The Best Daycare Centers in Ellendale, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ellendale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ellendale
Primrose School of Bartlett
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Bartlett is a nationally accredited early education center offering the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts with low student-teacher ratios. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured learning environment, and the developmental progress children demonstrate.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Bartlett
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bartlett provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and comprehensive safety protocols. All lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing training. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development in purpose-built classrooms with modern educational materials. The school maintains small class sizes and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Parents highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and excellent preparation for elementary school.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Cordova
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cordova implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character education, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. The academy features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments. All teachers receive extensive training in child development and curriculum implementation, with many holding early childhood education degrees. The program includes technology integration, music and movement, and structured physical activities in dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas. The academy provides nutritious meals and maintains open communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences. Families consistently praise the nurturing environment, educational quality, and the visible developmental growth in children.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ellendale, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ellendale, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Ellendale, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes caring for 5-12 children and childcare centers. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, minimum staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for 3-year-olds), health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database and look for any documented violations before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ellendale, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ellendale and the surrounding Shelby County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $150 to $225 per week. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $130 to $200 per week. Home-based daycare can sometimes be more affordable. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You can apply through the Shelby County DHS office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Ellendale, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers in Ellendale and the greater Memphis region do have waitlists, which can be several months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. For immediate needs, be prepared to expand your search to nearby communities like Arlington or Bartlett and consider licensed family home daycares, which may have more immediate availability.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in Ellendale, TN?
Ellendale offers a mix of childcare options. You'll find traditional daycare centers, often providing care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old with structured daily schedules. Licensed family home daycares are also prevalent, offering a smaller, home-like environment. For preschool-aged children (3-5 years), there are several faith-based preschool programs operating part-day or full-day, often affiliated with local churches. Due to its size, Ellendale has fewer large corporate chains; most providers are locally owned and operated, which can mean more personalized care but potentially fewer formal resources.
What are some key local factors I should consider when touring a daycare in Ellendale?
Beyond standard checks, consider factors specific to the Ellendale community. First, inquire about their severe weather and tornado safety protocols, as this is a relevant regional concern. Ask about their outdoor play areas and how they manage seasonal heat and humidity. Given Ellendale's suburban/rural mix, check if they offer any nature-based or outdoor learning activities. Also, discuss their policies on local field trips and transportation, if offered. Finally, ask about community involvement—do they connect with local libraries, fire stations, or parks? This can indicate a program that leverages its specific location for enrichment.
Childcare Insights for Ellendale
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and if you’re searching for “day cares near me” in Ellendale, Tennessee, you’re likely looking for a place that feels like a second home for your little one. The good news is that the Ellendale and greater Memphis area offers a variety of options, each with its own unique approach to nurturing young minds. The key is finding the one that aligns perfectly with your family’s schedule, values, and your child’s budding personality.
Start your search by considering what matters most to you. Are you looking for a structured educational curriculum, a play-based philosophy, or a faith-based environment? Many centers in our community offer these distinct approaches. Given Ellendale’s location, your search will naturally extend into neighboring areas like Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett, which are all within a reasonable commute. This wider radius can provide more choices, from nationally accredited chains to cherished local in-home providers that have been serving families for generations. A great first step is to utilize online resources like the Tennessee Department of Human Services’ child care finder tool, which allows you to filter by location and view licensed providers’ inspection records.
Once you have a shortlist, nothing replaces an in-person visit. When you tour a facility in Ellendale or the surrounding towns, pay close attention to the feeling you get. Is the environment bright, clean, and safe? Do the children seem happily engaged? Take time to talk with the directors and caregivers. Ask about their experience, their turnover rates, and their daily routines. Inquire about their policies on everything from discipline and nutrition to how they handle sick days. For Ellendale parents, practical logistics are also crucial. Consider your daily commute; a center slightly further away but directly on your route to work in Memphis might be more convenient than one closer to home but in the opposite direction.
Remember, the best day care is a partnership. Look for a provider that communicates openly and frequently, whether through daily reports, an app, or simply a warm conversation at pickup. Trust your instincts—you know your child best. The right place will give you a sense of confidence and peace when you imagine your child spending their day there. By taking the time to research, visit, and ask thoughtful questions, you can find a wonderful childcare solution right here in our community. This investment in your search will lead to a setting where your child can learn, grow, and thrive, giving you the reassurance you need as you navigate the beautiful journey of parenthood in Ellendale, TN.