Daycare License Requirements for Tennessee
Worker requirements
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
| Ratio For Daycare Centers | ||
| Age of Children | Child: Staff Ratio | Maximum 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 |
| Large Family Child Care Homes | |
| Total Number of Children Allowed: | 8-12; Plus 3 School-Age Children (SAC) |
| Ratio of Children to One Provider: | 12:1 For 3+-yrs15:1 For 3+-yrs, with at least 3 SAC |
| Provider’s Own Children Counted: | Yes; If under age 9 |
| Small Family Child Care Home | |
| 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 |
Tennessee Department of Human Services
State Director
Child & Adult Care Services
Citizens Plaza Bldg. – 14th Floor
400 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37248-9800
Phone: 615-313-4770
Fax: 615-532-9956
Web site: http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/adfam/cc_main.htm
Rules for child care centers
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/1240/1240-04/1240-04-03.pdf
Rules for family child care home
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/1240/1240-04/1240-04-04.pdf
Learn more about How To Start A Daycare
