The Best Daycare Centers in Elizabethton, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Elizabethton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Elizabethton
Little Patriots Learning Center
Little Patriots Learning Center
Little Patriots Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving Elizabethton with a comprehensive educational program. They feature a structured curriculum that includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and social-emotional learning. The center emphasizes school readiness through hands-on activities and play-based learning. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and the center's commitment to each child's individual development.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center provides quality childcare with a focus on early childhood development and kindergarten readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with emphasis on language development, cognitive skills, and social interaction. The center features secure access controls, regularly sanitized facilities, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers maintain state-required credentials and participate in continuous training. The facility offers both structured learning activities and creative play spaces, with outdoor time in safe, enclosed playgrounds. Parent reviews highlight the caring staff, clean environment, and children's enthusiasm for attending.
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Primrose School of Johnson City
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Johnson City, located approximately 15 minutes from Elizabethton, is a nationally recognized childcare provider serving the broader Tri-Cities area. They implement the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum covers literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. Facilities include state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor exploration areas. All teachers meet rigorous qualification standards and receive ongoing professional development. Parents consistently rate this facility highly for its educational quality, communication, and the visible developmental progress children make.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Elizabethton, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Elizabethton, TN?
In Elizabethton, the cost of childcare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant in a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $140 and $180 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates typically range from $120 to $150. Home-based family childcare providers often charge slightly less, averaging $110 to $140 per week for full-time care. These costs are generally lower than in larger Tennessee cities like Knoxville or Nashville. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, many facilities in Carter County offer sibling discounts. Parents should also explore the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) Child Care Payment Assistance program to see if they qualify for financial aid based on income.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare in Elizabethton?
All licensed childcare providers in Elizabethton are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). You can verify a facility's license and review its compliance history through the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (37643, 37644 for Elizabethton). This report will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited violations from the last three years of inspections. You can also contact the local TDHS Licensing Office that oversees Carter County for additional information. We recommend visiting any potential daycare in person and asking the director to see their current license and most recent inspection report, which they are required to post in a visible location. This due diligence is crucial for ensuring your child's safety.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Elizabethton, and how far in advance should I apply?
Waitlist times in Elizabethton can vary significantly. For highly sought-after centers and for infant care (which has stricter staff-to-child ratios), waitlists of 6 to 12 months are not uncommon. For toddler and preschool slots, you might find availability within 3 to 6 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and put your child on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy for infant care. Many local centers, especially those affiliated with churches or larger employers in the area, maintain consistent waitlists. When touring, always ask for their specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot. Exploring smaller, licensed family childcare homes can sometimes offer a shorter wait time.
What are some of the unique childcare options or programs available specifically in Elizabethton?
Elizabethton offers several community-specific options. The **First United Methodist Church Weekday Ministry** is a longstanding, highly-regarded preschool program. The city is also served by **Carter County Schools' voluntary Pre-K program**, which is free for eligible 4-year-olds, though availability is limited and based on income and other risk factors. For school-age children, the **Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County** provides affordable after-school and summer programs. Additionally, several local churches offer Mother's Day Out programs, which provide part-time care. For a more nature-based approach, some providers on the outskirts of the city incorporate the local Appalachian environment into their activities. Checking with the **Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce** can also provide leads on local in-home providers.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare facility in Elizabethton?
When touring a daycare in Elizabethton, go beyond the basics. First, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment—check for secure outdoor play areas and that cleaning supplies are locked away. Notice how staff interact with children; they should be engaged and responsive. Ask about staff qualifications and turnover rates; consistent caregivers are vital. Inquire about their daily schedule, curriculum (even for infants), and how they handle discipline. Given the local weather, ask about their policies for outdoor play and their severe weather/emergency plans. Specifically ask about their sick policy and how they communicate with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or daily sheets). Finally, trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and whether it feels like a warm, nurturing, and stimulating place for your child.
Nearby Cities
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