Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in Tennessee?
To start a daycare in Tennessee, you need a license from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) if you care for five or more unrelated children for three or more hours a day. Complete orientation and Small Business Academy, pass fire and environmental inspections, earn a 120-day provisional license, and receive a continuous license after four satisfactory monitoring visits.
In this guide
Tennessee daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Family child care home | Group child care home | Child care center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5 to 7 unrelated children, plus up to 5 related children | 8 to 12 children, plus up to 3 school-age children before and after school and during school breaks | 13 or more children |
| Educators required | 1 educator for 7 or fewer children with no more than 4 under age 2; 2 educators when 5 or more are under age 2 | 1 educator for up to 12 children age 3 and older; 2 for up to 9 children under age 3; 3 for 10 or more under age 3 | Set by age group, from 1:4 for infants to 1:20 for school-age children |
| Lead role and minimum age | Primary educator, 18, with a high school diploma or equivalent | Primary educator, 18, with a high school diploma or equivalent | Director, 21, with a degree or combination of education and experience |
| Indoor space | 30 square feet of usable indoor play space per child | ||
| Annual training | 18 hours (primary educator) | 18 hours (primary educator) | 24 hours (director) and 12 hours (educator) |
| Minimum general liability insurance | $300,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate | $300,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate | $500,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate |
| Provisional license | 120 days, followed by a continuous license after four satisfactory in-person monitoring visits | ||
Sources: Tennessee DHS licensing rules, Chapter 1240-04-01, Tennessee DHS types of regulated child care, and Tennessee DHS provider monitoring and inspections.
Do I need a childcare license in Tennessee?
Yes, in most cases. You need a childcare license in Tennessee if you care for five or more unrelated children for three or more hours a day. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) licenses childcare in the state. Source: Tennessee DHS types of regulated child care. Tennessee calls each licensed program a child care agency, and all licensed agencies register and submit records through the DHS provider portal. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.03.
What are the childcare license types in Tennessee?
- Child care center. Care for 13 or more children. Source: Tennessee DHS types of regulated child care.
- Family child care home. Care for at least five but not more than seven unrelated children, plus up to five related children. The rules allow no more than seven children at one time, or up to twelve if every child above seven is related to the primary educator. Source: Tennessee DHS types of regulated child care and licensing rules 1240-04-01-.20.
- Group child care home. Care for at least eight but not more than twelve children, plus up to three additional school-age children before and after school, on school holidays and snow days, and during summer vacation. Source: Tennessee DHS types of regulated child care and licensing rules 1240-04-01-.21.
- Drop-in child care center. Care for 15 or more children for no more than 7 hours a day and 14 hours a week per child during regular hours (Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). A drop-in center may add evening and weekend care, as long as no child exceeds 20 hours a week. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.23.
Which programs do not need a license?
DHS lists three examples of care that does not require licensure: care provided in a child's own home, care that operates less than three hours a day, and care for fewer than five unrelated children. Source: Tennessee DHS types of regulated child care.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in Tennessee?
Requirements for family and group child care homes
- Primary educator. At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Before contact with children, the primary educator completes the pre-licensure orientation, licensing rules training, shaken baby and abusive head trauma training, Before You Begin pre-service training, and, for programs that care for infants, sudden infant death syndrome training. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06.
- Educator assistant. At least 16 years old, with no education requirement and the same required safety trainings. Assistants ages 16 and 17 in a group home are never left alone with children and always work under a primary educator's direct supervision. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06 and .21.
- Space. 30 square feet of usable indoor play space per child once more than seven children are present or care is provided in one room. Restrooms, hallways, kitchens, offices, and space taken up by cribs or large furniture do not count. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.20 and .21.
- Outdoor play area. At least 50 square feet of usable play space per child using the area at one time, enclosed by a fence or barrier at least four feet high. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.16.
- Primary educator on site. A qualified educator is on site whenever the primary educator is not. In a group home, the primary educator does not hold another job during operating hours unless DHS approves it. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.20 and .21.
- Firearms. In a private residence, firearms and other hazardous items are permitted on the premises only if they are locked, out of sight, and inaccessible to children at all times. Source: DHS Child Care Licensing Rules Guidance.
Educator ratios for family and group homes
Ratios apply indoors, outdoors, and on the playground. A family home needs one educator for seven or fewer children with no more than four under age 2, and two educators when five or more children are under age 2. With more than seven children (allowed only when the extra children are related to the primary educator), a family home needs two educators, or three when five or more are under age 2. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.20.
A group home needs one educator for up to twelve children age 3 and older, two educators for up to nine children under age 3 with no more than four under age 2, and three educators for ten or more children under age 3. Total attendance can reach fifteen only when every child over twelve is school-age. If four or more infants and toddlers attend, they need a separate space with 30 square feet per child and their own educator. If attendance drops to seven or fewer, family home ratios apply. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.21.
Requirements for child care centers
- Fire and environmental inspections. DHS does not issue a license until the center passes an inspection by the State Fire Marshal's Division (or a designee) and the Tennessee Department of Health's General Environmental Division. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.16.
- Safe siting. The Tennessee Choose Safe Places program screens each prospective center location for known environmental hazards as part of DHS pre-licensure, and recommends how to reduce any hazards it finds. Source: Tennessee Department of Health, Choose Safe Places.
- Indoor space. 30 square feet of usable indoor play space per child in each classroom, and 30 square feet per child in each nap room. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.22.
- Outdoor play area. At least 50 square feet of usable play space per child using the area at one time, enclosed by a fence or barrier at least four feet high. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.16.
- Groups and lesson plans. Every child is on roll in a defined group with a specific educator, each group has its own classroom, and the center provides written lesson plans for each group. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.22.
- Director on site. The director is on site for at least 50 percent of the center's monthly operating hours. After licensing, a center may operate without an on-site director for no more than 60 days total in a licensing year. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06 and .22.
Tennessee child care center staff qualifications
- Director. At least 21 years old and meets one of three pathways: a four-year degree from an accredited college (or registered nurse status) and one year of full-time experience with children in a group setting; 36 hours of coursework, at least 30 in business management, child or youth development, early childhood education, or a related field (or a Tennessee Early Childhood Administrator Credential), and two years of experience; or a high school diploma, a 30-hour Administrator Orientation certificate from the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance, and four years of experience. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06.
- Assistant director. At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06.
- Educator. At least 18 years old, with no education requirement unless the educator is the only one for a group or is needed to meet the group requirement, in which case a high school diploma or equivalent applies. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06.
- Student assistant. At least 16 years old and currently enrolled in a technical child care educational program. Student assistants do not count toward ratios. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06 and DHS Child Care Licensing Rules Guidance.
- Required training before contact with children. Licensing rules training, shaken baby and abusive head trauma training, and Before You Begin pre-service training, plus sudden infant death syndrome training for programs that care for infants. First aid and CPR training follows within 90 days of employment. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06.
Tennessee child care center ratios and group sizes
Ratios apply indoors, outdoors, and on the playground. Each classroom can use Chart 1 (below) or one of the alternative age groupings in Chart 2 of the rule, as long as ratios match the children enrolled. Infants are always in a separate space and are never grouped with children older than 30 months. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.22 and DHS Child Care Licensing Rules Guidance.
| Age of children | Educator-to-child ratio | Maximum group size |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks to 15 months | 1:4 | 8 |
| 12 months to 30 months | 1:6 | 12 |
| 2 years | 1:7 | 14 |
| 3 years | 1:9 | 18 |
| 4 years | 1:13 | 24 |
| 5 years | 1:16 | 24 |
| School-age | 1:20 | No maximum |
When more than twelve children are on the premises, a second adult must be physically available. Ratios and group sizes may exceed the requirement by up to 10 percent, rounded to the nearest whole number, no more than three days a week, but never above licensed capacity and never for infant and toddler groups. A combined grouping chart (Chart 3) applies only for the first and last hour and a half of the day. See also brightwheel's guide to childcare ratios. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.22.
