The Best Daycare Centers in Watertown, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Watertown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Watertown
First Steps Learning Center
Independent
First Steps Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Watertown area with a comprehensive educational approach. They feature a structured curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and social development through play-based learning. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The center is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Lebanon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lebanon provides high-quality educational childcare serving families in the Watertown area with their Life Essentials® curriculum. This nationally recognized program focuses on character development, STEM education, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The center features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their modern facility includes technology-enhanced classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and secure access systems. The academy emphasizes health and safety with nutritious meal programs, rigorous cleaning protocols, and comprehensive security measures. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and family events.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Mt. Juliet
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Mt. Juliet offers premium early education and care services to families in the Watertown region with their Balanced Learning® approach. This research-based curriculum combines academic preparation with character development and play-based learning. The school features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and maintains exceptional staff-to-child ratios. Their purpose-built facility includes bright, well-equipped classrooms, multiple outdoor learning environments, and secure entry systems. The program emphasizes holistic development with music, art, physical education, and Spanish language exposure. Safety is paramount with comprehensive background checks, health monitoring systems, and emergency preparedness protocols. The school is renowned for its strong parent partnerships and consistent high-quality care.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Watertown, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Watertown, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Watertown, 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 health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's status, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to visit any prospective daycare in person to observe the environment and ask to see their current license, which should be posted. Given Watertown's smaller community, many providers may also be well-known through local word-of-mouth, but official verification is essential.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Watertown, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Watertown and the surrounding Wilson County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $200 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $130 to $180 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas like Nashville but can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and operating hours. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidy) is available for eligible families through the TDHS. Additionally, local organizations or churches in Watertown may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees. It's best to contact the Wilson County TDHS office or individual providers directly to inquire about specific assistance options and availability.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Watertown, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to Watertown's size and limited number of dedicated childcare centers, popular providers can indeed have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is common for waitlists to be several months long. We recommend starting your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care. Be proactive by contacting all available options, including licensed family home daycares, which may have more immediate openings. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists (often without a fee) and check back periodically. Networking with other parents in the community through local Facebook groups or community centers can also provide leads on upcoming openings.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Watertown—centers, home-based, or faith-based programs?
Watertown offers a mix, but licensed family home daycares are a very common and integral part of the childcare landscape, providing a home-like setting with smaller groups. There are also a few dedicated childcare centers that may offer more structured preschool curricula. Given the community's character, several faith-based programs operate out of local churches, often providing care with a religious component and sometimes only part-day or preschool schedules. For full-time, year-round care, home-based providers and the limited centers are the primary options. Exploring all three types will give you a complete view of what's available to fit your family's needs and schedule.
How do I find and evaluate in-home babysitters or nannies for occasional or part-time care in Watertown?
For occasional or part-time care, many Watertown families rely on local networks. A great starting point is community Facebook groups like "Watertown, TN Community" or "Wilson County Moms." You can also inquire at Watertown High School for responsible older students in child development programs or contact local colleges like nearby Cumberland University for education majors. When evaluating a candidate, always conduct interviews, check multiple references thoroughly, and discuss rates (typically $10-$15/hour in the area). For a more formal route, you can use regional nanny agencies based in Lebanon or Murfreesboro, though they may service Watertown. Clear communication about expectations, schedules, and safety practices is key.