The Best Daycare Centers in Shawanee, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shawanee. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shawanee
The Goddard School of Maryville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Maryville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated playgrounds. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character enrichment programs, with daily communication provided to parents through the Goddard Connect app.
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The Children's Center of Knoxville
The Children's Center
The Children's Center of Knoxville provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional development. Their state-licensed facility features secure access controls, CCTV monitoring, and certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development. The center offers hands-on learning experiences, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. They maintain NAEYC accreditation standards and focus on individualized learning plans with regular developmental assessments and parent-teacher conferences.
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Blossom Early Learning Center
Blossom Early Learning
Blossom Early Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles. Their qualified teaching staff holds CPR and first aid certifications with ongoing professional development. The center features modern security systems, age-specific learning centers, and natural outdoor play spaces. Their educational approach emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy development, and creative expression through art and music. Parents receive daily updates and photos through a dedicated communication platform, and the center maintains strict health and safety protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shawanee, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shawanee, TN?
In Shawanee and the surrounding Blount 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 providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $120 to $170 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas like Knoxville, but it's important to note that prices can be influenced by factors such as the provider's credentials, curriculum, and included amenities (like meals or formula). Always ask for a detailed breakdown of fees, including any registration or supply charges, which are common in the area.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Shawanee is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Tennessee are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any past violations, by using the "Child Care Agency Search" tool on the official TDHS website. For local context, you can also contact the Blount County TDHS office for additional information. It's highly recommended to visit the facility in person after checking their online record. During your visit, you can ask to see their current license and their most recent inspection report, which they are required to post in a visible location. This due diligence is crucial for ensuring your child's safety in a Shawanee daycare.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care available in Shawanee for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend care in Shawanee itself are quite limited, as it is a smaller community. Most traditional daycare centers operate between 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, some licensed in-home family childcare providers in the area may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers. For reliable extended or weekend care, parents often need to look at providers in nearby Maryville or Knoxville, which have a greater number of facilities. It's advisable to start your search early, be very clear about your schedule needs when inquiring, and potentially consider forming a nanny-share with other local families as an alternative solution.
What is the average waitlist time for enrolling an infant in a highly-rated daycare center in the Shawanee area?
For infant spots (children under 18 months) in well-regarded daycare centers in and around Shawanee, waitlist times can be significant. It is common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for centers with exceptional reputations. This is due to strict Tennessee child-to-staff ratios for infants (1:4) limiting available slots. To secure a spot, experts recommend contacting centers as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Get on multiple waitlists, even if there's a small fee, and follow up every few months. Exploring licensed family childcare homes in Shawanee proper can sometimes yield shorter wait times, as they may have more flexible enrollment.
Do daycare programs in Shawanee incorporate outdoor activities and nature, given the proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains?
Many daycare providers in Shawanee and Blount County do take advantage of the region's natural beauty. Several centers and home-based programs emphasize outdoor play and nature exploration as part of their daily curriculum. You'll find facilities with dedicated playgrounds, gardens, and scheduled outdoor time. Some may even organize simple, age-appropriate "nature walks" or lessons about local plants and wildlife. When touring facilities, be sure to ask about their daily schedule for outdoor play, their philosophy on weather (e.g., going outside in light rain with proper gear), and if they have any special programs connecting children to the local environment. This focus can be a significant benefit of childcare in this specific area.