The Best Daycare Centers in Waverly, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Waverly. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Waverly
The Learning Tree Academy
Independent
The Learning Tree Academy is Waverly's premier early childhood education center featuring a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences in purpose-built classrooms. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified educators who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers both indoor and outdoor learning environments with age-appropriate playgrounds and dedicated spaces for different age groups.
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Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Dickson
Kids R Kids Learning Academies
As part of the respected Kids R Kids network, this Dickson location serves families throughout Humphreys County including Waverly. The academy features their exclusive STEAM AHEAD curriculum integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics with literacy development. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure webcam access for parents, climate-controlled playgrounds, and specialized learning centers. Their team includes degreed early childhood educators who implement age-appropriate developmental milestones tracking. The center emphasizes character development and school readiness through structured learning activities and play-based exploration.
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Primrose School of Dickson
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Dickson brings nationally-recognized early education standards to the Waverly service area with their Balanced Learning approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The curriculum focuses on developing independence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through their exclusive Harmony & Heart program. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous professional development. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and developmental progress reports, while emphasizing character development and community awareness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Waverly, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Waverly, TN, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Waverly, Tennessee, all childcare facilities 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. The licensing process involves rigorous background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections of the premises, and adherence to staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a facility's compliance and view its latest inspection reports, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database and look for a current license, as it ensures the provider meets the minimum state standards for safety, staff training, and facility requirements specific to Tennessee law.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Waverly, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Waverly and the surrounding Humphreys County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $110 and $150 per week. Home-based daycare is often more affordable. These rates are generally lower than the state average for Tennessee, reflecting the area's cost of living. For financial assistance, Tennessee's Child Care Certificate Program (subsidized care) is available for eligible families. You can apply through the DHS office in Waverly or the Humphreys County DHS office. Additionally, local organizations and churches sometimes offer sliding-scale fees or limited scholarships, so it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Waverly, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare centers in Waverly, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months, and sometimes longer. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search at least 6-9 months before they will need care. The best practice is to contact providers as soon as possible, get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and check in periodically. For school-age or summer programs, inquire at least 3-4 months in advance. Being proactive is key in a smaller community like Waverly where options are more limited.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Waverly, besides large daycare centers?
Given Waverly's size, parents often find care through a mix of licensed options. Beyond the few dedicated childcare centers, the most common alternatives are: 1. **Licensed Family Home Daycares:** These are in-home providers licensed for a smaller number of children, often offering a more home-like environment. 2. **Faith-Based Preschools/Childcare:** Several local churches operate part-day preschool programs that may also offer extended care. 3. **In-Home Nannies or Sitters:** While less formal, some families hire individual caregivers. For this, ensure you conduct your own thorough background checks. 4. **School-Age Programs:** Operated by the Humphreys County Schools or the local Boys & Girls Club, these provide before/after-school and summer care for school-aged children. Networking through local Facebook community groups (like "Waverly, TN Community") is a valuable way to discover smaller, reputable home-based providers.
Are there any daycare providers in Waverly that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in local industries?
Yes, but options are limited and require specific searching. Waverly is home to industries like Tennsco and other manufacturing plants that may have shift work. While most standard daycare centers operate from around 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, some licensed family home providers may offer more flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional overnight care. It is crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront. You may need to consider a combination of a traditional daycare and a backup sitter for off-hours. Clearly communicating your shift schedule (e.g., 2nd or 3rd shift) during your initial inquiries is essential to find a compatible fit. Again, local community groups can be a resource for finding caregivers who accommodate non-standard hours.
Childcare Insights for Waverly
For parents in Waverly, Tennessee, the search for quality childcare is a journey of love and careful consideration. When your child has special needs, that journey requires an extra layer of planning and heart. Finding the right "special needs daycare near me" in our community means looking for a place that offers not just supervision, but understanding, tailored support, and a genuine sense of belonging for your child. Waverly, with its close-knit feel, can be an ideal setting for such personalized care, but knowing where to start is key.
Begin your search by connecting with local resources right here in Humphreys County. A valuable first call is to the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), which serves children from birth to age three with developmental delays. They can provide guidance and may have referrals for inclusive childcare providers in the Waverly area. Additionally, reaching out to the Humphreys County School System can offer insights. While they serve school-aged children, special education coordinators often know of local daycare providers or preschools that have experience preparing children for the transition into their programs. Don’t overlook the power of local networks; other parents in Waverly who walk a similar path can be an invaluable source of honest, ground-level recommendations. Consider asking in community groups or at places like the Humphreys County Public Library.
When evaluating a potential daycare in or around Waverly, look beyond the basics. Schedule a visit and observe. Ask specific questions about their experience with your child’s particular needs. Do the caregivers use visual schedules or sensory-friendly spaces? How do they handle communication challenges or medical needs? A quality provider will welcome these questions and have a collaborative approach. Inquire about their staff-to-child ratio and the training their team has received in inclusive practices. It’s also wise to discuss how they integrate therapy goals, if your child receives services like speech or occupational therapy, into the daily routine. The ideal setting in Waverly will feel like a partnership, where the daycare staff work with you as a team.
Remember, your search might extend slightly beyond the Waverly city limits to neighboring towns like McEwen or Dickson, which may offer specialized programs. However, the benefit of a local Waverly provider is the community connection and shorter commute, which can reduce stress for both you and your child. Trust your instincts during visits. You know your child best. Look for a place where the atmosphere feels warm, patient, and structured—a place where your child is seen for their abilities and celebrated for their unique self. Finding the right fit may take time, but there are dedicated caregivers in our region committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for every child. Your perseverance in this search is the first step toward giving your child a wonderful, supportive start right here in our own Waverly community.
Nearby Cities
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