baptist Church Daycare
Crawford First Baptist Church
Crawford First Baptist Church Daycare is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving the Crawford community with a faith-based educational approach. The center focuses on early childhood development through structured learning activities, creative play, and age-appropriate curriculum. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development training. The facility features secure classrooms, age-specific learning centers, and safe outdoor play areas. What makes this daycare stand out is its strong community integration, personalized attention due to smaller class sizes, and comprehensive developmental tracking for each child. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasize both academic preparation and social-emotional development.
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Kiddie Kottage
Independent
Located in nearby Cookeville and serving families throughout the Crawford area, Kiddie Kottage provides exceptional early childhood education with a play-based learning curriculum. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees and specialized training in developmental milestones. Their comprehensive program includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and physical education. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials, and monitored outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, nurturing environment, and the visible developmental progress children make. Their transportation services make them accessible to Crawford families.
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Discovery Place Child Development Center
Independent
Discovery Place Child Development Center serves the broader Upper Cumberland region including Crawford with a research-based educational approach. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and follows a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. Their program includes language immersion opportunities, hands-on science exploration, music and movement activities, and character education. The facility features secure, modern classrooms, dedicated infant and toddler wings, and developmentally appropriate outdoor learning environments. Safety protocols include electronic check-in systems, secured perimeters, and strict health and cleanliness standards. The center is particularly noted for its strong kindergarten readiness program and individualized learning plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crawford, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Crawford, TN, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Crawford, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This licensing ensures compliance with state regulations on staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety standards, and facility inspections. To verify the license of a specific daycare, home, or center in Crawford, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this offers a baseline of oversight and protection for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Crawford, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Crawford and the surrounding rural areas of Tennessee, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas, but can still be a significant expense. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay an average of $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed center or home. Costs vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and age of the child. For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible families, administered locally. You can apply through the TDHS website or contact the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, which serves Overton County, for guidance on local support options.
Given Crawford's rural location, what types of childcare options are most commonly available, and are waitlists a concern?
In rural Crawford, the most common options are licensed family childcare homes and smaller, faith-based or privately-owned daycare centers. Large corporate chains are less prevalent here. Family homes often provide a more intimate setting and may offer more flexible hours, which can be beneficial for parents with non-traditional schedules. Due to the limited number of providers, waitlists can be a significant concern, especially for infant care. It's advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists several months in advance, particularly if you need care for a child under two years old.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Crawford, and are there any local resources to help with the search?
When touring a daycare in Crawford, look beyond the basics. Observe how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Check for cleanliness, secure outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate toys. Ask about their daily schedule, discipline policy, and how they handle emergencies. Specifically for Crawford, inquire about their plan for inclement weather or power outages, which can be more disruptive in rural settings. For help finding providers, use the TDHS search tool and consider asking for recommendations in local community spaces like the Crawford Community Center or the Overton County Library. Local Facebook community groups are also a valuable resource for parent reviews.
How do daycare programs in Crawford typically handle school-age children, especially with the schedules of nearby Overton County Schools?
Many daycare providers in Crawford offer before-and-after-school care programs specifically tailored for school-age children. These programs often provide transportation to and from local elementary schools, such as A.H. Roberts Elementary. They typically offer homework help, snacks, and recreational activities. During school holidays, summer breaks, and professional development days (when Overton County Schools are closed), these programs usually offer full-day "camp" options. It's crucial to confirm transportation logistics, holiday coverage, and the associated costs when enrolling a school-age child, as these services are essential for working parents in the area.
Childcare Insights for Crawford
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and for parents in Crawford, Tennessee, the search for a top-rated daycare is deeply personal. Our small, close-knit community means that word-of-mouth recommendations carry significant weight, and the qualities that define a "top-rated" program here often extend beyond online reviews to include trust, familiarity, and a genuine sense of care. While Crawford itself is a quiet, rural area, parents typically look to neighboring towns for licensed childcare centers, making a slightly broader geographic search a practical necessity.
A great starting point is to connect with local networks. The Coffee County area, which includes Crawford, has active community groups on social media where parents openly share their experiences. Asking for personal recommendations in these groups can yield honest insights about daily routines, staff turnover, and how a center handles communication—factors that are crucial for peace of mind. Additionally, the State of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services website provides an essential tool for verifying the licensing status and any history of inspections for facilities in Manchester, Tullahoma, or Winchester, which are common commutes for Crawford families. A top-rated daycare will not only have a clean record but will also welcome your questions about their curriculum, safety protocols, and staff qualifications.
When considering options in the region, think about what "top-rated" means for your family’s daily life. For many in Crawford, a manageable commute is a priority. Inquire about hours of operation to ensure they align with work schedules, especially if you travel to a larger town for employment. Visit any potential center during operating hours to observe the environment. Look for engaged and happy children, clean and organized spaces, and caregivers who interact warmly and at the child’s level. Given our area’s setting, some top-rated programs may incorporate nature-based play, which is a wonderful asset for development. Ask about outdoor time and how they handle weather, as fostering a connection to the natural world around Crawford can be a special benefit.
Finally, trust your instincts during a visit. The right daycare will feel like a partnership. The director and teachers should be eager to discuss your child’s needs and their philosophy on discipline, nutrition, and learning. They should provide clear answers about their sick policy and security measures. Remember, a top-rated daycare near Crawford is one that provides not just safety and education, but also a nurturing extension of your own values. By combining local recommendations with thorough personal visits and state verification, you can find a childcare solution that allows your child to thrive and gives you confidence throughout your day. This careful search is an investment in your child’s happiness and your family’s well-being right here in our community.