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.
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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.
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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.
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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.