Licensing rules for child care centers in tennessee

Search all data. Skip to Main Content. Go to TN. Print This Page. Go to Search. Child Care Resources for Providers. Child Care Licensing Rules Guidance. Search all data Chapter. Program Evaluators will use technical assistance to help child care providers understand best practices regarding sippy cups.

Can children eat in a dine-in kitchen since stoves are accessible to children? According to Tenn. Program Evaluators will provide technical assistance on best practices for warming bottles. Should information such as time and amount of feeding, toileting, sleep patterns, etc. In order to prevent injury and to ensure adequate levels of supervision, children of different age groups cannot share playground space at the same time.

In instances of cross programming where a child of an older age, at the same time, interacts with younger children in structured activities such as reading mentor, or activities guide, the child care provider must ensure adequate supervision is provided to all children by adult staff. DHS tn. For additional information you may also contact the Department of Human Services by phone at: A note from a parent, guardian or physician giving direction for an individual child should guide what is provided to that child.

Rules Additionally, Tenn. The practice of moving employees between licensed centers is permissible so long as the agencies share the same FEID number, the category of care has not changed, and there has not been a break in employment that would require a new background check pursuant to Tenn.

This is reiterated by Tenn. Also, direct supervision of children by the educator is required anytime the children are eating; the educator shall not be engaged in other activities while children are eating. Program and Facilities Exempt from Licensing Requirements. If you are providing care and supervision to five 5 or more unrelated children for three 3 or more hours per day without a license and you do not meet the criteria for license-exempt status, then you are operating illegally.

Operating a child care agency without the required license is a Class A misdemeanor criminal offense. Illegal operators will be investigated by Child Care Licensing staff via unannounced visit to the facility. The law gives Child Care Licensing the right to inspect all suspected child care agencies, and to petition the local Chancery Court for an order of inspection if they are refused access.

If the operation is not in compliance on the unannounced follow-up visit, a Temporary Restraining Order TRO will be requested from the local Chancery Court as well as a permanent injunction and the assessment of costs against the illegal operator. The primary purpose of licensing is the protection of children. Minimum requirements are designed to maintain adequate health, safety, and supervision of children while in a group care setting. Licensure rules for child care agencies child care centers, group and family child care homes may be accessed at the Secretary of State's web site.

At least one unannounced visit is made each quarter. These visits are to ensure that providers continue to meet licensing requirements. Agencies are also investigated in response to complaints.