The Best Daycare Centers in Old Hickory, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Old Hickory. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Old Hickory
The Goddard School of Mount Juliet
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Mount Juliet offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education from infancy through pre-K. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive safety protocols including background checks for all staff.
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Primrose School of Mt. Juliet
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Mt. Juliet follows the Balanced Learning® approach, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their exclusive curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development programs. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and modern classrooms equipped with learning materials. Staff members include degreed teachers who receive ongoing training in early childhood development. The school offers enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and physical education, along with healthy meals prepared on-site and real-time updates for parents.
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The Learning Experience - Mount Juliet
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Mount Juliet provides a comprehensive early education program with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center emphasizes philanthropy through their "Grace for Charity" program, teaching children the importance of giving back. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. The center offers enrichment programs including soccer, yoga, and dance, along with a nutrition program that provides healthy meals and snacks. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with ongoing professional development requirements and background checks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Old Hickory, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Old Hickory, TN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Old Hickory and the surrounding Davidson County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $900 to $1,200 per month. These rates can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum (like Montessori), and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Child Care Certificate Program, which provides subsidies to eligible families. Additionally, many local centers in Old Hickory may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to contact the Tennessee DHS Child Care Payment Assistance office or explore options through the United Way of Greater Nashville's 2-1-1 helpline for localized support and referrals.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Old Hickory?
All licensed childcare providers in Old Hickory, TN, are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Licensing division. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the **Tennessee Child Care Report Card System** (https://apps.tn.gov/ccrc/). This public tool allows you to search by provider name, city, or zip code (37138 for Old Hickory) to see their license status, capacity, ages served, and results of recent inspections, including any cited violations. Always choose a provider with an "Active" license. For home-based providers (family daycare homes), ensure they are either licensed or registered with the state, which you can also verify through the same system.
Are there many in-home family daycare options in Old Hickory, and what should I look for when considering one?
Old Hickory has a mix of larger childcare centers and smaller, licensed family daycare homes, which can offer a more intimate, home-like setting. These are often found in residential neighborhoods. When considering a family daycare, first confirm their active license or registration with Tennessee DHS using the online Report Card. Key things to look for include: a clear emergency plan, safe and childproofed indoor/outdoor spaces, a structured daily schedule, their policy on sick children, and their experience and training in CPR/First Aid. Ask for references from current parents. Due to smaller capacities, these homes often have limited openings and can have waitlists, so it's advisable to start your search early.
What is the typical waitlist situation for daycare centers in Old Hickory, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for daycare, especially for infant care, are common in Old Hickory and the greater Nashville metro area. For highly sought-after centers, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tour facilities **during your pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date**. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update parents on their position, and if they give priority to siblings or employees of local businesses. Some centers in Old Hickory may have shorter waits for toddler or preschool rooms, so inquire about transitioning from a waitlist for an infant spot to an older classroom.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning programs or enrichment are commonly offered by daycares in Old Hickory?
Many daycare centers and preschools in Old Hickory incorporate structured early learning curricula to prepare children for kindergarten. Common approaches include play-based learning, STEM activities, and literacy programs. You'll also find centers with specific philosophies like Montessori or faith-based programs. Enrichment activities often offered, sometimes for an additional fee, include weekly music and movement classes, introductory Spanish, outdoor/garden education, and soccer programs. Given Old Hickory's proximity to the lake and parks, some providers may emphasize nature-based play. When touring, ask about their daily schedule, curriculum goals, and how they communicate your child's progress. The Wilson County and Metro Nashville school districts' pre-K programs are another option for 4-year-olds, but these have separate eligibility requirements and application processes.
Childcare Insights for Old Hickory
Finding the right childcare can feel like one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. It’s about more than just a safe place; it’s about finding a nurturing environment where your child can learn, play, and grow while you’re at work. For families in Old Hickory, Tennessee, the search for the "best childcare near me" comes with its own unique considerations, blending our community’s small-town feel with the resources of being near a major city like Nashville.
When beginning your search in Old Hickory, a great first step is to consider the type of care that fits your family’s rhythm. We are fortunate to have a mix of options, from licensed in-home daycare providers who offer a cozy, family-like setting to larger childcare centers that provide structured educational programs. Many parents find that providers right here in our community understand the local pace of life, which can be a wonderful comfort. A practical tip is to start your search early, as quality programs, especially for infants and toddlers, often have waiting lists. Don’t hesitate to drive through neighborhoods and notice well-kept homes with play equipment in the yard; sometimes the perfect in-home provider is just a few streets over.
Given Old Hickory’s location, your daily commute likely factors into the decision. You might look for care along your route to Hendersonville, Madison, or into Nashville, making drop-off and pick-up more seamless. However, there’s a significant advantage to choosing a provider within Old Hickory itself. In the event your child falls ill or there’s an emergency, being just minutes away provides invaluable peace of mind. It also helps your child build friendships and connections within their own community, fostering a sense of belonging from an early age.
Once you have a list of potential places, the visit is crucial. Look for a clean, safe, and engaging environment where the children seem happy and actively involved. Ask about the caregivers’ qualifications and turnover rates; consistency is key for a child’s sense of security. Inquire about their daily schedule, philosophy on discipline and learning, and their policies on communication. A quality provider in Old Hickory will welcome your questions and be transparent about their practices. Trust your instincts during these tours—you know your child best.
Finally, leverage local resources. Talk to other parents at the Old Hickory Lake marina, the local parks, or community events. Personal recommendations are gold. Also, utilize the State of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services website to verify the license status and review any inspection reports for the facilities you are considering. Finding the best childcare near you in Old Hickory is a journey, but by focusing on safety, philosophy, location, and those invaluable word-of-mouth referrals, you can find a partner in care that allows your child to thrive and gives you confidence throughout your day.
Nearby Cities
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