The Best Daycare Centers in Milton, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Milton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Milton
The Goddard School of Murfreesboro
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Murfreesboro offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants and toddlers, and hands-on activities that promote critical thinking. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains low student-teacher ratios. The center is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and a dedicated app.
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Primrose School of Murfreesboro
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Murfreesboro provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, and science programs. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated music and art spaces. Teachers implement the exclusive Harmony & Heart® program that incorporates music, art, and movement into daily learning. The center emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and family events, and maintains excellent health and safety protocols including rigorous cleaning procedures.
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Kiddie Academy of Murfreesboro
Kiddie Academy International, LLC
Kiddie Academy of Murfreesboro offers the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character education, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, hands-on STEAM activities, and literacy development. The facility features secure access systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. All teachers receive comprehensive training in child development and safety procedures. The academy provides nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program and maintains strong parent communication through mobile updates and regular conferences. The center is particularly noted for its inclusive environment and commitment to each child's individual development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Milton, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Milton, Tennessee, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Milton, Tennessee, all childcare facilities 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 background checks, health and safety training (including CPR and First Aid), facility safety (fire, sanitation, and physical environment), and developmentally appropriate programming. 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 results of their last inspection. For smaller, family-based care (4-7 children), providers can operate as a "Family Home" under specific regulations, which you can also verify through TDHS.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Milton, TN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Milton and the surrounding Rutherford County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, averaging $160 to $220 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), the curriculum offered, and included amenities like meals. For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program through the Department of Human Services, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's best to contact the TDHS office in Murfreesboro for the most current eligibility guidelines and application process.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Milton, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Due to Milton's growth as a community within the greater Nashville metro area, waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers, especially for infants, are common and can be several months long. The most effective strategy is to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or 6-9 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: call centers to inquire about their specific waitlist process (some require a non-refundable fee), schedule tours, and follow up periodically. Also, consider expanding your search to licensed family childcare homes in Milton and neighboring towns like Christiana or Smyrna, as they may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Milton, TN, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Milton and the surrounding area offer a variety of childcare options to suit different family needs. Beyond licensed daycare centers, you can find: * **Licensed Family Home Providers:** Caring for a smaller group of children in a residential setting. * **Faith-Based Preschools:** Often attached to local churches, offering part-day or full-day programs with a religious curriculum. * **In-Home Nannies or Sitters:** While not licensed by the state, many families use private arrangements or agencies based in Murfreesboro or Nashville. * **Part-Time Preschool/Pre-K Programs:** For children ages 3-5, which may operate on a school-year schedule. * **Drop-In or Flexible Care:** Some centers in nearby Smyrna or Murfreesboro may offer this, but it is less common in Milton proper. Networking through local Milton community Facebook groups can be a great way to discover smaller, home-based providers.
How does Tennessee's voluntary Pre-K program work, and are there public Pre-K options available for 4-year-olds in the Milton area?
Tennessee's Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) program is a state-funded initiative for eligible 4-year-olds. Eligibility is primarily based on family income, but districts may also consider other risk factors. In Milton, your child would fall under the Rutherford County Schools district. Public Pre-K classrooms are typically located in designated elementary schools, but availability is limited and not guaranteed for all children. The application process is centralized through the Rutherford County Schools website, with a lottery system often used if demand exceeds spots. It's crucial to apply during the open enrollment period (usually in early spring) for the following school year. Some private daycare centers in Milton also offer their own Pre-K curricula, which may be a more readily available, though tuition-based, option.