Opening a daycare in Tennessee involves understanding and adhering to state regulations that ensure the safety and well-being of children. At Winnie, our extensive experience in the daycare and preschool industry makes us a trusted resource to help guide you through this process. Whether you're planning to open a home-based daycare or a center-based facility, familiarizing yourself with the licensing requirements is the crucial first step to launching a successful childcare business in Tennessee.
Is a Childcare License Required in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the need for a childcare license depends on the type of care you plan to offer. Typically, if you plan to care for children who are not related to you in your home or a separate facility, you will need to obtain a license. Tennessee recognizes two primary types of childcare businesses: family childcare homes and childcare centers. If you only plan to provide babysitting services for children from one family at a time, a license may not be required. However, once you start caring for children from multiple families, obtaining a license is mandatory.
Tennessee regulates four main types of childcare businesses:
- Childcare Centers: These facilities care for 13 or more children.
- Family Childcare Homes: These provide care for five to seven unrelated children, as well as up to five children who are related to the caregiver, all within the caregiver's home.
- Group Childcare Homes: These offer care for eight to twelve children in the caregiver’s home. Additionally, up to three more school-age children can be cared for before and after school, on holidays, snow days, and during summer breaks.
- Drop-In Childcare Centers: These centers care for 15 or more children for up to 14 hours a week, Monday through Friday. They can also provide an additional six hours of care on Sundays, though these rules do not apply on snow days.
These regulations are designed to help childcare providers maintain a safe and nurturing environment for the children they serve.
Childcare Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
To start a daycare in Tennessee, you must meet specific licensing requirements:
Family Child Care Home Licensing
Provider Requirements:
- Must be 18+ years old
- Hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, an associate's, or a bachelor's degree in early childhood education
- Complete basic first aid and CPR training via the American Heart Association
- Have Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training if caring for children under 24 months
- Complete 30 hours of approved training, including core competencies, within two years before registration
- Finish emergency planning, breastfeeding support, medication administration, and ADA compliance training
Substitute Requirements:
- Must be 18+ years old
- Appointed by the provider and approved by the department
- Undergo federal and state criminal background checks
- Present no risk to children's safety
Additional Adult Requirements:
- Must be 18+ years old
- Attend an info session for caring for children under two
- Complete first aid, CPR, and SIDS training
- Pass a background check
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must present no risk to children’s safety
- Undergo health and safety orientation
- Pass federal and state background checks
- Must be 18+ years old to care for children under two
Capacity Requirements:
- Care capacity cannot exceed the number on the registration certificate
- A family childcare home can care for up to seven children, with no more than three under two years old
- For more than two children under two, an additional adult must be present
Group Child Care Home Licensing
Director Requirements:
- Must be 21+ years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 9 hours of communication training and 3 hours in administrative procedures
- Hold a national child development credential or complete 90 hours of child development training
Teacher Requirements:
- Must be 19+ years old
- Complete approved training in child development, curriculum, and ADA compliance
- Have one year of supervised experience with children in a licensed setting
- Approved by the Department for Early Childhood for nursery to third grade
- Finish basic health and safety training
- Complete breastfeeding support training if caring for children under two
Aide Requirements:
- Must be 16+ years old
- Complete 90 hours or equivalent pre-service early childhood education training
Substitutes:
- Must be 18+ years old
- Maintain staff-to-child ratios in the absence of regular staff
- Submit necessary forms to the department and undergo background checks
- Present no risk to children’s safety
Support Personnel:
- Handle duties not involving direct child supervision (e.g., food prep, housekeeping)
Volunteers:
- Must pass a criminal background check or review of abuse/neglect records
- Work under close supervision of the provider or staff
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Childcare Provider in Tennessee
After submitting your application to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, you'll need to follow several steps:
- Develop a Business Plan: A well-structured business plan will help you set clear goals and organize your daycare effectively.
- Mission Statement and Branding: Craft a mission statement that reflects your daycare’s values and objectives, and create a strong brand identity.
- Research Grants and Funding: Look into available grants and funding options to assist with startup costs.
- Choose a Location and Furnish It: Ensure that your chosen location meets state requirements and is appropriately furnished and equipped.
- Obtain License and Permit: Complete the necessary applications, pass all required inspections, and secure your license.
- Hire Qualified Staff: Make sure that all staff members meet Tennessee’s childcare regulations.
- Establish a Curriculum: Select or develop a curriculum that aligns with Tennessee’s early childhood education standards.
- Market and Advertise Your Daycare: Promote your daycare through various channels to attract clients.
- Manage Enrollment: Streamline the admission process to handle enrollments efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My State Offers Free Preschool; How Can I Stay Competitive?
Offering unique services and flexible hours can help your daycare remain competitive even when free preschool programs are available.
Do I Need a Degree to Open a Daycare in Tennessee?
While a degree isn't strictly required to open a daycare, having relevant education or experience can be beneficial, particularly for center-based providers.
What Certifications Are Needed to Open a Daycare in Tennessee?
Certifications such as CPR, first aid, and safe sleep practices are mandatory. Additionally, directors of center-based daycares may need to meet specific educational qualifications.
How Can I Make My Daycare Inclusive?
Creating an inclusive environment involves accommodating children of all abilities and backgrounds, offering diverse learning materials, and training staff on inclusivity best practices.