| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | 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. |
| Infant ratio | 1:4 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:11 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:11 (max group: —) |
Tennessee licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers 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..
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:4 | — | Birth–12 months |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:11 | — | 12–36 months |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:11 | — | 3yr = 1:11; 4yr = 1:15 |
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 directly with TN DHS.
Tennessee licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Tennessee childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established 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 directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Tennessee Department of Human Services for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Tennessee licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Tennessee Department of Human Services. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Tennessee are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Tennessee Department of Human Services. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Tennessee Department of Human Services for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Tennessee licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Tennessee under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq..
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with TN DHS for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Tennessee
The childcare center licensing process in Tennessee is administered by Tennessee Department of Human Services. The general steps are:
- Contact Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing and Regulation to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a TN DHS licensing analyst verifying compliance with Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq. physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Tennessee Department of Human Services. Each physical location requires a separate license.
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
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Tennessee classroom approaches ratio limits required under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01 (Rules and Regulations for Child Care Agencies); TCA §71-3-501 et seq..
Frequently asked questions: Tennessee childcare center licensing
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.
- Tennessee Department of Human Services — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Tennessee
Also in this guide: Tennessee Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Tennessee Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Tennessee Preschool Requirements