The Best Daycare Centers in Surgoinsville, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Surgoinsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Surgoinsville
Kids World Learning Center
Kids World Learning Center
Kids World Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located just 10 minutes from Surgoinsville in Rogersville. They offer comprehensive early childhood education programs with a strong focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure facilities with controlled access, and experienced teaching staff with early childhood education credentials. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and social-emotional learning. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, qualified teachers, and excellent communication. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks.
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Little Blessings Child Care & Learning Center
Little Blessings Child Care
Located approximately 15 minutes from Surgoinsville in Church Hill, Little Blessings provides a faith-based educational environment combined with high-quality childcare standards. The center offers a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development and Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and dedicated infant rooms with specialized care protocols. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is known for its safe environment, clean facilities, and strong parent partnerships. They emphasize individualized learning plans and maintain excellent state licensing compliance.
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Primrose School of Kingsport
Primrose Schools
As part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools network, this Kingsport location serves families throughout the region including Surgoinsville (approximately 25-minute drive). The school implements the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, which combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, modern learning environments, and dedicated spaces for music, art, and physical activity. The faculty includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in Primrose's educational approach. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic preparation, communication, and commitment to developing the whole child. The center maintains rigorous health and safety protocols and offers enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and philanthropy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Surgoinsville, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Surgoinsville, TN, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Surgoinsville, all childcare providers caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes, group homes, and childcare centers. The licensing process involves background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections, minimum training requirements in areas like CPR and First Aid, and adherence to strict child-to-staff ratios based on age. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it will show the provider's current license type, any recent violations, and their compliance history. You can also contact the local TDHS office serving Hawkins County for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Surgoinsville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Surgoinsville and greater Hawkins County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $110 and $140 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Tennessee cities like Knoxville. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You apply through the TDHS. Additionally, it's worth inquiring directly with local providers, as some churches or community-based centers in Surgoinsville may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships based on need.
Are there many in-home daycare options versus larger childcare centers in Surgoinsville, and what are the pros and cons of each locally?
Surgoinsville, being a smaller town, has a mix of both in-home family daycare providers and a smaller number of formal childcare centers. In-home daycares are often more prevalent and can offer a home-like environment, potentially more flexible hours, and may be located in residential neighborhoods for convenience. Centers, while fewer, provide structured curricula, multiple staff members, and often have larger facilities with dedicated outdoor play areas. A key local consideration is that in-home providers licensed for "Family Homes" can care for up to 7 children, which can mean a mixed-age group. Centers are subject to different licensing standards. Availability for both types can be limited, so exploring both options and getting on waitlists early is advised.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Surgoinsville, given local community aspects?
When touring a daycare in Surgoinsville, beyond universal checks for cleanliness, safety, and engaged staff, consider local factors. Ask about their plan for local weather events, as rural areas can experience power outages or road closures. Inquire if they incorporate any local community elements, like visits to the Surgoinsville Public Library or outdoor time at local parks. Given the town's size, ask about staff longevity—low turnover indicates a stable environment. Check the outdoor play space for safety and shade. Importantly, ask about their communication with parents; a close-knit community benefits from providers who are integrated and communicative, perhaps through local Facebook groups or community bulletins in addition to daily reports.
How far in advance do I need to apply for daycare in Surgoinsville, and are waitlists common?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare options in a town of Surgoinsville's size, planning ahead is crucial. For infant spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios, it is recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 9 months before** your needed start date. For toddler and preschool-age children, a lead time of 3 to 6 months is more common but not guaranteed. Waitlists are very common, especially for the most sought-after providers. When contacting a facility, always ask about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if there's a fee to hold a spot). Being proactive and applying to multiple providers increases your chances of securing care when you need it.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Surgoinsville: