Rules and Regulations

The primary purpose of licensing is the protection of children. Minimal 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 website. Upon enrollment in a licensed facility, parents are given a summary of the licensing requirements.

Tennessee 's child care agencies are inspected a minimum of six times a year with unannounced visits to ensure that they continue to meet licensing requirements. This is the highest number of visits by a regulatory agency in the US . Every child care agency is required to post its license and the child care report card in a conspicuous place where parents can see them.