The Best Daycare Centers in Lascassas, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lascassas. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lascassas
Primrose School of Murfreesboro
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Murfreesboro offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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The Goddard School of Murfreesboro
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Murfreesboro provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. All teachers are early childhood educated and participate in continuous training. The school maintains comprehensive safety protocols including secure check-in/out procedures and regular safety drills. Parent communication includes daily activity reports and regular progress updates.
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Kiddie Academy of Murfreesboro
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Murfreesboro implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character education, academic preparation, and healthy development. The center features secure facilities with electronic entry, dedicated learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. Their approach balances structured learning with creative exploration through STEAM activities, literacy programs, and hands-on projects. Teachers hold degrees or certifications in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The academy provides nutritionally balanced meals and maintains strict health and safety protocols including comprehensive cleaning procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lascassas, TN
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Lascassas, TN, and how do they differ?
In Lascassas and the surrounding Rutherford County area, parents primarily have three licensed options: childcare centers, family childcare homes, and ministry-based preschools. Childcare centers, like those in nearby Murfreesboro, are larger facilities with multiple classrooms and staff, often offering structured curricula for various age groups. Family childcare homes are smaller, licensed operations run out of a provider's residence, typically offering a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. Ministry-based programs operate within churches and may offer part-day preschool or full-day care, often with a faith-based component. All licensed providers in Tennessee must meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. Given Lascassas's more rural setting, family childcare homes can be a particularly common and convenient local option.
What is the average cost of full-time infant and toddler daycare in Lascassas, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
While specific costs can vary by provider, the average cost for full-time infant care in the Rutherford County region, which includes Lascassas, typically ranges from $180 to $220 per week. Toddler care often ranges from $160 to $200 per week. These rates can be slightly lower than in the city of Murfreesboro proper due to different overhead costs. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Child Care Certificate Program (voucher program) for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, the Rutherford County Child Care Resource & Referral agency (often accessed through the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties) can help parents navigate subsidy options and may have information on local scholarships or sliding scale fees offered by individual providers.
How long are waitlists typically for daycare centers near Lascassas, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists, especially for infant rooms, can be significant in the greater Murfreesboro area, impacting availability for Lascassas residents. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. For toddler and preschool spots, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. Given this, it is highly recommended that expecting parents or those planning a return to work begin researching and touring facilities as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy. For family childcare homes, capacity is much smaller (often 6-12 children total), so openings can be sporadic; networking through local community groups or online parent forums for Lascassas and Rutherford County can be key to finding last-minute or upcoming openings.
What are the state-mandated child-to-staff ratios and key safety regulations for Tennessee daycares that I should verify?
Tennessee DHS sets strict ratios and group sizes. For infants (0-12 months), the ratio is 1 staff to 4 children, with a maximum group size of 8. For toddlers (12-30 months), it's 1:5 with a max group of 10. For 3-year-olds, it's 1:10, and for 4-year-olds, it's 1:12. All licensed providers must also have background checks for staff, current pediatric CPR/First Aid certification, a minimum of 18 hours of annual training, and detailed emergency plans. Facilities are subject to unannounced inspections. A critical regulation for parents in Lascassas to consider is transportation safety; if a provider offers field trips, ensure they use age-appropriate car seats and follow all laws. You can verify a provider's license and inspection history on the Tennessee DHS Child Care Agency Search website.
Are there any unique considerations for finding childcare in Lascassas due to its more rural location compared to Murfreesboro?
Yes, Lascassas's rural character presents specific considerations. First, **transportation** is key; most providers do not offer bus service, so you will likely need to commute to a facility in Lascassas or into Murfreesboro. Factor this drive time into your daily schedule. Second, **options may be more limited** within the immediate Lascassas area, making family childcare homes a prevalent and sometimes more geographically convenient choice. Third, **enrichment activities** like regular visits to libraries, museums, or large playgrounds may be less frequent unless the provider plans trips into Murfreesboro. It's important to ask potential providers about their daily outdoor play space and how they incorporate educational outings. Finally, **community connection** is strong; asking for recommendations through local networks like the Lascassas Elementary School PTO or community Facebook groups can be invaluable for finding trusted, hyper-local providers.