The Best Daycare Centers in Tellico Plains, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tellico Plains. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tellico Plains
God's Little Blessings Preschool & Childcare
Independent
God's Little Blessings is a highly-rated Christian-based childcare center serving the Tellico Plains area with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center features a structured educational curriculum that balances academic preparation with faith-based values. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and focuses on individualized learning approaches. The facility includes secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems. They offer nutritious meal programs and emphasize social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong communication from qualified educators with early childhood credentials.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Center
Independent
The Learning Center provides exceptional early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, physical, and social development. Their qualified teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. The facility features secure access controls, modern learning materials, and stimulating indoor/outdoor environments. Their comprehensive program includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and physical education components. The center maintains excellent safety records and strong parent satisfaction through regular progress updates and family engagement opportunities. They serve families throughout Monroe County including Tellico Plains.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center has built an outstanding reputation over nearly two decades of service to families in Tellico Plains and surrounding communities. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on the whole child's development. The center features qualified early childhood professionals with extensive experience in age-appropriate curriculum implementation. Safety is prioritized with secure facilities, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health protocols. Their program includes enrichment activities in music, movement, and creative expression alongside core academic skills. Parents appreciate the consistent quality of care and the center's commitment to creating a warm, nurturing environment that supports each child's unique developmental journey.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tellico Plains, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Tellico Plains, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In 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 in Tellico Plains must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety inspections, staff training (including CPR and First Aid), and age-appropriate programming. To verify a facility's license and view its compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care.
How long are typical waitlists for quality daycare centers in Tellico Plains, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare facilities in a smaller community like Tellico Plains, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded home-based providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more. We strongly advise expecting parents to begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age openings, starting your search at least 3-6 months before your needed start date is a prudent strategy. Be sure to ask about waitlist fees and policies when you tour a facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Tellico Plains?
While costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas, daycare in Tellico Plains typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week for full-time care, with infant care often at the higher end of that scale. Home-based daycare may sometimes be slightly less expensive than center-based care. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to ask exactly what is included (e.g., diapers, wipes, formula, meals). For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program through the Department of Human Services for eligible families.
Are there any state-funded pre-K options available for 4-year-olds in Tellico Plains, and how do they differ from private preschool?
Yes, Tennessee's Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) program is available in Tellico Plains through the Monroe County School System. These programs are typically housed in public elementary schools and are free for eligible 4-year-olds. Enrollment is based on age and income/risk factors, with priority given to at-risk children. The VPK program follows state educational standards. In contrast, private preschools or daycare centers with preschool programs offer more flexible hours (often full-day versus the half-day typical of VPK), may have different educational philosophies (like Montessori or play-based), and usually come with tuition costs. It's common for parents to use a combination, such as VPK for education and a daycare for wrap-around care.
What local resources or networks can help me find and evaluate childcare options in the Tellico Plains area?
A key local resource is the **Southwest Tennessee Development District's Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency**. They serve Monroe County and can provide free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Tellico Plains based on your specific needs. They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and understanding quality indicators. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Tellico Plains Community" or "Monroe County, TN Moms") can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into provider reputations and availability that you won't find on official listings.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Tellico Plains: