The Best Daycare Centers in Cumberland Furnace, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cumberland Furnace. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cumberland Furnace
The Goddard School of Dickson
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Dickson 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 hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms with modern learning materials. They emphasize STEAM learning, character development, and provide nutritious meals. The school maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options for working families in the Cumberland Furnace area.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Dickson
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Dickson provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development and play-based learning. Their accredited programs feature dedicated infant rooms with primary caregivers, structured learning centers, and outdoor exploration areas. The school employs degreed early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and strict health protocols. They offer balanced nutrition programs and maintain strong parent communication through daily updates and regular conferences, serving families throughout the Cumberland Furnace region.
Daycare Services:
Discovery Place Kids - Dickson
Discovery Center of Dickson
Discovery Place Kids provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on hands-on, inquiry-based learning through their museum-inspired curriculum. Their experienced teaching staff creates engaging learning environments that encourage exploration and critical thinking. The facility features interactive learning stations, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor play spaces. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and employ certified early childhood educators. The center emphasizes STEM education, literacy development, and social-emotional learning, with strong safety protocols and regular parent communication. They serve as a trusted childcare provider for Cumberland Furnace area families seeking comprehensive early education.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cumberland Furnace, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cumberland Furnace, TN?
In Cumberland Furnace and the surrounding Dickson County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $200 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $120 to $170 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas like Nashville but are consistent with rural and semi-rural Tennessee. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some providers may also charge registration or supply fees annually.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Cumberland Furnace is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Tennessee are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any past violations, by using the "Child Care Agency Search" tool on the TDHS website. Simply enter the provider's name or the city "Cumberland Furnace." This report will show their star quality rating (1-3 stars), license status, capacity, and details of any monitoring visits. For very small, family-run operations, be aware that Tennessee allows certain providers to be "license-exempt" if they care for fewer than five children unrelated to them; however, many parents prefer state-licensed facilities for their regulated standards on safety, staff training, and ratios.
Are there any state-funded childcare assistance programs available for families in Cumberland Furnace?
Yes, eligible families in Cumberland Furnace can apply for the Tennessee Child Care Payment Assistance Program (CCPAP), administered by TDHS. This program helps low-income working families, those in job training, or attending school pay for childcare at participating providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online through the TDHS One DHS Customer Portal or contact the Dickson County TDHS office for assistance. Due to high demand, there may be a waitlist. Additionally, Tennessee offers the Early Learning Ventures (ELV) program for some providers to help improve quality, which can indirectly benefit enrolled children.
What is the availability of daycare like in Cumberland Furnace, and should I expect to be on a waitlist?
Cumberland Furnace is a small community, so daycare options are limited compared to larger towns. There are a handful of licensed family home daycares and possibly small centers, but availability can be tight, especially for infants under 18 months due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is very common for parents to encounter waitlists, particularly at the most sought-after providers. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, if possible. Many parents also look at providers in nearby Dickson, Charlotte, or even as far as Clarksville, which may offer more choices but involve a longer commute.
What are some local resources or methods for finding and evaluating daycare providers in the Cumberland Furnace area?
Beyond online searches, a key local resource is the **Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network**, specifically the service for the Middle Tennessee region. They maintain a database of licensed providers and can offer personalized referrals. You can contact them via their website or hotline. Locally, the **Dickson County Chamber of Commerce** may have listings, and community Facebook groups (e.g., "Cumberland Furnace Community" or "Dickson County Talk") are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and reviews from other parents. When evaluating, always schedule an in-person visit, ask about staff qualifications and turnover, check for a clear sick policy, and observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment.
Childcare Insights for Cumberland Furnace
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and for parents in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee, the search for the "best daycares near me" comes with its own unique considerations. Our community, nestled in Dickson County, offers a blend of rural charm and close-knit neighborliness, which often extends to the care of our youngest residents. Starting your search locally means looking for places that not only provide excellent early education and safety but also understand the rhythm of life here in Middle Tennessee.
A great first step is to tap into the invaluable resource of local word-of-mouth. Conversations at the Cumberland Furnace Post Office, the Dickson County Farmers Market, or after church services can yield heartfelt recommendations from other parents who have firsthand experience. They can share insights about daily routines, caregiver attentiveness, and how a center handles the practicalities of rural life, such as weather-related closures or seasonal activities. Following community Facebook groups dedicated to Dickson County parents is another excellent way to discover highly-regarded in-home providers or smaller centers that might not have a large online presence but are beloved pillars of the community.
When you begin visiting potential daycares, there are key aspects to prioritize. Look for clear signs of a safe, clean, and engaging environment. In Cumberland Furnace, many parents value a program that incorporates the natural world, so notice if there’s a secure outdoor play area where children can explore. Ask about the daily schedule, their educational philosophy, and the credentials and longevity of their staff. Low turnover is often a sign of a happy, stable environment. Given our location, it’s also wise to inquire about their communication protocols during inclement weather or power outages, ensuring you’re always in the loop.
Don’t forget to verify the essential practicalities. Ensure any provider you are seriously considering is fully licensed by the State of Tennessee. You can verify this through the Tennessee Department of Human Services website. Additionally, consider the logistics of your commute. The "best" daycare is also one that fits seamlessly into your family’s life, whether that’s conveniently located on your route to work in Dickson, Charlotte, or even into Nashville. Finally, trust your instincts during a visit. The best daycare for your child in Cumberland Furnace will feel like an extension of your own values—a place where you see genuine warmth between the caregivers and the children, and where you can picture your little one thriving, learning, and growing right here in our own community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Cumberland Furnace: