The Best Daycare Centers in Jellico, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jellico. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jellico
Jellico Head Start Center
Community Action of Southern Kentucky
Jellico Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families. The center follows the evidence-based Head Start curriculum focused on school readiness, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. Staff includes qualified early childhood educators with specialized training in child development. The facility offers nutritious meals, health screenings, and family support services. What makes this center stand out is its holistic approach to child development, including parent involvement programs and comprehensive support services that address the whole child's needs in a nurturing environment.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center offers a structured educational program with a play-based learning approach. The center features age-appropriate classrooms with modern learning materials and secure outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. Teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The center stands out for its low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. They provide balanced meals and snacks while maintaining open communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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LaFollette Head Start
Community Action of Southern Kentucky
Located approximately 15 miles from Jellico, LaFollette Head Start serves families throughout Campbell County with high-quality early childhood education. The center implements the research-based Head Start curriculum emphasizing literacy, numeracy, and social skills development. Features include certified early childhood educators, developmental assessments, health and dental services, and family engagement programs. The facility maintains excellent safety standards with secure environments and regular safety drills. What distinguishes this center is its comprehensive family support services, inclusive environment for children with special needs, and strong community partnerships that enhance the educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jellico, TN
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Jellico, TN?
In Jellico, Tennessee, licensed childcare options primarily include family childcare homes and childcare centers. Family childcare homes are smaller, home-based operations that offer a more intimate setting, often with mixed-age groups, and are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) for a specific number of children. Childcare centers are larger facilities, which may be independent or part of a local church or organization. Given Jellico's size and rural nature, family childcare homes are a common and vital part of the local childcare ecosystem. All licensed providers must meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. You can search for licensed providers in Campbell County through the TDHS Child Care Finder website.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in Jellico, and are there any financial assistance programs for local families?
The average cost for full-time, center-based infant care in Jellico typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while care for toddlers and preschoolers may range from $100 to $140 per week. Family childcare homes can sometimes be slightly less expensive. These rates are generally lower than the Tennessee state average, reflecting the area's cost of living. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) is available for income-eligible families in Campbell County. This program is administered through the Tennessee Department of Human Services, and you can apply online or contact the local DHS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Jellico, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited capacity in a smaller community like Jellico, waitlists for the most sought-after centers and licensed home providers can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend beginning your search for childcare at least 6 to 12 months before you will need the spot, ideally during pregnancy if planning for infant care. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on their waitlists (which may require a small fee), and check in periodically. Exploring options in nearby towns like LaFollette may also be necessary if local waitlists are too long.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Jellico?
When evaluating a daycare in Jellico, you should confirm they are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Key requirements to ask about include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for 2-year-olds), **background checks** for all staff, **pediatric CPR/First Aid certification**, and ongoing **training hours** in child development and safety. Licensed providers must also have health and fire department approvals, a safe physical environment, and an age-appropriate curriculum. You can view a provider's license status, capacity, and any recent inspection reports (which note compliance or violations) online through the public TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or after-school care programs available for school-age children in Jellico?
Options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care in Jellico are more limited than full-time preschool programs. The primary source for after-school care is typically the Jellico Elementary School's on-site program, if available, or programs offered through the Jellico Community Center or local churches, which may operate seasonally. For true drop-in care, your best bet is to inquire with licensed family childcare homes, as some may offer more flexible schedules to accommodate shift workers common in the area. It's crucial to plan ahead, as these spots fill quickly. For school-age children during summer and school breaks, look for day camps organized by the city's parks and recreation department or local organizations.