The Best Daycare Centers in Summitville, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Summitville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Summitville
The Goddard School of Columbia
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Columbia 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 play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
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Primrose School of Columbia
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Columbia follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. The school features secure facilities with monitored entry, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. Highly qualified teachers implement the research-based curriculum while maintaining small class sizes. The school offers healthy meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and real-time updates through their mobile app.
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Small World Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Small World Childcare & Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on whole-child development. Their curriculum incorporates creative curriculum approaches, hands-on learning activities, and social-emotional development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms, and safe outdoor play areas. Experienced teachers create nurturing environments while implementing age-appropriate learning activities. The center emphasizes communication with parents through daily reports, regular progress updates, and an open-door policy for family involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Summitville, TN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Summitville, TN?
In Summitville, the cost of full-time daycare can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $120 and $180 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family daycare providers often charge slightly less, typically ranging from $100 to $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state average for Tennessee, reflecting the cost of living in a smaller city like Summitville. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some centers may also have annual registration or supply fees.
How can I verify that a daycare in Summitville is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in Tennessee are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the online "Child Care Provider Lookup" tool on the TN DHS website. When touring a facility in Summitville, look for the license displayed publicly. During the visit, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, check for secure outdoor play areas, ask about staff-to-child ratios (which in TN are 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers, and 1:7 for 2-year-olds), and inquire about staff qualifications and ongoing training. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Summitville?
Yes, eligible families in Summitville can apply for the Tennessee Child Care Payment Assistance Program (CCPAP), which is administered by the Department of Human Services. This subsidy helps low-income working families, those in job training, or parents pursuing education afford licensed childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. You can apply online through the TN DHS website or contact the local DHS office for assistance. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the Summitville area may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
What is the availability and waitlist situation like for daycare centers in Summitville, especially for infants?
Due to the smaller number of providers in Summitville compared to larger cities, securing infant care can be competitive, and waitlists are common. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. Many centers, particularly the highly-rated ones, maintain waitlists for their infant rooms. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length and estimated opening timeline. Some in-home family daycares may have more immediate openings. Being flexible with your start date and considering a mix of center-based and home-based options can increase your chances of finding a spot sooner.
What are some unique or popular types of childcare programs available in the Summitville area?
Summitville offers a mix of traditional and community-focused childcare options. Many local programs incorporate the natural surroundings of Middle Tennessee into their curriculum, with an emphasis on outdoor play. Several church-affiliated preschools and daycares (such as those at local Baptist or Methodist churches) offer part-day and full-day programs that are popular in the community. Given the agricultural nature of the region, some programs may have garden-based learning activities. For school-age children, the Summitville Parks and Recreation Department often runs seasonal camps and after-school programs that provide a structured, active alternative to traditional daycare. It's always best to visit and see which program's philosophy aligns with your family's values.