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Tennessee Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Tennessee. Tennessee also administers a state-funded preschool program — Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (TVPK) — with additional requirements.

Tennessee Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with TN DHS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:11, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing and Regulation
Regulatory code	Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq.
State-funded program	Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (TVPK)

Tennessee preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Tennessee must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Tennessee Department of Human Services under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq..

Tennessee state-funded preschool: Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (TVPK) — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:11	—	3yr = 1:11; 4yr = 1:15
State-funded preschool (Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq., Tennessee Department of Human Services. Always verify current ratios with TN DHS.

Tennessee preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Tennessee childcare center license require a director meeting Tennessee Department of Human Services’s qualification standards under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq.. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Tennessee must meet minimum education requirements set by Tennessee Department of Human Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Tennessee Department of Human Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Tennessee-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Tennessee

Private preschool programs in Tennessee follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Tennessee Department of Human Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Tennessee Department of Human Services center license (private preschool) or Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (TVPK) contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing and Regulation. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Tennessee Department of Human Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq..
For a state-funded preschool: contact TN Dept of Human Services (DHS) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (TVPK) contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing and Regulation.
Official resource: https://tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/child-care-licensing.html

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Frequently asked questions: Tennessee preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Tennessee need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Tennessee that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Tennessee Department of Human Services under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq.. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:11 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Tennessee Department of Human Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Tennessee preschool teacher need?

Tennessee preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Tennessee Department of Human Services under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq.. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Tennessee Department of Human Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Tennessee preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Tennessee Department of Human Services in Tennessee, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:11, with a maximum group size of —. For state-funded programs (Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (TVPK)), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K and who qualifies?

Yes — Tennessee administers Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (TVPK). This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Tennessee?

Kindergarten in Tennessee is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Tennessee Department of Human Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Tennessee Department of Human Services under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq. and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Tennessee Department of Human Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Tennessee Department of Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Tennessee Childcare Center Requirements, Tennessee Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Tennessee Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Tennessee Department of Human Services at https://tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/child-care-licensing.html before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.