The Best Daycare Centers in Reliance, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Reliance. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Reliance
The Goddard School of Athens
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Athens offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants and toddlers, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and emphasizes individualized learning approaches.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Cleveland
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cleveland provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The academy features secure facilities with keypad entry, monitored classrooms, and organized learning centers. Their program includes technology integration, music and movement activities, and hands-on learning experiences. Teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and developmentally appropriate playgrounds for each age group.
Daycare Services:
Imagination Station Child Development Center
Independent
Imagination Station is a locally-owned childcare center serving the Reliance area with a play-based learning approach that incorporates academic readiness skills. The center features age-specific classrooms, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and large outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes literacy development, math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified teachers who have extensive experience in early childhood education. They provide daily progress reports, regular parent-teacher conferences, and a structured yet nurturing environment that promotes social-emotional development alongside academic growth.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Reliance, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Reliance, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Reliance, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for four or more unrelated 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 inspections, staff training (including CPR and First Aid), and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's also a good practice to ask the provider directly for their license number and their most recent inspection report, which they are required to post. Given Reliance's more rural setting, some smaller in-home providers may be legally exempt if caring for fewer children, so it's crucial to ask about their registration status.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Reliance, and when should I start looking?
Due to Reliance's smaller population and limited number of formal childcare centers, availability can be very tight, especially for infant care. Many families rely on providers in nearby towns like Benton or Cleveland. Waitlists for the most sought-after centers can range from 3 to 9 months, and sometimes longer for infants. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask specific questions about their current list length and estimated turnover, and consider putting down a (refundable) deposit to secure a spot.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Reliance, TN?
Childcare costs in Reliance and the surrounding Polk County area are generally lower than in major Tennessee cities like Nashville or Chattanooga, but they still represent a significant household expense. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $160 per week for a toddler, and $130 to $180 per week for an infant. In-home family daycare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $100 to $140 per week. These are estimates; always get specific quotes. Tennessee offers assistance through the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible families, which can be applied for through the TDHS.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Reliance area?
Yes, Reliance's location in the scenic Cherokee National Forest and along the Hiwassee River creates opportunities for nature-focused childcare. While there may not be a formal "forest school" within Reliance proper, several in-home providers and smaller programs in the region heavily incorporate outdoor play and exploration into their daily routines. When touring facilities, ask about their outdoor play policy, the security of their play areas, and how they utilize the natural environment. Some providers may organize activities like supervised nature walks, river education (with strict safety protocols), and gardening. This emphasis on outdoor time is a distinctive benefit of childcare in this rural, mountainous area.
What backup or emergency childcare options exist for parents in Reliance if our regular provider is unavailable?
Given the limited number of facilities, planning for backup care in Reliance requires creativity. First, check if your primary daycare has a partnership with another local provider for emergency coverage—this is rare but worth asking. More commonly, parents network with other families to share babysitter recommendations or form small, informal co-ops. Utilizing trusted local babysitters or nannies is a key strategy. For more structured options, you may need to look to larger centers in Cleveland (about a 30-minute drive), which sometimes offer drop-in or part-time care if space allows, but this is not guaranteed. Building a relationship with a few reliable local babysitters is often the most practical solution for this rural community.
Childcare Insights for Reliance
Finding quality, trustworthy childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes. If you’re a parent in Reliance, Tennessee, searching for “good daycares near me,” you’re likely looking for a nurturing environment that feels like an extension of your home, all within the unique context of our rural lakeside community. The search can feel daunting, but by focusing on a few key local considerations, you can find a wonderful place for your child to learn and grow.
Given Reliance’s serene setting along the Hiwassee River, many families here value a connection to the outdoors. When visiting potential daycares, ask about their daily routine regarding outside play. A good daycare in this area might incorporate nature walks, safe outdoor exploration, or simply have a secure, shaded play area where children can enjoy the fresh air that makes our part of Tennessee so special. This alignment with the local environment can be a significant indicator of a program’s philosophy. Furthermore, the close-knit nature of communities like Reliance means that personal recommendations are invaluable. Take time to talk to neighbors at the Reliance post office or other parents at the local park. Their firsthand experiences can lead you to hidden gems or provide crucial insights you won’t find online.
Practical logistics are also paramount in a more rural area. You’ll want to inquire about operating hours that align with potential commutes to nearby towns like Benton or Etowah for work. Understanding a center’s policy on closures for inclement weather is also wise, as rural roads can be affected. Don’t hesitate to ask about their emergency preparedness plans and how they communicate with parents, which is especially reassuring when you might be a bit farther away during the day. When you schedule a visit, which is an absolute must, pay close attention to the feeling you get. Are the caregivers engaged and interacting warmly with the children? Is the space clean, safe, and filled with children’s creative work? Trust your instincts as a parent; you know what a happy, secure environment looks and feels like.
Finally, remember that licensing is the baseline. You can verify a Tennessee daycare’s license and review any state reports through official channels. However, the true measure of a good daycare in Reliance goes beyond paperwork. It’s found in the caregiver who knows your child’s favorite story, in the flexibility to accommodate the rhythms of a small community, and in the peace of mind you feel when you drop your child off in a place that understands the values of our area. Your search for the right fit may require some patience, but the reward—a happy, thriving child in a caring local setting—is well worth the effort. Start with those local conversations, schedule those visits, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a wonderful childcare solution right here in Reliance.