The Best Daycare Centers in Trade, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Trade. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Trade
Mountain City Daycare & Learning Center
Mountain City Daycare & Learning Center
Mountain City Daycare & Learning Center serves the entire Johnson County area including Trade, offering a comprehensive early childhood education program with a balanced approach to academic and social development. The center features a structured curriculum that includes literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems. They emphasize character development and community involvement while providing nutritious meals and snacks.
Daycare Services:
Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Academy provides high-quality childcare services to families throughout the Tri-Cities region, including those commuting from Trade. Their educational philosophy combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, featuring the Creative Curriculum system. The center boasts state-certified teachers, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms with smart technology, and fenced outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces. The academy emphasizes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center has served Northeast Tennessee families for nearly two decades, offering a nurturing environment with a strong academic foundation. Their program focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning experiences and structured activities. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning materials. Their curriculum includes language development, mathematics concepts, science exploration, and creative expression. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Trade, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Trade, Tennessee, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Tennessee, all childcare providers caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This includes family homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensed facilities in Trade must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR, first aid, and child development), health and safety protocols, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, including any violations, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure a baseline of safety and quality for your child.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Trade, TN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Trade and the surrounding Johnson County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care (18 months to 3 years) often costs between $110 and $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), specific programs offered, and whether meals are included. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidized childcare) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You can apply through the TDHS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Given Trade's rural location, how can I find and evaluate available childcare options, and are waitlists common?
Due to Trade's smaller, rural community, finding childcare requires proactive local networking. Start by asking for recommendations from other parents at local churches, community centers like the Trade Community Center, or through Johnson County community Facebook groups. The TDHS online search tool is also crucial for finding licensed providers in the 37691 zip code and surrounding areas. For evaluation, always schedule an in-person visit to observe cleanliness, safety, and caregiver-child interactions. Ask about daily routines, discipline policies, and staff turnover. Waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be common as capacity is limited. It's advisable to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care, especially for infants.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Trade area?
For school-age children attending Johnson County Schools, options include school-based programs and licensed home-based providers. The primary resource is the Johnson County Schools' own before and after-school program, which may be hosted at the elementary school. Transportation from the school to a local licensed family daycare home is another possibility. Due to the rural setting and potential transportation challenges, it's essential to confirm pickup/drop-off logistics and availability directly with providers. Some local churches or community organizations may also offer seasonal or part-time care. Contacting the Johnson County Board of Education or the school directly is the best first step to learn about structured programs.
Are there any unique seasonal or part-time childcare needs specific to families in Trade, TN, and how are they typically met?
Yes, given Trade's location in a mountainous, agricultural, and tourism-adjacent region, seasonal needs are common. During peak tourism seasons in nearby areas like the Appalachian Trail or Roan Mountain, and during local harvest times, parents working in these industries may need flexible or temporary care. Additionally, summer break presents a need for full-day programs. These needs are often met through a combination of licensed family daycare homes offering flexible schedules, summer day camps organized by local churches or the 4-H program through the Johnson County UT Extension Office, and informal networks of trusted babysitters. Planning for summer care should begin in early spring, as structured programs fill quickly.