Best Childcare Assistance in Tennessee — 16 resources

About Childcare Assistance for Women

Childcare assistance for mothers is delivered primarily through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG/CCDF), Head Start, Early Head Start, and state pre-K. CCDF subsidies are administered by each state's lead agency (usually the Department of Human Services) and help families pay for licensed care while parents work, attend school, or participate in training — eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Head Start serves children 3–5 from families below the Federal Poverty Level; Early Head Start covers birth to 3 plus pregnant women. Child Care Aware (1-800-424-2246) and state Resource & Referral agencies match families to providers. This directory includes each state's CCDF office, Head Start programs, and R&R agencies.

Childcare Assistance in Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, Memphis Area Legal Services, and the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence serve women.

16 Resources

Frequently Asked

How many childcare assistance resources are in Tennessee?

Women's Corner tracks 16 childcare assistance resources for women in Tennessee.

Are childcare assistance resources in Tennessee free?

14 of the 16 listed childcare assistance resources in Tennessee are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Tennessee have childcare assistance resources?

Listings span cities including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga.

What are some examples of childcare assistance resources in Tennessee?

Featured entries include Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program, Nashville Early Education Center, Porter-Leath - Memphis, Child Care Resource & Referral - Nashville, CAC Beardsley Community Farm Head Start - Knoxville.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

7 of 16 Tennessee childcare assistance listings include phone numbers.

How do I get help paying for daycare?

Apply for CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) subsidies through your state's child care assistance agency — eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income for working or in-school parents. Wait lists exist in some states. Head Start (ages 3–5) and Early Head Start (0–3) are free for income-qualifying families and include education, meals, and family services.

What's the difference between Head Start and daycare?

Head Start is a free federally-funded program for low-income kids ages 3–5 that includes early education, free meals, health and dental screenings, and parent involvement — typically 3–6 hours/day during the school year. Daycare/CCDF subsidies cover full-day, year-round care at licensed providers. Many families use both: Head Start morning + wrap-around CCDF-funded daycare.

Can I get childcare while I'm in school or job training?

Yes — CCDF subsidies cover parents in education and job training programs, not just employed parents. The CCAMPIS federal program funds free on-campus childcare at hundreds of colleges. WIOA-enrolled trainees often receive childcare support through their American Job Center case manager. TANF includes childcare as part of work activities.

Are there options for night-shift or weekend childcare?

Limited but growing. Search Child Care Aware (1-800-424-2246) for 'non-traditional hours' providers in your state. Some states have specific non-traditional-hour subsidies. Family Child Care homes are often more flexible than centers. The military Child Care Aware program serves National Guard, Reserve, and DoD-eligible families with 24/7 backup care.