The Best Daycare Centers in Silver Point, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Silver Point. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Silver Point
The Goddard School of Cookeville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Cookeville 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 highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with structured curriculum for all age groups. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication with parents through their proprietary app. The school emphasizes STEAM learning, language development, and social skills through hands-on activities and creative play.
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Discovery Place Child Development Center
Independent
Discovery Place provides comprehensive childcare with a strong educational foundation through their research-based curriculum. Their program focuses on whole-child development with emphasis on cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern classrooms equipped with educational materials, and structured outdoor play areas. Their experienced teaching staff includes educators with degrees in early childhood development. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and maintain open communication with parents through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum combines structured learning with creative exploration, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center maintains state-licensed standards with qualified teachers who receive ongoing professional development. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-separated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers. They provide healthy meals through their USDA-approved food program and offer flexible scheduling options. The center is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong community connections, with regular family events and open communication policies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Silver Point, TN
What types of licensed childcare options are available in and around Silver Point, TN?
In the Silver Point area, which is in Putnam County, Tennessee, parents typically have access to several types of licensed childcare. These include licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence, often with a smaller group of children) and licensed childcare centers. Due to Silver Point's more rural setting, family childcare homes are a common and valued option, offering a home-like environment. For center-based care, parents may look toward nearby towns like Cookeville (about a 15-20 minute drive) which offers a wider selection of daycare centers, preschools, and faith-based programs. All licensed providers in Tennessee are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and must meet state standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications. You can search for licensed providers specifically in Putnam County using the Tennessee DHS Child Care Finder tool online.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Silver Point, TN?
Childcare costs in Silver Point and the surrounding Putnam County area are generally more affordable than in Tennessee's major metropolitan areas, but they still represent a significant household expense. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay an average of approximately $120 to $160 per week for a toddler in a family childcare home. For infant care, which requires a lower staff-to-child ratio, costs are higher, averaging around $140 to $180 per week. Center-based care in nearby Cookeville may be at the higher end of or slightly above this range. It's important to note that these are estimates, and rates can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and hours of operation. Always inquire about what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and supplies.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Silver Point, and how can I secure a spot?
Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Silver Point, it is very common to encounter waitlists, especially for infant care and highly sought-after family childcare homes. Waitlists can range from a few months to over a year. To secure a spot, it is highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. Contact providers directly to ask about their enrollment process and get on their waitlist, which may require a small deposit. Be proactive and consider expanding your search radius to include nearby communities like Baxter, Monterey, or Cookeville for more options. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can also provide leads on upcoming openings.
What are the key Tennessee state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Putnam County?
Tennessee has specific licensing rules that all childcare providers must follow. Key requirements to verify for any provider in Silver Point or Putnam County include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers), **Background Checks** (all staff must have fingerprint-based criminal background checks and DCS abuse registry checks), **Health and Safety Training** (staff must have CPR/First Aid certification and annual DHS-approved training), and **Facility Safety** (regular fire, health, and sanitation inspections). Licensed providers must also have a current license visibly posted. You can verify a provider's license status, any history of violations, and their star rating (Tennessee's voluntary quality rating system) through the Tennessee DHS website. Don't hesitate to ask a provider to see their license and inspection reports.
Are there any local resources or programs in Putnam County to help with childcare costs?
Yes, there are assistance programs available for eligible families in Putnam County. The primary resource is the **Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Payment Assistance Program**. This program helps low-income working families, those in job training, or parents attending school pay for childcare at participating licensed providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online through the Tennessee DHS website or contact the Cookeville DHS office for local assistance. Additionally, some local employers in the Cookeville area may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). It's also worth checking with local churches or community organizations in the Silver Point area, as they may occasionally offer scholarships or subsidized spots in affiliated programs.
Childcare Insights for Silver Point
Finding quality, affordable childcare can feel like one of the most stressful challenges for a family working within a tight budget. If you’re a parent in Silver Point, Tennessee, searching for “low income daycare near me,” know that you are not alone, and there are pathways and resources designed to help. The quiet, close-knit nature of our community in Putnam County means that while options may not be as numerous as in a large city, there is a strong network of support focused on helping families thrive.
Your first and most crucial step is to connect with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). They administer the Child Care Certificate Program, often referred to as the subsidy voucher program. This assistance can make a significant difference, helping eligible families cover the cost of care at participating providers. You can apply online or visit the local TDHS office; given our rural setting, starting this process online at the TN DHS website is often the most efficient way. Eligibility is based on factors like income, family size, and your reason for needing care, such as employment, education, or training. Approval can open doors to several licensed daycare homes or centers in and around Silver Point that accept these certificates.
While Silver Point itself is a small community, your search will naturally extend to the surrounding areas like Baxter, Cookeville, and Algood. Many wonderful providers in these neighboring towns are accustomed to serving families from across Putnam County. Don’t hesitate to call centers in Cookeville, for instance, and explain you are from Silver Point; they often have families who commute. Additionally, consider licensed family daycare homes. These smaller, home-based settings can sometimes offer more flexible hours and a lower child-to-adult ratio, which can be a perfect fit for young children and may have more immediate availability. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful here in Silver Point. Talk to other parents at the post office, at community events, or through local Facebook groups like those for Putnam County parents. Personal recommendations can lead you to a trusted, affordable home provider you might not find through a simple online search.
Remember to visit any potential daycare, whether a home or a center. Ask about their curriculum, safety protocols, and meal programs. Inquire specifically if they participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, which can help provide nutritious meals at no extra cost to you. It’s also wise to ask about any possible sliding scale fees they might offer independently of state aid. The journey to secure low-income daycare in Silver Point requires some perseverance, but by leveraging state resources, exploring all nearby options, and tapping into our local community network, you can find a safe, nurturing, and affordable environment for your child. Your effort to provide this stability is a profound gift to your family’s future.
Nearby Cities
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