How do I apply for a childcare license in Tennessee?
DHS calls the application path a ten-step process. You start with the DHS Pre-Licensure Unit and finish with a provisional license while monitoring visits begin. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
- Contact the Pre-Licensure Unit. Email ChildcarePreLicensure.DHS@tn.gov (the preferred method) or call 615-906-0517. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
- Follow your Program Specialist's instructions. A Program Specialist emails the steps to become licensed and how to start an account in the provider portal. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
- Create your eLicensing account and register for orientation. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
- Attend orientation and intake. DHS verifies your attendance in the system, and you can then complete the pre-application screen. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
- Complete Small Business Academy. New directors at new agencies take it after orientation. Find training through the Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral Network. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency and DHS Child Care Licensing Rules Guidance.
- Complete your application in the eLicensing system. Include your business organization filings from the Tennessee Secretary of State. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency and licensing rules 1240-04-01-.04.
- Schedule the measuring visit. The Program Specialist walks through the location, measures for capacity, and looks for obvious hazards. You then arrange the State Fire inspection, the Environmental inspection, the Choose Safe Places review, and a clearance letter from Codes and Zoning, and the specialist helps with any special use or occupancy permits. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
- Pay the licensing fee. Once all inspections and clearance letters are in, the Program Specialist requests the fee and explains how to pay. If you meet all Establishment Grant requirements, the specialist also submits your intake and grant eligibility form to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
- Complete the first walk-through visit. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
- Complete the second walk-through visit. If you comply with all rules and requirements and have completed and recorded all required documents and trainings, the specialist recommends a provisional license. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency.
What happens after you receive a provisional license?
A provisional license lasts 120 days and gives you time to show you can reach and keep compliance. DHS issues a license after you finish the provisional period, including four in-person monitoring visits that show sustainable child care operations, and comply with all laws and regulations for your type of agency. A license cannot be transferred to a new address or a new owner. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.02 and .04.
What background checks does Tennessee require?
Owners, operators, directors, managers, employees, substitutes who work more than 36 hours in a calendar year, and anyone 15 or older who lives in a home-based agency need a background check no more than 90 days before they have access to the agency. Each person completes a disclosure form, gets fingerprinted through IdentoGO, and gives the agency proof of fingerprinting. Anyone who lived in another state in the last five years also completes an out-of-state registry check. Staff are rechecked at least every five years. Source: Tennessee DHS background checks for child care employees.
Whether you open a center-based program or start a preschool at home, use our checklist for starting a daycare business to stay organized, and compare other states in brightwheel's childcare licensing requirements by state.
Getting your childcare license is just the beginning. Launching your program takes planning, tools, and reliable support. That’s why brightwheel offers a dedicated New Program Experience designed to guide you every step of the way. With our all-in-one platform, you can simplify enrollment, set up billing plans, and stay on track for a smooth, successful opening.
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Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.”
Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
How do I stay compliant with my Tennessee daycare license?
- Pass your monitoring visits. Agencies with a continuous license get at least four monitoring visits a year, two announced and two unannounced. Programs closed during the summer get three quarterly visits plus one just before or after the closure. Licensing Consultants review 11 high-risk areas, including medication, safe sleep, supervision, first aid and CPR, and background checks. Source: Tennessee DHS provider monitoring and inspections.
- Correct violations quickly. If a consultant observes a violation, the consultant helps staff complete a Plan of Corrective Action. A major high-risk violation not corrected during the visit requires a follow-up visit within five days. Source: Tennessee DHS provider monitoring and inspections.
- Keep inspections current. A license requires an annual fire and environmental inspection, and you also need to pay any assessed civil penalties and submit required documents. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.04 and .16.
