The Best Daycare Centers in Strawberry Plains, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Strawberry Plains. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Strawberry Plains
Kiddie Academy of Knoxville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Knoxville offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems with biometric scanning, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily progress reports, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and extensive outdoor play areas. The academy maintains low student-teacher ratios and emphasizes social-emotional development through structured play and learning activities.
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The Goddard School of Knoxville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Knoxville implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based learning. Features include STEAM curriculum components, foreign language exposure, and yoga/mindfulness activities. The facility has secured entry systems, live streaming for parents, and dedicated playgrounds for different age groups. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains comprehensive safety protocols including regular health screenings.
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Primrose School of Knoxville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Knoxville utilizes the Balanced Learning® approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social studies while developing character and life skills. The facility features secure keypad entry, commercial-grade air purification systems, and age-specific learning environments. Their program includes music, art, and physical education specialists, along with healthy meals and snacks prepared daily. The school maintains small class sizes and employs teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Strawberry Plains, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Strawberry Plains, TN, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Strawberry Plains, as in all of Tennessee, childcare facilities must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes caring for 5-12 children and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff training. You can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports by using the "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the TDHS website. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this offers a baseline of oversight and protection for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Strawberry Plains, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Strawberry Plains and greater Knox County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $220 per week, while toddler care is slightly less, averaging $130 to $190 per week. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and age of the child. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) helps eligible low-income families. You apply through the TDHS. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or scholarships. It's also worth checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Are there many daycare centers with immediate openings in Strawberry Plains, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to high demand and limited facilities specifically within Strawberry Plains' town limits, many parents should expect to encounter waitlists, especially for infant care. It's common for popular centers to have waitlists of several months. Your best strategy is to start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 3-6 months before you need care. Be prepared to expand your search to nearby areas like Kodak, Seymour, or even the eastern edges of Knoxville. Being flexible on your start date and having a backup plan (like a licensed family home daycare) is advisable.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Strawberry Plains: large centers, church-based programs, or in-home daycares?
Strawberry Plains offers a mix, but licensed family home daycares and faith-based preschool programs are particularly common in this semi-rural community. There are fewer large, corporate childcare centers compared to nearby Knoxville. Many local churches operate part-day preschool programs for ages 2-5, which can be a cost-effective option for parents with flexible schedules. For full-day, year-round care, licensed family homes are a prevalent and often more personalized option. It's important to tour and vet each setting thoroughly, regardless of type, to ensure it meets your family's needs.
How do daycare facilities in Strawberry Plains handle school closures, inclement weather, and transportation for school-age children?
Policies vary, so this is a critical question to ask during tours. For weather closures, most facilities in this area follow the Knox County Schools delay/closure schedule. However, some home-based providers may make independent decisions. Very few daycare centers in Strawberry Plains offer transportation to/from local elementary schools (such as Strawberry Plains Elementary); parents are typically responsible for drop-off and pick-up. For school-age care on teacher in-service days or summer breaks, many local family daycares and some centers offer "school's out" programs, but space is limited and often requires advance registration.
Childcare Insights for Strawberry Plains
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent in Strawberry Plains. It’s about more than just a convenient location; it’s about finding a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child can thrive while you’re at work. The search for "private daycares near me" in our community means looking for those smaller, often home-based or independently owned centers that can offer a personalized touch and a strong sense of local connection.
When beginning your search in Strawberry Plains, it’s helpful to understand the landscape. Our area offers a mix of licensed family childcare homes and private daycare centers. These private options often boast smaller group sizes, which can mean more individual attention for your little one. A great first step is to tap into the most valuable resource we have: other local parents. Conversations at the park, the Strawberry Plains Branch Library, or community events can yield honest recommendations and insights you won’t find online. Ask about their experiences with communication, daily routines, and how their child has grown in that setting.
Given our location, practical considerations are key. Think about your daily commute—whether you’re heading into Knoxville, Sevierville, or staying local. A daycare’s proximity to major routes like US-11E or Chapman Highway can significantly impact your family’s morning and evening rhythm. Don’t hesitate to ask a provider about their policies for late pick-ups, especially if you anticipate traffic delays, which can happen on our surrounding highways. This kind of practical conversation during a tour can tell you a lot about their flexibility and understanding of life in our area.
Visiting any potential daycare is non-negotiable. Schedule a time to observe when children are present. Look for a clean, organized, and cheerfully engaging environment. Notice how the caregivers interact with the children—are they down on the floor playing, responding warmly to questions, and managing the group with patience? For Strawberry Plains families, an added bonus is finding a program that incorporates our beautiful natural surroundings. Ask about outdoor playtime; a secure, shaded play area where children can explore is a tremendous asset.
Finally, trust your instincts. You know your child best. After a visit, reflect on the feeling you got. Did the space feel welcoming? Did the director clearly explain their educational philosophy and daily structure? Were your specific questions about meals, nap times, and security protocols answered thoroughly? Choosing a private daycare in Strawberry Plains is about building a partnership with your caregiver. The right place will give you peace of mind, knowing your child is in capable and caring hands just a short drive from home, allowing them to learn, play, and grow within the fabric of our friendly community.