The Best Daycare Centers in Murfreesboro, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Murfreesboro. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Murfreesboro
Bright Horizons at Murfreesboro
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Murfreesboro offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center features experienced educators with degrees in early childhood education and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, qualified staff, and engaging learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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The Goddard School of Murfreesboro
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Murfreesboro provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program, blending academic preparation with social development. All lead teachers hold degrees in education or child development, and the school maintains state-exceeding safety protocols including secured access and comprehensive background checks. The curriculum includes STEAM activities, foreign language exposure, and character development. The modern facility features dedicated learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and regular parent communication through digital portfolios and daily reports.
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Primrose School of Murfreesboro
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Murfreesboro implements the Balanced Learning approach, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their exclusive curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science, and social studies, delivered by degreed early childhood educators. The school features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently highlight the school's structured environment, excellent teacher qualifications, and strong emphasis on both academic readiness and social skills development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Murfreesboro, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Murfreesboro, TN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Murfreesboro, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of center. For infants, you can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates typically range from $150 to $220. Accredited centers or those with specialized curricula (like Montessori) tend to be at the higher end. To help with these costs, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible families, administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Additionally, many local centers offer sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the TDHS Rutherford County office or visit their website to check eligibility for assistance and to get a current list of participating providers.
How long are daycare waitlists in Murfreesboro, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Waitlists for daycare, especially for infants (under 1 year), are common in Murfreesboro and can range from 3 to 9 months, sometimes longer for highly sought-after centers. Due to Tennessee's mandated low staff-to-child ratios for infants, spots are limited. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For preschool-age spots, waitlists may be shorter (1-4 months), but popular programs near major employers like Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) or the growing residential areas in the Blackman or Lascassas communities often fill quickly. Always ask a center about their specific waitlist policy, including any fees to hold a spot.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Murfreesboro?
All licensed childcare providers in Murfreesboro must comply with Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) Child Care Licensing rules. Key requirements to ask about and verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for 2-year-olds), **Background Checks** (all staff must have fingerprint-based criminal history and TBI background checks), **Staff Training** (including pediatric CPR/First Aid and annual DHS-approved training hours), and **Health & Safety Standards** (safe sleep practices for infants, immunization records, and emergency plans). You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and any reported violations for free on the TDHS Child Care Agency Search website.
Are there quality childcare options in Murfreesboro that offer flexible hours for parents with non-traditional or MTSU student schedules?
Yes, there are options catering to flexible schedules. While traditional centers typically operate from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, some facilities in Murfreesboro offer extended evening or weekend care to accommodate healthcare workers, service industry employees, or MTSU students and staff. A few in-home licensed daycare providers may offer more flexible or overnight hours. Additionally, the MTSU campus itself has the Child Development Center, which may have options aligned with academic schedules. Your best approach is to explicitly ask about "non-traditional hour care" when calling providers. Utilizing local parent Facebook groups (e.g., Murfreesboro Moms) can also yield recommendations for caregivers who accommodate shift work.
What are some of the popular types of preschool or early learning programs available for 3-5 year-olds in Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro offers a diverse range of preschool programs. Popular types include: **Tennessee's Voluntary Pre-K (VPK)**, a free program for eligible 4-year-olds offered in many Rutherford County Schools and some private centers; **Faith-Based Preschools** (often affiliated with local churches), which are prevalent and may offer part-day options; **Montessori Schools** (like Murfreesboro Montessori), focusing on child-led learning; and **Academic-Focused Centers** with structured curricula to prepare for kindergarten. Many also integrate **Play-Based Learning** philosophies. The city's parks and recreation department sometimes offers enrichment programs. It's important to visit and understand each program's philosophy, daily structure, and how they align with Tennessee's Early Learning Developmental Standards (TN-ELDS).
Childcare Insights for Murfreesboro
Finding the right childcare can feel like one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent in Murfreesboro. The search for "daycare near me" is about much more than just location; it's about finding a safe, nurturing, and stimulating extension of your family. Here in our growing city, from the historic downtown square to the vibrant neighborhoods off Medical Center Parkway and the developing areas near the I-24 corridor, parents have a variety of wonderful options to consider, each with its own unique character and approach to early childhood development.
A great first step is to define what "near me" truly means for your family's daily rhythm. Murfreesboro's traffic patterns, especially during peak times around the university or along Memorial Boulevard, can turn a short map distance into a lengthy commute. Consider a daycare that is genuinely convenient, whether it's close to your home in Blackman, your workplace at the numerous corporate offices, or along a straightforward route to your child's pediatrician. Many local centers also offer flexible hours that can align with the schedules of parents working at Middle Tennessee State University or Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, providing invaluable peace of mind.
When you begin visiting potential daycares in Murfreesboro, look for signs of a program that embraces both structured learning and the joy of play. Tennessee has specific licensing standards, so don't hesitate to ask any director about their compliance and their staff's qualifications. Observe if the children are engaged—are they reading stories, creating art, or perhaps playing in a secure outdoor space? Given our beautiful state's seasons, access to safe outdoor play is a significant plus. Listen for the language teachers use; you want to hear the same patience and encouragement you use at home. It’s also wise to ask about their policies on communication, whether through daily reports or an app, and how they handle those inevitable childhood illnesses that circulate in any community.
Finally, trust your instincts during a tour. The right place will feel welcoming, not just to your child, but to you. Notice if the environment is clean, organized, and filled with children's laughter. Talk to other Murfreesboro parents at the park or in local Facebook groups; personal recommendations are often the most reliable guides. Remember, this is a partnership. The best daycare providers in our city understand that they are collaborating with you to support your child's first steps into a wider world. Taking the time to find that perfect fit—a place where your little one feels secure, loved, and curious—is an investment that pays off every day when you drop them off with a confident and reassured heart.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Murfreesboro: