The Best Daycare Centers in Memphis, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Memphis. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Memphis
The Goddard School of Collierville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Collierville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. The school emphasizes character development and school readiness while offering enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Primrose School of East Memphis
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of East Memphis operates with the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-based learning environments, and multiple playgrounds. All teachers meet state certification requirements and receive ongoing professional development. The school provides healthy meals and snacks through their exclusive Primrose Healthful Habits® program and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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Kiddie Academy of Cordova
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cordova utilizes the Life Essentials® curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development through hands-on learning experiences. Their approach includes character education, technology integration, and STEM activities. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain detailed progress reports for each child. The academy offers flexible scheduling options and provides nutritionally balanced meals. Their Communication app keeps parents connected throughout the day with real-time updates and photos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Memphis, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Memphis, TN, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Memphis, all childcare providers caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR, First Aid, and child development), health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's crucial to check this, as it ensures the facility meets the minimum state standards for safety and care. You can also look for providers with a "3-Star" rating in Tennessee's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), which indicates they exceed the basic licensing requirements.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Memphis, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Memphis, the average cost for full-time infant care in a licensed center ranges from approximately $800 to $1,200 per month, while toddler care typically ranges from $700 to $1,000 per month. Costs can vary based on the center's location (e.g., East Memphis, Downtown, suburbs), its amenities, and its star rating. For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible low-income families through the Department of Human Services. Additionally, some employers in the Memphis area, like FedEx and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or referral services. It's also worth inquiring directly with centers about sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Memphis, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly sought-after daycare centers, particularly for infant rooms, in popular Memphis areas like Germantown, Collierville, and East Memphis can be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester to secure a spot. Many centers in Memphis have formal waitlist procedures and may require a non-refundable deposit to hold a future spot. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process, estimated timeline, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a home-based daycare and a center-based daycare in Memphis?
Choosing between a licensed family childcare home and a center in Memphis involves weighing several local factors. Home-based daycares often offer smaller group sizes, a home-like environment, and potentially more flexible hours, which can be beneficial for parents with non-traditional schedules common in Memphis's healthcare and logistics industries. Centers typically provide more structured educational curricula, multiple caregivers for backup, and often have facilities like dedicated playgrounds. In Memphis, ensure any home-based provider is licensed by TDHS. Consider your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and visit both types in neighborhoods like Midtown or Cordova to get a feel for the environment.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Memphis to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, Memphis has several valuable local resources. The primary resource is **The Urban Child Institute** and its partner, **The Memphis Child Care Network**, which provides referrals, resources, and information on quality childcare. **Shelby County Community Services Agency (CSA)** can also provide guidance and assistance applications for subsidy programs. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule in-person tours and ask for references from current Memphis parents. Additionally, many local parenting groups on social media (like "Memphis Area Moms" on Facebook) are excellent for getting unfiltered recommendations and experiences about specific providers in your zip code.