The Best Daycare Centers in Stewart, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stewart. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stewart
Kiddie Academy of Clarksville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Clarksville is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Stewart area with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their modern facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and integrated technology for parent communication. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios to ensure individualized attention and developmental progress tracking.
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The Goddard School of Clarksville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clarksville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic readiness with social development. The school employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. Features include secure building access, daily health screenings, and comprehensive safety measures. The facility contains bright, modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and enrichment programs in music, art, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, nurturing environment, and strong educational foundation.
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Primrose School of Clarksville
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Clarksville provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social studies while developing character and life skills. The school maintains rigorous safety standards including secured entrances, comprehensive background checks for staff, and emergency preparedness protocols. Facilities feature age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor exploration areas, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. The school is known for its strong parent partnerships, regular developmental updates, and commitment to creating a joyful learning environment that prepares children for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stewart, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Stewart, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Stewart, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four 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 training, facility safety (like fire and building codes), and age-appropriate programming. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. You can also contact the local TDHS licensing office directly. It's highly recommended to always choose a licensed provider to ensure your child's safety and quality of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Stewart, TN, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Stewart and the surrounding Houston County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $160 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), hours of operation, and included amenities like meals. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidized care) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You can apply through the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Given Stewart's rural location, how common are waitlists for daycare centers, and what should I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare facilities in Stewart and Houston County, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's not unusual for popular centers or reputable home-based providers to have waitlists several months long. To secure a spot, parents should start their search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before they need care. Contact providers directly to get on their waitlist, and be prepared to provide a deposit in some cases. It's also wise to get on multiple waitlists and check in periodically to update your information and express continued interest.
Are there any unique childcare options in Stewart, TN, such as part-day preschool programs or faith-based daycare centers?
Yes, in addition to traditional full-day daycare centers and family homes, Stewart and the nearby communities offer a few specific options. Many local churches operate licensed faith-based daycare or preschool programs, which often incorporate religious teachings into their curriculum. The Stewart Elementary School may also offer a pre-K program for eligible 4-year-olds, which is typically part-day. For younger children or full-day care, your options will primarily be the licensed home-based providers or the limited number of childcare centers in the county. Networking with other parents at community centers or churches can be a great way to learn about smaller, in-home providers that may not have a large online presence.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a potential daycare in Stewart, and are there any local resources to help with the search?
When visiting a daycare in Stewart, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment (secured exits, covered outlets, safe toys), the interaction between staff and children (are they engaged and responsive?), and the overall mood of the children. Ask about their daily schedule, discipline policy, sick-child policy, and staff qualifications and turnover. Given the rural setting, also inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather. For local search help, you can contact the Houston County Family Resource Center or use the statewide Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network online or by phone. They can provide a customized list of licensed providers in your specific area of Houston County.
Childcare Insights for Stewart
Finding a nurturing and reliable childcare option is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent in Stewart, Tennessee. The search for "good daycares near me" can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for in our specific community can make the process much smoother. Stewart offers a unique blend of small-town closeness and access to broader resources, which shapes the childcare landscape here. The key is to start your search with a clear understanding of your family's needs and the local options available.
First, consider the type of setting that feels right for your child. In and around Stewart, you'll find a mix of licensed home-based daycares and larger childcare centers. Home daycares often provide a family-like atmosphere with smaller groups, which can be comforting for young children and offer more flexible hours that might align with local work schedules. Centers, which you may find in nearby towns like Dover or Cumberland City, typically follow a more structured curriculum with multiple caregivers and dedicated facilities. Given our location, visiting any potential daycare is crucial. Pay attention to the commute, especially considering rural routes, and ask about their policies for delayed pick-up during inclement weather, which can be a practical concern in our area.
When you visit, go beyond the checklist. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children. Are they engaged, patient, and genuinely attentive? In a close-knit community like Stewart, word of mouth is invaluable. Talk to other parents at the local park, the Stewart Post Office, or community events. Their firsthand experiences can lead you to wonderful, lesser-known providers or give you honest insights into the daily operations of a facility. Don't hesitate to ask a daycare director about their staff's training, particularly in areas like infant CPR and early childhood development, and inquire about their turnover rate. Consistency in caregivers provides essential stability for your child.
Another vital aspect is the program's philosophy. Does it align with your parenting values? Some programs may emphasize outdoor play and exploration, a wonderful fit for our beautiful Tennessee surroundings, while others might focus more on early academic preparation. Ask to see a daily schedule to understand the balance between structured activities, free play, meals, and rest. Finally, trust your instincts. You know your child best. A good daycare in Stewart will not only meet licensing standards but will also feel like a warm, safe, and stimulating extension of your own care. They should welcome your questions and make you feel like a partner in your child's day. Taking the time to find the right fit will provide you with peace of mind and give your child a positive, enriching start in a setting that understands the rhythm of life in our community.