The Best Daycare Centers in Morrison, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Morrison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Morrison
Primrose School of Murfreesboro
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Murfreesboro offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their approach focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and certified teachers with early childhood education credentials. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide nutritious meals. The school emphasizes developing the whole child through their exclusive Harmony & Heart® curriculum that includes music, art, and character development programs.
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The Goddard School of Murfreesboro
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Murfreesboro provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their programs include STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), language arts, and social development activities. The facility features secure keypad entry, indoor and outdoor play areas, and webcam access for parents. All teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular progress reports for each child.
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Kiddie Academy of Murfreesboro
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Murfreesboro utilizes their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character education, technology, and hands-on learning activities. The program focuses on developing social, emotional, physical, and academic skills through structured and unstructured play. The center features secure entry systems, age-specific classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with degrees in early childhood education, and they maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The academy provides nutritious meals and emphasizes health and safety through their Health Essentials program, including regular health screenings and hygiene practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Morrison, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Morrison, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Morrison, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four 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 protocols, and facility inspections. 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 (a 1 to 3-star quality rating system). You can also contact the local TDHS licensing office serving Warren County for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Morrison, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Morrison and the surrounding Warren County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $110 to $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You can apply through the TDHS website or your local county office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Morrison, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Morrison, waitlists for licensed daycare centers, especially for infants, can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For this reason, we strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length and if they offer a "priority list" for siblings of current enrollees. Exploring licensed family childcare homes in the area can sometimes offer more immediate availability and is a crucial alternative to consider.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Morrison, TN?
Structured part-time and drop-in childcare options are very limited in Morrison. Most licensed facilities prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable staffing and revenue. However, some in-home licensed providers may offer more flexible arrangements for part-time care, such as 2-3 days a week. For occasional drop-in care, your best bet is to look at larger centers in nearby cities like McMinnville (about a 15-minute drive), which may offer such services. Another option is to explore registered babysitting networks or nanny shares with other local parents through community Facebook groups for Morrison/Warren County.
Are there any daycare facilities in Morrison that offer preschool or pre-K curriculum, and how do they differ from state-funded Pre-K?
Yes, several daycare centers in Morrison integrate a preschool curriculum for children ages 3-5, focusing on early literacy, math concepts, and social skills. These are typically private programs included in the weekly tuition. It's important to distinguish this from the Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K Program (VPK), which is a state-funded, free program for eligible 4-year-olds. VPK programs are usually housed in public elementary schools (like Morrison School) or a few select community agencies, operate on a school-day schedule (not full daycare hours), and have strict income and age eligibility requirements. When touring daycares in Morrison, ask specifically about their curriculum, teacher qualifications, and whether their program aligns with Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards (TN-ELDS).
Childcare Insights for Morrison
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and if you’re a parent in Morrison, Tennessee, typing “find childcare near me” into your search bar, you’re likely looking for more than just a list of names. You’re seeking a safe, nurturing, and reliable environment for your child, right here in our close-knit community. The good news is that Morrison and the surrounding Warren County area offer several wonderful options, from licensed home daycares to larger centers, each with its own unique character. The key is knowing where to start your search and what local factors to consider.
Begin by tapping into the most valuable resource we have: our community network. Talk to other parents at the park, at church, or in local Facebook groups like those for Warren County families. Personal recommendations in a town like Morrison carry immense weight and can give you honest insights you won’t find online. Simultaneously, make use of the State of Tennessee’s official Child Care Resource and Referral network. You can search their database for licensed providers in our 37357 zip code and surrounding areas, verifying their compliance with state health, safety, and staff training standards. This official step is crucial for your peace of mind.
When evaluating options in Morrison, consider the practicalities of our rural setting. Think about your daily commute—whether you head into McMinnville for work or travel elsewhere in the county—and look for providers whose hours and location align with your route. Inquire about their policies for school closures or delayed starts for the Warren County School District, as this will affect your backup planning. Don’t hesitate to ask potential caregivers about their experience with the rhythms of small-town life; many local providers excel at incorporating simple, meaningful activities like nature walks, gardening, or community events into their daily routines.
Once you have a shortlist, schedule in-person visits. This is non-negotiable. Pay attention to how the caregivers interact with the children and observe the overall atmosphere. Is it calm and engaged? Ask about their daily schedule, their approach to discipline and learning, and their policies on communication. In a community like ours, you want a provider who feels like a partner. Trust your instincts during these visits. You know your child best, and you’ll get a feel for whether a place is the right fit.
Finally, remember that finding childcare is a process. It may take a few calls and visits to find the perfect match, but that investment of time is worth it for your child’s well-being and your own comfort. The goal is to find a place in Morrison where your child can thrive and you can feel confident while you’re at work. By combining community wisdom with thorough research, you can find a childcare solution that feels less like a service and more like an extension of your family’s support system right here at home.