The Best Daycare Centers in Eagan, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Eagan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Eagan
The Goddard School of Fayetteville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Fayetteville provides a premier early childhood education program serving the Eagan area with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas with regular safety drills and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured learning environment, and the developmental progress they see in their children.
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Primrose School of Fayetteville
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Fayetteville offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school serves infants through school-age children with a focus on character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. Their facility includes secure classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Parents highlight the school's clean environment, engaging curriculum, and the caring nature of the staff.
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The Learning Tree Child Development Center
Independent
The Learning Tree Child Development Center in Huntsville serves families throughout the region including Eagan with a comprehensive early childhood program that emphasizes academic preparation and social development. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, science exploration, and creative arts with certified early childhood educators. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and structured daily schedules that balance instruction with play. With nearly two decades of operation, they have established a reputation for consistent quality care, strong parent-teacher partnerships, and preparing children for kindergarten success through their developmentally appropriate practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Eagan, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Eagan, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Eagan, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's license and compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to visit any prospective daycare in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted. You can also contact the local TDHS office for the Upper Cumberland region for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Eagan, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Eagan area and surrounding Claiborne County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $160 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You apply through the TDHS. Additionally, local organizations or churches in Eagan may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees; it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Eagan, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Eagan, waitlists for licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded home providers can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant spots. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6 months before you need care. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their list process (e.g., Is there a fee to hold a spot?), and check in periodically. Many parents in the area also explore options in nearby towns like Tazewell or New Tazewell for more availability.
What are the primary types of childcare available in Eagan, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Eagan primarily offers three types of licensed childcare: 1) **Childcare Centers**: Often located in dedicated buildings, they offer structured programs, multiple staff, and may follow a curriculum. Pros include reliability and social interaction; cons can be higher cost and less flexibility. 2) **Family Home Daycares**: Operated in a provider's home, typically with a smaller group. Pros often include a homelike environment, mixed-age groups, and potentially more flexible hours; a con is dependency on a single provider's availability. 3) **Group Home Daycares**: Similar to family homes but may care for more children with assistants. Given Eagan's rural setting, family homes are a very common and valued option, offering a close-knit community feel.
Are there any unique seasonal or agricultural considerations for childcare schedules in Eagan, TN?
Yes, as a community in a largely agricultural region, some childcare providers in Eagan may have schedules or policies influenced by local farming seasons. For example, some family providers might adjust hours during peak planting or harvest times if they or their clients are involved in farming. It's important to ask potential providers about their year-round schedule and any planned closures. Additionally, many daycare programs align with the **Claiborne County School District** calendar for school-age children, which can affect before/after-school care availability and holiday closures. Always confirm policies on snow days, as rural roads can impact provider accessibility.