The Best Daycare Centers in Southside, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Southside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Southside
The Goddard School of Jackson
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Jackson provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. The center is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and a dedicated mobile app.
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Primrose School of Jackson
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Jackson offers the Balanced Learning® approach, blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and social studies, with a strong emphasis on character development and life skills. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The school provides healthy meals and snacks through their exclusive Primrose Nutrition Program and maintains excellent parent communication through regular updates and parent-teacher conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Hendersonville
Kiddie Academy International
Kiddie Academy of Hendersonville utilizes the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on educational development, character building, and healthful living. Their approach emphasizes project-based learning and hands-on activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including electronic entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pick-up procedures. Classrooms are designed with learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Teachers are trained in developmentally appropriate practices and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The academy offers flexible scheduling and comprehensive communication with parents through daily activity reports and digital photo updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Southside, TN
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Southside, TN, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Southside, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This licensing ensures they meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. To verify a provider's status, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to look for providers with a "Three-Star" rating in Tennessee's Quality Rating and Improvement System (Star-Quality Program), which indicates they exceed the minimum licensing standards. You can also contact the local TDHS licensing office for the region to inquire about any recent compliance issues or complaints.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Southside, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Southside area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $150 to $200 per week. For toddlers, the cost may be slightly lower, around $130 to $180 per week. Home-based daycare is often a more affordable option. For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) for eligible families, administered through the TDHS. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the TDHS office or a local resource like the United Way of South Central Tennessee (which serves the region) to get connected with the most current assistance options and application processes.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Southside, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Southside, popular and highly-rated daycare centers often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms. Wait times can range from a few months to over a year. The best strategy is to start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers (both centers and licensed home-based options) to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee. It's also wise to check back periodically to express continued interest. Exploring providers in nearby towns like Columbia or Spring Hill can expand your options, though this will add commute time.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Southside, TN?
Southside primarily offers two types of licensed childcare settings. The first is family childcare homes, which are smaller, home-based operations that often provide a more intimate, family-like environment for a mixed-age group. The second is childcare centers, which are larger facilities with multiple classrooms divided by age. Given Southside's size, there may be fewer large centers compared to bigger cities, making home-based providers a significant part of the local landscape. There are also limited options for faith-based preschool programs that may offer part-day care. For school-age children, the Maury County Public Schools district may offer before and after-school programs at local elementary schools, which is an important resource for working parents.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Southside?
When touring a facility in Southside, go beyond the basics. First, observe the cleanliness and safety: check for secure entrances, covered electrical outlets, and safe outdoor play areas. Notice the interactions—are caregivers engaged with children at their level, and is the overall mood happy and calm? Ask about staff qualifications and turnover; low turnover is a good sign of a positive work environment. Inquire about their daily schedule, nutrition (are meals provided?), and their policies on sick children and emergencies. Given the local context, ask how they handle severe weather, as Tennessee can experience tornadoes. Finally, trust your instincts about the warmth and professionalism of the staff and director.