The Best Daycare Centers in Millington, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Millington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Millington
Primrose School of Bartlett
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Bartlett is a nationally accredited early education center serving the greater Millington area with a balanced learning approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum focuses on academic readiness, character development, and hands-on learning experiences. Features low student-teacher ratios, highly qualified early childhood educators, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate outdoor learning environments. The school emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning through their proprietary Harmony & Heart® music program. Parents consistently praise the structured yet nurturing environment and comprehensive communication about child development progress.
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The Goddard School of Bartlett
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bartlett provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that encourages children to develop critical thinking skills through play-based learning. Features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and modern classroom technology. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, yoga instruction, and hands-on science activities. The facility includes multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art studio, and indoor gym for physical development. Highly regarded for their comprehensive safety protocols, nutritional meal programs, and strong parent-teacher communication system.
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Kiddie Academy of Cordova
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cordova offers comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The academy features degreed teachers, low child-to-staff ratios, and secure electronic entry systems. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, community awareness projects, and health & fitness activities. The facility includes spacious classrooms with natural lighting, multiple outdoor play areas with safety surfaces, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. Parents consistently highlight the academy's strong communication through their mobile app, detailed progress reports, and family engagement events. Known for their structured daily routines that balance learning activities with creative play and rest periods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Millington, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Millington, TN?
In Millington, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $150 and $220 per week for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers, typically ranging from $130 to $190 per week. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, averaging $110 to $170 per week. These rates are generally lower than the Memphis metro average but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Many facilities in the area offer sibling discounts, and Tennessee's Department of Human Services (DHS) provides child care payment assistance for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare in Millington?
All licensed childcare providers in Millington are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). The most reliable way to verify a facility's status and history is to use the state's online **Child Care Provider Lookup Tool**. This public database allows you to search by provider name or zip code (38053, 38083 for Millington) to see their current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious violations or corrective actions from recent inspections. You can also contact the DHS Child Care Licensing office for the West Tennessee region directly. We strongly recommend visiting any potential daycare in person and asking the director to see their most recent licensing report, which they are required to post in a visible location.
Are there many daycare centers in Millington with immediate openings, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to Millington's status as a growing suburban community with a significant military family population from the nearby Naval Support Activity Mid-South, demand for quality childcare often outpaces supply, especially for infants and toddlers. It is very common to encounter waitlists, particularly at highly-rated centers and accredited home-based providers. For infant care, you should start your search at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Some facilities may have more immediate openings for preschool-age children (3-5 years). To improve your chances, we recommend contacting multiple providers, getting on several waitlists, and inquiring about drop-in or part-time care options which sometimes have shorter waits.
What unique childcare resources or programs are available for military families stationed at NSA Mid-South?
Military families in Millington have access to several key resources. While there is no on-base Child Development Center (CDC) at NSA Mid-South itself, families are eligible for priority placement at certain community childcare providers through the **Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)** program, which helps offset costs and ensures providers meet military standards. Additionally, the **Child Care Aware of America** fee assistance program for military families can be used with many local licensed providers. The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) on base offers referrals and counseling on childcare choices. Many local daycares are familiar with the flexible and sometimes unpredictable schedules of military families and may offer more accommodating policies.
Beyond basic licensing, what should I look for in a quality daycare specific to the Millington community?
Look for providers that demonstrate a strong connection to and understanding of the local community. This includes: **Safety protocols** for the area's weather, such as severe storm/tornado procedures and safe pick-up/drop-off areas given Millington's mix of busy and rural roads. **Engagement with local assets** like incorporating visits to the USA Stadium complex or local parks into their program. A curriculum that supports **school readiness** for Shelby County Schools or Tipton County Schools, depending on your district. Observe if they participate in the **Tennessee Quality Star Rating System**, a voluntary program that rates providers on quality indicators beyond minimum licensing. Finally, given the community's family-oriented vibe, seek a daycare that fosters strong parent communication and perhaps hosts family events at local spots like the Millington Civic Center.
Childcare Insights for Millington
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to know your child is safe, nurtured, and happy while you work. For parents in Millington, Tennessee, the search for "childcare near me" comes with its own unique local considerations, from the community's strong family-oriented vibe to its proximity to larger Memphis-area resources. The good news is that Millington and its surrounding areas offer a variety of options, and navigating them successfully starts with a plan tailored to our specific community.
Begin your search by defining what "near me" truly means for your daily routine. Consider your commute to the Naval Support Activity Mid-South, to employers in the Memphis corridor, or to local Millington businesses. A provider close to your work might sometimes be more convenient than one close to home, especially if it aligns with your travel pattern. Once you have a geographic zone in mind, leverage local knowledge. The Millington community is wonderfully connected, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from neighbors at the USA Stadium complex, fellow parents at the local parks, or within community Facebook groups specific to our area. Personal word-of-mouth referrals often reveal insights about a daycare's atmosphere and reliability that you won't find online.
As you compile a list of potential centers or home-based providers, understanding Tennessee’s childcare landscape is crucial. Always verify that any facility you consider is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services. This license is a baseline indicator that the program meets state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health protocols. When you visit—and you must always plan for an in-person visit—look beyond the paperwork. Observe how caregivers interact with the children. Are they engaged at eye level? Is the environment in Millington, perhaps decorated with local spirit, feel cheerful and secure? Ask about their daily structure: how much active play time is there, and do they utilize local assets like outdoor spaces, given our beautiful Tennessee seasons?
Inquire about policies that matter for your family’s flow. What are their hours, and how do they handle early closures or inclement weather, which can occasionally affect our region? Discuss their approach to nutrition, especially if they provide meals and snacks. For many Millington parents, finding a provider that fosters a sense of community is a priority. Ask if they incorporate any local events or themes, creating a connection to the place your child calls home. Finally, trust your instincts. The right childcare in Millington will feel like a partnership. You should leave a tour feeling confident that the providers will not only care for your child’s needs but will also support their growth and curiosity within the warm, close-knit context of our Tennessee town. Taking these thoughtful, localized steps will help you move from a stressful search to finding a nurturing second home for your little one.