The Best Daycare Centers in Midway, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Midway. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Midway
The Goddard School of Morristown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Morristown offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers implement age-appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with observation windows, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, serving families throughout the Midway and Greater Morristown area.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with hands-on learning activities, phonics instruction, and social skills development. The center maintains state-compliant safety protocols including secure access, regular drills, and comprehensive background checks for staff. Qualified early childhood educators lead small group instruction with emphasis on individualized attention. The facility includes separate age-appropriate classrooms, indoor play areas, and outdoor playgrounds. They offer nutritious meals and maintain open communication with parents through daily updates and parent portals.
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First Baptist Church Preschool
First Baptist Church of Morristown
First Baptist Church Preschool offers a Christ-centered early childhood program that combines academic preparation with spiritual development. Their experienced teaching staff implements developmentally appropriate practices with structured learning centers, literacy activities, and hands-on math and science exploration. The program emphasizes character development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through a balanced approach of structured instruction and play-based learning. The facility features secure classrooms, dedicated play areas, and access to church amenities. With low student-teacher ratios and experienced educators, they provide a nurturing environment that serves families from Midway and surrounding communities, maintaining strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Midway, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Midway, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Midway, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training (including CPR and First Aid), facility safety, and nutritional guidelines. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license status, any recent violations, and the facility's star rating (1-3 stars) under Tennessee's voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Midway, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Midway area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $150 to $200 per week. For toddlers, the cost may be slightly lower, around $130 to $180 per week. Home-based family daycare is often more affordable, averaging $100 to $150 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Tennessee cities like Knoxville or Nashville but can vary based on the program's amenities and star rating. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidized care) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You can apply through the TDHS website or your local DHS county office. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the Greene County area may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Midway, and when should I start looking?
For the most sought-after licensed centers and highly-rated home daycares in the Midway area, waitlists can be 3 to 9 months long, especially for infant spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. Many parents in the area start contacting facilities 6-12 months in advance. Be sure to ask specific questions when you call: the estimated wait time for your child's age group, any non-refundable waitlist fees, and how often you should check in to maintain your spot.
Are there any unique childcare options in Midway that incorporate outdoor or farm-based learning, given the area's rural setting?
Yes, Midway's rural location in Greene County offers some unique childcare options that leverage the natural environment. There are a small number of licensed family home daycares and preschool programs that emphasize outdoor play, gardening, and interaction with farm animals (like chickens or goats) as part of their daily curriculum. These programs often follow a play-based or nature-based learning philosophy. While not extremely common, they are a distinctive feature of the area. To find them, check local community boards, ask for recommendations in neighborhood Facebook groups (like "Midway, TN Community"), or search the TDHS database and then visit to inquire about their specific outdoor learning components.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Midway, and are there any local red flags?
When touring a facility in Midway, first ensure you see the TDHS license prominently displayed. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the space: covered electrical outlets, secure gates, and age-appropriate toys. Notice the interaction between staff and children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff turnover, as high turnover can disrupt a child's routine. Inquire about their policies for sick children, emergency preparedness (especially for severe weather common in East Tennessee), and their daily schedule. A local red flag specific to more rural providers would be an unsecured outdoor area with potential hazards like an unfenced pond, unsupervised access to barns, or unvaccinated pets roaming freely. Always trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and the director's willingness to answer all your questions thoroughly.