Child Care Services
Welcome to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Child Care Services webpage. We are happy you are here!
Child Care Services is housed within the Division of Child Care and Community Services. Child Care Services plans, implements, and coordinates activities and programs to ensure quality, and the health and safety of children in licensed care. Child Care Services includes Child and Adult Care Licensing, Pre-Licensure, Child Care Payment Assistance (Smart Steps and the Child Care Certificate Program), and a list of other partner programs.
TDHS is committed to promoting early childhood environments that are safe, healthy, and developmentally rich.
Child Care Services Funding Changes
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is committed to helping working families and is proud to collaborate with child care providers and quality partners who facilitate child care solutions that benefit Tennessee’s workforce, employers, and young Tennesseans in care. Many of the Department’s programs are funded and adjusted based on the guidelines of federal partners. Federal funds are used for a variety of child care programs including Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance and initiatives that help child care providers to promote quality care for all. For more information and upcoming changes, view our FAQ web page for updates on child care funding.
Notice of Rules Changes – effective November 20, 2025.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services has completed revisions to the Child Care Rules and Regulations. To view a PDF in an new tab of our revised rules effective November 20, 2025, open this link.
Are you interested in becoming a Provider in the Child Care Certificate Program? Visit our recruitment web page for more information.
Need help finding a child care agency near you?
Over the last few years, the Child and Adult Care Services Team has been on a transformation and modernization journey to improve the way services are provided to Tennesseans. As part of that journey, there is a new way to search the more than 2,000 licensed agencies serving Tennessee communities. We will continue to improve and refine this tool over the coming months. To find care near you, click the button below:
Report Child Care violations/complaints by calling the Child Care Complaint Hotline at 1-800-462-8261.
Have more questions? Contact a child care licensing office near you. Open this PDF in a new tab to view contact information about child care licensing offices near you.