- Post your QRIS score card. After an agency has been open one year, DHS scores it on health and safety and teacher-child interactions at each of four quarterly visits. Each visit is worth up to 100 points, and the four scores are averaged into an overall score that the agency displays. Source: Tennessee DHS Quality Rating Improvement System.
- Keep training current. Primary educators complete 18 hours of training each year. Family and group home educators and center educators complete 12 hours, directors 24, and assistant directors 18. At least 6 hours cover health and safety and at least 3 cover pre-literacy and literacy skills. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.06.
- Stay within your license. Operate within your licensed capacity, approved hours, age ranges, address, and ownership. Care before 6:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. needs prior DHS approval. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.03 and DHS Child Care Licensing Rules Guidance.
- Maintain required insurance. Keep general liability coverage of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for homes, or $500,000 and $500,000 for centers, plus $5,000 in medical payment coverage and sexual abuse and molestation coverage of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate. Programs that transport children also carry automobile liability coverage. A standard homeowner's policy is not enough, and the declarations page stays in your records. Source: Tennessee licensing rules 1240-04-01-.05. Learn more about daycare insurance.
- Recheck background checks. Staff need a new background check at least every five years, and a new check when an agency moves to a different class of care or is sold. Source: Tennessee DHS background checks for child care employees.
What financial resources are available for Tennessee childcare providers?
Yes. DHS and its partners offer several resources, and you can ask your Program Specialist which ones apply to your program. Review current grants for childcare providers in Tennessee for options that fit.
- Child Care Certificate Program. This state program, also called the subsidized child care program, helps eligible families pay for care. DHS sets reimbursement rates and pays participating agencies directly, and your agency must participate or agree to participate. Source: Tennessee DHS Child Care Certificate Program and DHS provider monitoring and inspections.
- Establishment grants. DHS's pre-licensure steps reference an Establishment Grant that the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) administers, and your Program Specialist submits the eligibility form once you meet its requirements. ChildcareTennessee, a CFMT initiative that ran a provider grant program, ceased operations on June 30, 2026. Source: Tennessee DHS procedures for becoming a licensed child care agency and CFMT notice on ChildcareTennessee.
- Training and coaching. The Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral Network, funded by DHS, offers approved training, coaching, and small business support for child care professionals.
Once you are licensed, marketing strategies fill your spots: build a childcare website families can find, host an open house, and use childcare management software to run enrollment and billing.
Frequently asked questions
What types of childcare licenses does Tennessee offer?
Tennessee licenses child care centers (13 or more children), family child care homes (five to seven unrelated children), group child care homes (eight to twelve children), and drop-in child care centers (15 or more children for limited weekly hours).
How long is the Tennessee provisional license?
A provisional license lasts 120 days. DHS issues a license after the provisional period, including four in-person monitoring visits that show sustainable operations, and compliance with all laws and regulations for your type of agency.
Can I run a home daycare in Tennessee?
Yes. A family child care home cares for five to seven unrelated children, plus up to five related children, and a group child care home cares for eight to twelve children. The primary educator must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent.
What insurance does a Tennessee daycare need?
Homes need general liability coverage of at least $300,000 per occurrence and aggregate, and centers need $500,000. All agencies also need $5,000 in medical payment coverage and sexual abuse and molestation coverage, and a standard homeowner's policy is not enough.
How often will Tennessee inspect my daycare?
Agencies with a continuous license receive at least four monitoring visits a year, two announced and two unannounced. DHS may add visits for complaints, enforcement actions, or follow-up on violations, and weekly unannounced visits apply to agencies on a Safety Plan.
Do I need a license to care for fewer than five children in Tennessee?
No. DHS lists care for fewer than five unrelated children, care provided in a child's own home, and care that operates less than three hours a day as examples of child care that does not require licensure.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in Tennessee. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication, and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
