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.
DHS is committed to promoting early childhood environments that are safe, healthy, and educationally 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. Click here for more information on recent and upcoming changes.
Notice of Pending Rule Changes – Slated to become effective November 20, 2025
The Tennessee Department of Human Services has completed revisions to the Child Care Rules and Regulations. A link to the revised rules is provided below. The Department will post an updated link once the rule revisions become effective.
Are you interested in becoming a Provider in the Child Care Certificate Program? We're recruiting! Click HERE to Learn More
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. Contact information can be found by clicking here.