The Best Daycare Centers in Friendship, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Friendship. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Friendship
The Goddard School of Dickson
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Dickson is a premier early childhood education center serving the Friendship area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The school features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and security-coded entry systems. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's communication through daily reports and the staff's nurturing approach to child development.
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Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Dickson
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids of Dickson provides advanced early education with their proprietary Brain Development curriculum and STEAM Ahead® program. The facility features secure entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and USDA-approved meal programs. Their educated staff maintains Tennessee early childhood credentials with ongoing professional development. The academy offers specialized learning centers including technology labs, indoor gymnasiums, and age-separated playgrounds. The curriculum focuses on school readiness through phonics-based reading programs, hands-on science activities, and character development. Parents highlight the center's clean environment and consistent communication.
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The Learning Center - White Bluff
Independent
The Learning Center in White Bluff serves the Friendship community with a family-oriented approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum balances structured academic preparation with developmental play, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, certified teachers with CPR/first aid training, and nutritious meal programs. Their outdoor learning environment includes nature exploration areas and modern playground equipment. The center maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and regular progress assessments. Long-term staff relationships and strong community connections make this a trusted choice for local families seeking quality childcare with personalized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Friendship, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Friendship, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Friendship, TN, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated 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 potential daycare in person to observe the environment and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted prominently.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Friendship, TN, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Friendship and the surrounding Crockett County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $140 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), hours, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible families, administered through the TDHS. Additionally, local organizations or churches in Friendship may offer limited scholarships or sliding scale fees. It's best to contact the TDHS office in Jackson or the Crockett County Family Resource Center for the most current eligibility information and application process.
Are there many daycare options with flexible or non-traditional hours in Friendship for parents working shifts in local agriculture or manufacturing?
Given Friendship's location in an agricultural and light manufacturing region, finding childcare with flexible hours can be a challenge but is not impossible. While most traditional centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, some licensed family home providers may offer more flexible arrangements, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional overnight care. It's crucial to start your search early and be very clear about your needed hours. Networking with other local parents through community Facebook groups or asking employers (like local plants or large farms) if they have recommendations can be helpful. Be prepared that options with highly flexible hours may have limited availability and potentially higher rates.
What resources are available in Friendship to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
A primary resource is the **Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCR&R)**, which serves West Tennessee. You can call their referral line or use their online search to find licensed providers in the 38034 zip code and surrounding areas. Locally, you can contact the **Crockett County Chamber of Commerce** or the **Crockett County Library** for community bulletins or recommendations. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule tours and come prepared with a checklist. Key things to assess in Friendship include outdoor play space safety, emergency plans for severe weather common to West Tennessee, and how providers handle transportation if your child attends Alamo or Friendship School.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Friendship, and when should I start looking for care?
For the most sought-after providers in Friendship, especially for infant care slots, waitlists can be several months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before you need care, particularly if you require an infant spot. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When you contact a provider, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update the list. Exploring options in nearby Alamo or Bells can provide more alternatives if Friendship waitlists are full. Getting on multiple lists is a common strategy for parents in our area.
Nearby Cities
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