The Best Daycare Centers in Cunningham, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cunningham. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cunningham
The Goddard School of Clarksville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Clarksville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, creative arts, and social-emotional development. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and nutritious meal programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages.
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Primrose School of Clarksville
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Clarksville provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their exclusive curriculum includes character development, literacy, mathematics, and science programs. Features low student-to-teacher ratios, secure facility with controlled access, on-site chef preparing balanced meals, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and developmental progress reports.
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Kiddie Academy of Clarksville
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
Kiddie Academy of Clarksville offers Life Essentials® curriculum that prepares children for school and life through project-based learning and character education. Their program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and hands-on learning activities. Features state-licensed teachers with background checks and ongoing training, secure building with surveillance systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and structured daily schedules that balance learning and play. The academy provides comprehensive communication through mobile app updates, parent-teacher conferences, and portfolio assessments tracking developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cunningham, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cunningham, Tennessee, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes rigorous standards for staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training, facility inspections, and curriculum. For parents in Cunningham, you can verify a provider's license and view their inspection history, including any violations, through the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's also advisable to visit in person and ask to see their current license, which must be posted. Local home-based providers caring for 4-7 children operate under a "Family Home" license, which has slightly different requirements than larger centers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cunningham, TN?
Costs in Cunningham and the surrounding Montgomery County area are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Nashville, but can vary based on the type of care. On average, parents can expect to pay between $130 to $180 per week for a toddler at a licensed daycare center. Infant care is typically more expensive, ranging from $150 to $200 per week due to higher staff-to-child ratios. In-home family daycare may be slightly less expensive. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some facilities may also have annual registration or supply fees.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Cunningham?
Yes, eligible families in Cunningham can apply for the Tennessee Child Care Payment Assistance Program (CCPAP), administered by the TDHS. This subsidy helps low-income working families, those in job training, or students afford licensed childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. Applications are processed through the local TDHS office serving Montgomery County. Additionally, military families stationed at nearby Fort Campbell may have access to specific fee assistance programs. It's recommended to apply early, as funding can be limited and there may be a waitlist.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in the Cunningham area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
For the most sought-after centers in the Cunningham/Clarksville area, waitlists for infant rooms can range from 3 to 9 months, especially for centers associated with employers like Fort Campbell or Austin Peay State University. Toddler and preschool waitlists are often shorter, around 1-4 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy if possible, get on multiple lists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up with a polite phone call every 4-6 weeks. Consider also exploring licensed family home providers, which may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller setting.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare in Cunningham, specific to local considerations?
Beyond general questions, tailor your inquiry to local factors. Ask about their emergency preparedness for severe weather common to Middle Tennessee, like tornado drills. Inquire if they participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, which ensures nutritional standards. Given the proximity to Fort Campbell, ask about their experience with military families and if they offer flexible hours for shift work. Check their policy on school closures for local districts like Montgomery County Schools, as this affects backup care. Finally, ask about outdoor playtime and sunscreen application, given Tennessee's humid summers, and how they handle the local pollen season for children with allergies.
Nearby Cities
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