The Best Daycare Centers in Livingston, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Livingston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Livingston
Kiddie Korner Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Korner Learning Center is Livingston's premier locally-owned childcare facility with over a decade of service. The center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program that balances structured learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math readiness, social skills, and creative expression through hands-on activities. The facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, regular parent communication, and nutritious meal program that exceeds state nutritional standards.
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Primrose School of Cookeville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Cookeville is a nationally accredited facility serving families throughout the Upper Cumberland region, including Livingston. The school implements the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM exploration, music, art, and physical education. The secure campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and advanced security systems. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains rigorous safety protocols including background checks and comprehensive staff training.
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The Goddard School of Cookeville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Cookeville provides high-quality early childhood education to families across Putnam County and surrounding areas including Livingston. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on play-based learning that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The school features purpose-built classrooms, indoor gyms, and age-specific outdoor play areas. Their comprehensive curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts. The facility maintains enhanced security measures including keypad entry, surveillance systems, and strict pickup procedures. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and the school emphasizes regular communication with parents through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Livingston, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Livingston, TN, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Livingston, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes, group homes, and childcare centers. The licensing process involves rigorous background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections of the facility, and adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify the license and compliance history of any provider in Overton County, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license type, capacity, any recent violations, and the date of the last inspection. You can also contact the local TDHS Child Care Licensing office that oversees our region for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Livingston, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Livingston and the broader Overton 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 can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), the hours of operation, and included amenities like meals. For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible families, administered through the TDHS. Eligibility is based on income, work or school attendance, and family size. Locally, you can apply through the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA), which serves Overton County. They can provide guidance on the application process and determine if you qualify for help covering a significant portion of childcare costs.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Livingston, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited capacity, especially for infants and toddlers, many licensed daycare centers and quality home-based providers in Livingston do have waitlists. It is not uncommon for popular providers to have waitlists several months long. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and make contact with potential providers as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. When you tour a facility, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family childcare homes in Livingston and nearby communities like Cookeville or Monterey, can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a registered family home daycare in Livingston?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and regulation. Licensed **Childcare Centers** in Livingston are typically larger facilities in commercial or institutional buildings. They often care for more children, have multiple staff members and classrooms divided by age, and may offer structured preschool curricula. They are subject to regular, announced and unannounced inspections. **Registered Family Home Daycares** operate out of the provider's residence and are licensed to care for a smaller number of children (up to 7, depending on ages). This setting often provides a more home-like, mixed-age environment with potentially more flexible hours. Both types are licensed by the state, but family homes have different physical space and capacity requirements. The choice often comes down to parental preference for environment, group size, and the specific philosophy of the caregiver.
Beyond basic licensing, what should I look for or ask about during a daycare tour in Livingston to ensure quality care?
When touring a facility in Livingston, go beyond checking for a valid license. First, observe the environment: Is it clean, safe, and well-organized? Do the children seem engaged and happy? Ask specific questions: What is the daily routine and educational philosophy? How do staff handle discipline and social-emotional learning? Request the staff turnover rate—low turnover indicates a stable environment. Inquire about staff qualifications; many quality providers have directors or lead teachers with degrees in early childhood education. Ask about their policies for sick children, emergency preparedness, and parent communication. Finally, ask for references from current parents. A quality provider in Livingston will be transparent, welcome your questions, and clearly demonstrate how they meet the developmental needs of the children in their care.