The Best Daycare Centers in Gallaway, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gallaway. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gallaway
KinderCare Learning Center at Wolfchase
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Wolfchase is a highly-rated childcare center known for its research-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, all maintained with strict safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular cleanliness checks. Teachers are qualified with early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing training. Parents praise the center's strong communication through daily updates and developmental tracking. The facility includes indoor and outdoor play areas, and offers nutritious meals as part of their program. Its location near Gallaway makes it accessible for families in the area.
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Primrose School of Collierville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Collierville offers a balanced learning approach that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities, focusing on character development and academic readiness. The curriculum includes literacy, science, and arts, with a strong emphasis on safety through low student-teacher ratios and certified staff. The facility features modern classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and a kitchen providing healthy meals. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. Parent satisfaction is high due to transparent communication and inclusive community events. Serving the Gallaway area, it provides flexible scheduling and a nurturing environment for children from infancy through pre-K.
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The Goddard School of Bartlett
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bartlett utilizes the F.L.E.X. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum, which promotes play-based learning in literacy, STEM, and creative arts. Safety is a top priority, with secure facilities, background-checked staff, and rigorous hygiene practices. The school boasts qualified teachers with early childhood certifications and low child-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention. Facilities include age-specific classrooms, indoor gyms, and outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the regular progress reports and involvement opportunities. Located conveniently for Gallaway residents, it offers comprehensive programs from infant care to after-school services, focusing on holistic development and school readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gallaway, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Gallaway, TN, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Gallaway, as in all of Tennessee, 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. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a specific daycare's license status, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child, as it provides the facility's license number, any reported violations, and its current standing. You can also contact the local TDHS office serving Fayette County for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Gallaway, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Gallaway and the surrounding Fayette County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $110 to $140 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas like Memphis, but 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 (subsidized care) is available for eligible families. You apply through the TDHS. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the Gallaway area may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
Are there many daycare options directly in Gallaway, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns?
As a smaller, rural community, Gallaway itself has a limited number of licensed daycare providers, primarily home-based family childcare. For more extensive options, including larger childcare centers, parents often look in nearby towns such as Arlington, Piperton, or even into the eastern suburbs of Memphis, which is about a 30-minute drive. This is a common consideration for commuting parents. When searching, use the TDHS database and filter by zip code (38036 for Gallaway) to see all licensed options in the immediate area. Be prepared for potential waitlists, especially for infant spots, and consider the commute time in your decision.
What are typical operating hours for daycares in Gallaway, and how do they accommodate parents with non-traditional or agricultural work schedules?
Most licensed daycare centers and homes in the Gallaway area operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Given Gallaway's rural setting and the presence of agricultural and shift work, finding care outside these hours can be challenging. Some in-home providers may offer more flexible or extended hours by private arrangement. For overnight, weekend, or very early/late care, parents often need to seek private nanny shares or babysitting networks. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront with any potential provider, as flexibility varies greatly. Local community Facebook groups for Gallaway and Fayette County can sometimes be a resource for finding caregivers with atypical availability.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Gallaway, given the local setting?
When touring a daycare in Gallaway, look for both universal standards and local considerations. First, ensure the license is visibly posted. Check for clean, safe indoor spaces and secure, age-appropriate outdoor play areas—note if the outdoor space is safely enclosed, especially given the rural location. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to West Tennessee and their policy on field trips. Inquire about staff longevity and training; low turnover is a good sign in a small community. Observe how staff interact with children. Given the area, ask about their approach to incorporating nature and outdoor play. Finally, ask for references from other local parents; in a close-knit community like Gallaway, word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly valuable.