The Best Daycare Centers in New Market, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Market. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Market
The Sunshine House of Jefferson City
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness. Their program includes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Staff are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with educational technology. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Parents appreciate the regular communication through their mobile app and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing, educational environment.
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Kiddie Academy of Jefferson City
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy offers a structured educational program with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The academy features purpose-built classrooms, secure facilities with keypad entry, and outdoor learning environments. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in continuous training. The program includes Spanish language exposure, technology integration, and hands-on learning activities. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and the visible developmental progress children make. The center maintains state-exceeding safety standards and comprehensive health protocols.
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Apple Tree Learning Center
Apple Tree Learning Center
Apple Tree Learning Center provides a Christian-based educational environment with a balanced approach to academic and spiritual development. Their curriculum incorporates phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, and hands-on science activities. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-segregated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. Staff maintain low child-to-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing early childhood education training. The program includes music, art, and physical education components. Parents value the family-like atmosphere, consistent routines, and the center's focus on developing both academic skills and positive character traits in children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Market, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in New Market, TN?
In New Market and the surrounding Jefferson County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $200 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare homes may range from $120 to $170 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas like Knoxville but have been gradually increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials). Some facilities in the area may offer a slight discount for a second child. Tennessee's Department of Human Services (DHS) also offers the Child Care Certificate Program (voucher) for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify that a daycare in New Market is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare providers in Tennessee caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the official DHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (37819 for New Market). This report will show their license status, capacity, any reported violations, and the results of their most recent monitoring visits. You can also contact the DHS Child Care Licensing office for the East Tennessee region directly. We recommend always visiting a facility in person and asking to see their current license, which should be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in New Market, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of dedicated daycare centers in New Market itself, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be common and may range from a few months to over a year. Popular centers in nearby towns like Jefferson City or Dandridge may also have significant waitlists. For in-home family childcare, availability can be more sporadic. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as possible, ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, especially for an infant. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some of the local options for childcare beyond traditional daycare centers in New Market?
New Market offers several alternatives. Many parents utilize licensed family childcare homes, which provide a home-like setting with smaller groups. For preschool-aged children (3-5 years), part-time options include the New Market Elementary School Pre-K program (income-eligible and lottery-based) and faith-based preschools at local churches, which often operate on a school-year schedule with shorter hours. Another growing option is care provided by a licensed "family member, friend, or neighbor" who can become a certified Relative/FFN provider through DHS, allowing them to receive subsidy payments. Additionally, some parents form small nanny shares with neighbors.
What are the key questions I should ask during a tour of a daycare facility in the New Market area?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and daily routines, ask specific questions relevant to local operations. Inquire about their emergency preparedness for severe weather common to East Tennessee. Ask how they handle closures for snow (does Jefferson County Schools closure dictate their closure?). Discuss their outdoor play policy and if children get outside daily, given our variable weather. Clarify their sick policy and what symptoms require a child to stay home. Ask about staff tenure and turnover—a stable team is a good sign in a smaller community. Finally, request contact information for two or three current parents from the facility who are willing to provide a reference about their experience.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near New Market: