Licensed Daycare in Knoxville, Tennessee

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Knoxville?

Statewide averages in Tennessee run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Knoxville?

Tennessee families can apply for Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program (intake: (833) 740-1440). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Every center listed below is sourced directly from the state's child care licensing registry — no paid placement, no editorial picks, no hidden referral fees.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$870/mo

Tennessee avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Knoxville

ChildCare Aware reports the Tennessee average full-time cost at $870/month for infant care and $680/month for preschool. City-level prices in Knoxville vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Tennessee families may also qualify for Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program (intake: (833) 740-1440).

Full Tennessee licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:7
Preschool ratio: 1:13
Avg capacity: 69 kids

ZIP codes covered

37909 9 37919 7 37917 7 37916 6 37912 6 37931 5 37923 5 37915 5

Program types in Knoxville

Licensed Family Daycare Home

10 centers

Before & After School Care

9 centers

Licensed Child Care Center

7 centers

Licensed Group Child Care Home

6 centers

Knoxville

Preschool (2-5) Cap 65

Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.

Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Knoxville, Tennessee?

Our directory lists 65 licensed childcare centers in Knoxville, Tennessee, sourced from Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Knoxville?

Statewide averages in Tennessee run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Knoxville daycares?

All licensed Tennessee centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, and 1:13 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Knoxville typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Knoxville?

Tennessee families can apply for Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program (intake: (833) 740-1440). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Knoxville daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Licensing search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.