The Best Daycare Centers in Estill Springs, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Estill Springs. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Estill Springs
Kidz World Learning Center
Independent
Kidz World Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility in Estill Springs offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a structured curriculum that combines play-based learning with academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff who receive ongoing training in early childhood development. Facilities include secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. Their infant program emphasizes individualized care with detailed daily reports, while their preschool program prepares children for kindergarten with phonics, math readiness, and social skills development.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Tullahoma serves families throughout the Estill Springs area with their nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum focuses on seven learning domains: creative expression, executive function, social-emotional development, literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices in bright, well-equipped classrooms. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, character development, and school readiness, with regular parent communication through their proprietary mobile app.
Daycare Services:
Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Tullahoma
Kids R Kids International
Kids R Kids Learning Academy provides premium childcare services to Estill Springs families with their advanced curriculum and secure facility. Their STEAM-based approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) begins in infancy and progresses through school-age programs. The facility features secure entry systems, camera monitoring in all classrooms, and spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. Their "Hug First, Then Teach" philosophy emphasizes emotional security alongside academic preparation. The center offers nutritious meals prepared on-site, age-appropriate technology integration, and comprehensive kindergarten readiness programs. Staff maintain ongoing professional development and many hold degrees in early childhood education.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Estill Springs, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Estill Springs, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Estill Springs, 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, specific child-to-staff ratios based on age, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), 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 also a good practice to ask the provider directly for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report, which they are required to post. Local options in Estill Springs may be limited, so ensuring state compliance is a critical first step.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Estill Springs, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Estill Springs and the surrounding Franklin County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $150 to $200 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $130 to $180 per week. 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 Payment Assistance Program (CCPAP) is the primary resource for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, work/training status, and family size. You can apply through the TDHS website or your local DHS office. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the area may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Estill Springs, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare providers in a smaller community like Estill Springs, waitlists are common, especially for infant care and at highly-regarded centers. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update availability. Don't limit your search to Estill Springs proper; consider expanding to nearby towns like Winchester, Tullahoma, or Decherd, which may have more options but will involve a commute.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Estill Springs: centers, family homes, or preschools?
Estill Springs, being a smaller town, primarily has family home daycares (also known as group homes) that are licensed to care for a smaller number of children in a residential setting. There are fewer large, institutional daycare centers compared to bigger cities. You may also find some in-home providers who care for a very small number of children without being licensed (which is legal under specific conditions in Tennessee). Formal preschool programs for ages 3-5 are often integrated into these home daycares or may be offered through local churches or the Franklin County school system's voluntary pre-K program, which has income and age eligibility requirements.
How do I evaluate the quality and safety of a home-based daycare in Estill Springs beyond state licensing?
Beyond checking the TDHS license, a thorough in-person visit is essential. Ask to see all areas where children play, eat, and sleep. Look for safety features like covered electrical outlets, secure gates for stairs, and safe sleeping arrangements for infants (cribs meeting current standards). Observe how the provider interacts with the children. Ask for a daily schedule, their policy on sick children, emergency procedures, and their discipline philosophy. Request references from current or past parents. In a close-knit community like Estill Springs, personal recommendations from neighbors, local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Estill Springs Community"), or your pediatrician's office in Winchester can be invaluable for uncovering the provider's reputation and day-to-day quality of care.