What is the average cost of daycare in Tennessee?
What is the average cost of daycare in Tennessee?
$1,000 – $1,400 average cost per month (infant)
$700 – $1,000 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Tennessee
Finding quality daycare in Tennessee can feel overwhelming for parents, but understanding the typical costs up front will help you budget and make informed decisions for your family.
The average cost of daycare in Tennessee is $700 to $1,400 per month or $8,400 to $16,800 per year, depending on the type of provider, your child's age, whether they attend full-time or part-time, and your location. Childcare costs are higher in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga than in smaller cities and rural areas.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,000 – $1,400 | $12,000 – $16,800 |
| Toddler | $700 – $1,000 | $8,400 – $12,000 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Center vs. in-home daycare rates in Tennessee
The type of provider you select affects the cost and your child's day-to-day experience. Daycare centers offer structured educational curricula, enrichment programs, staff with early childhood development training, and larger facilities. In-home daycares offer a more personal, family-like atmosphere with fewer resources, but also smaller classes.
The table below shows the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Tennessee.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,000 – $1,400 | $900 – $1,100 |
| Toddler | $800 – $1,000 | $700 – $900 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Infant daycare cost in Tennessee
The average cost of daycare for an infant in Tennessee is $1,000 to $1,400 per month for full-time care five days per week, with lower prices for half-day care or fewer days per week. Infant daycare costs more than toddler care due to higher staff-to-child ratio requirements and the specialized attention infants need.
The table below shows the average cost for full-time and part-time infant daycare in Tennessee.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,000 – $1,400 |
| Part-time | $800 – $1,200 |
Toddler daycare cost in Tennessee
Daycare for toddlers in Tennessee costs $700 to $1,000 per month on average for five days per week of full-time care, with lower prices for part-time care. Toddler programs incorporate more educational activities, social interaction, and structured play designed to help children develop motor coordination and language skills.
The table below shows the average cost for full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in Tennessee.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $700 – $1,000 |
| Part-time | $500 – $800 |
What affects the cost of childcare in Tennessee?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Tennessee:
Child's age: Infant daycare is more expensive than toddler care because it requires more staff per child and a higher level of care.
Center vs. in-home daycare: In-home daycare providers charge less than childcare centers but may not offer the same learning experience or amenities and the staff may not have the same experience or certifications.
Program quality: Daycares with better facilities, lower child-to-teacher ratios, educational curricula, and enrichment programs have higher tuition fees.
Staff qualifications: Centers with more experienced and educated staff, especially those with degrees in early childhood education, often charge higher rates.
Meals & supplies included: Some daycare providers include meals, snacks, and supplies like diapers and baby wipes in their fee while others charge extra or require parents to bring their own food and supplies.
Extra-curricular activities: Many providers offer extra programs like music lessons, art classes, sports, or language instruction for an additional charge.
Additional services: Programs that offer transportation, extended hours, or specialized services charge higher rates for these premium offerings.
Many childcare providers offer discounts for siblings enrolled together, active-duty military personnel, and first responders. Families that pay monthly instead of weekly may also be eligible for a discount.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
These other childcare alternatives cost more than daycare but may offer more flexibility to suit your needs and schedule:
A full-time nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A full-time babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,500 to $2,250 per month plus room and board.
Childcare assistance in Tennessee
Tennessee offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
The Child Care Certificate Program provides subsidies to eligible low-income working families, students, and job training participants to help cover the cost of daycare.
The Smart Steps Child Care Assistance Program covers a portion of childcare costs for income-eligible working parents and parents pursuing post-secondary educational goals. However, space in the program is limited.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve children from birth to age 5, providing a wide range of educational and supportive services at no cost to qualifying families.
The federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible low-income families to help cover childcare expenses.
FAQs about daycare in Tennessee
Do daycares in Tennessee need to be licensed?
Tennessee requires licensing for all providers who care for five or more children. Licensed childcare providers must meet comprehensive health and safety standards, pass regular inspections, and maintain required minimum staff-to-child ratios.
Always verify the provider's current license status before enrolling your child.
Do Tennessee daycare rates include meals?
Many Tennessee daycares include meals, snacks, or both in their base tuition rate, but this varies by provider. Be sure to clarify meal and snack policies, along with any potential charges, during your initial meeting.
How far in advance should I look for daycare in Tennessee?
Start your search for daycare at least 9 to 12 months before you need care. It's never too early to start looking for childcare since many popular providers have waitlists. If you apply early, you can visit facilities, compare programs, and potentially join a waitlist.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycares in Tennessee, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Check out reviews for nearby childcare services on TrustedCare and Google.
Check each daycare facility yourself to verify it's safe, sanitary, and properly cared for.
Meet with the director and staff to discuss their experience, qualifications, and approach to early childhood education.
Ask about operating hours, holiday closures, and staff-to-child ratios.
Verify what the tuition covers in terms of services and supplies.
Verify the provider's childcare license is current.
Get a contract in writing before your child's first day.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare providers:
How long has your daycare been open?
What is the staff-to-child ratio for kids in my child's age group?
What educational curriculum do you offer?
What enrichment programs and activities do you offer?
What education, certifications, and experience do your staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
How much outdoor playtime do the children get?
What meals and snacks do you provide? Do they cost extra?
Which supplies and services does your base tuition rate include?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
What measures do you have in place for secure pickup and drop-off?
What is your sick child policy?
What is your approach to discipline?
Do you provide regular progress reports or parent-teacher conferences?
How often do your staff members send pictures or updates?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.