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).
Nearby Cities
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