The Best Daycare Centers in Manchester, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manchester. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manchester
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
The Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. The center boasts low teacher-to-child ratios, with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. Their facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive learning stations. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent communication system and individualized learning plans that track each child's developmental milestones.
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Kiddie Academy of Tullahoma
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Located just 15 minutes from Manchester, Kiddie Academy of Tullahoma provides high-quality educational childcare serving families throughout Coffee County. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, STEM education, and school readiness skills. The academy features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure keypad entry systems, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the center's structured learning environment, regular progress reports, and engaging enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and physical fitness activities.
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Primrose School of Murfreesboro
Primrose Schools
While located in Murfreesboro (approximately 30 minutes from Manchester), Primrose School serves families throughout the region with its nationally recognized Balanced Learning® approach. This accredited facility combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance to develop curiosity, creativity, and confidence. The school features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, secure campus with surveillance systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes exclusive partnerships with organizations like The Juilliard School for music and Northwestern University for STEM, providing exceptional enrichment opportunities that make this center worth the commute for many Manchester families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manchester, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Manchester, TN?
In Manchester, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For licensed daycare centers, you can expect to pay between $130 and $180 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $110 to $150 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Tennessee, reflecting the area's cost of living. It's important to note that many facilities include meals and basic supplies in their weekly rate, but you should always confirm what is included. Financial assistance may be available through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) Child Care Certificate Program for eligible families.
How do I verify if a daycare in Manchester is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare providers in Manchester must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. When touring a facility in Manchester, look for clear evidence of the license posted, ask about staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), and observe the overall safety and cleanliness. Specifically, ask about their emergency procedures for severe weather, given Manchester's location in Coffee County, and check that outdoor play areas are secure. A reputable center will be transparent about their policies and welcome your questions.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Manchester, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to limited slots, especially for infants, many of the more established daycare centers in Manchester do maintain waitlists. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or those planning a return to work begin their search and get on waitlists 6 to 12 months in advance. For immediate or short-term needs, your best options may be smaller, licensed family childcare homes or newer centers that have recently opened. Contacting the Coffee County Family Resource Center can also provide leads on current availability. Being flexible with your start date and having a backup plan, such as a nanny share with another local family, is advisable.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Manchester?
Structured part-time and drop-in childcare options in Manchester are limited compared to larger cities. Most licensed centers require a set weekly schedule. However, some in-home family daycare providers may offer more flexible part-time arrangements. For occasional drop-in care, your best resources are local churches that may host parent's day out programs or gyms like the Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center, which sometimes offers childcare for members. For reliable, occasional care, many Manchester parents turn to networks of trusted local babysitters found through community Facebook groups or recommendations from neighbors. Planning ahead is essential for non-full-time needs.
What resources are available in Manchester to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Manchester parents have several local resources. The primary state resource is the Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCR&R), which you can access online or by phone for personalized referrals. Locally, the Coffee County Family Resource Center is an excellent hub for information and support. Additionally, joining community groups like "Manchester, TN Moms" or "Coffee County Parents" on Facebook can provide unfiltered reviews and recommendations from other families. The Manchester City Schools website may also list approved before/after-school care providers for school-age children. Always cross-reference any recommendations with the official TDHS licensing database.