Tennessee State Requirements

Qualifications: Caregivers in Tennessee State: Must be at least 18 years old and able to read and write. Each group must have at least one caregiver who has a high school diploma or equivalent, a CDA credential, or a diploma from a state area vocational school.

Provider/Child Ratio:

Ratios for Daycare Centers in Tennessee State
Age of Children Child: Staff Ratio Max Group Size
6 weeks
4:1
8
9 months
4:1
8
18 months
6:1
12
27 months
7:1
14
3 years
9:1
18
4 years
13:1
20
5 years
16:1
20
6 years
20:1
NR
7 years
20:1
NR
8-9 years
20:1
NR
10 years and older
20:1
NR

Age Ranges in Tennessee State Ratios for Large Family Child Care
Total Number of Children Allowed:
8-12; Plus 3 School-Age Children (SAC)
Ratio of Children to One Provider: 12:1 For 3+-yrs
15:1 For 3+-yrs, with at least 3 SAC
Provider's Own Children Counted: Yes; If under age 9

Age Ranges in Tennessee State Ratios for Small Family Child Care
Total Number of Children Allowed:
5-7
Maximum Number of Children to One Provider:
7
Provider's Own Children Counted:
Yes; If under age 9
Maximum Number of Infants/Toddlers to One Provider: 4; Under 2-yrs

Important Contact Information:
Child Care Licensing Agency
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Citizens Plaza Building - 14th Floor
400 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37248-9800
Phone: (615) 313-6693
Fax: (615) 532-9956

Child Care Subsidy Agency
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Child Care, Adult, and Community Programs
400 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37248-9600
Phone: (615) 313-4770
Fax: (615) 532-9956

Head Start - State Collaboration Office
Andrew Johnson Tower, 9th Floor
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: (615) 741-4849
Fax: (615) 532-4989

Child Care Food Program Agency
Citizens Plaza Building, 15th Floor
400 Deadrick Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37248-9500
Phone: (615) 313-4749
Fax: (615) 532-9956

State Child Care Resource & Referral Contact
Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral Network
109 N Germantown Road
Chattanooga, TN 37411
Phone: (423) 698-8528, dial "0" for assistance
Toll Free: (866) 296-3422

Office of Child Support Enforcement
Child Support Services
Department of Human Services
400 Deadrick Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37248-7400
Phone: (615) 313-4880
Fax: (615) 532-2791