Child Care Rules and Regulations
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.
Questions and comments regarding child care licensing rules can be sent by email to ChildCareRules.DHS@tn.gov.
To report suspected licensing violations or possible illegal child care operations, call the Child Care Complaint Hotline at 1-800-462-8261. You can also e-mail your information to ChildCareServices.DHS@tn.gov.
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or children, call the Department of Children’s Services Hotline at 1-877-237-0004 or make a report online: Report Child Abuse (tn. gov)
Tennessee’s licensed child care agencies are required to receive a minimum of four (4) monitoring visits per year utilizing an Observation Tool. Three (3) visits will be announced and one (1) will be unannounced. These visits are conducted to ensure licensed child care providers continue to meet licensing requirements. Agencies are also investigated in response to complaints.
Child care agencies are required to post their license and QRIS score card where parents can see them.
Click here for Procedures for Becoming a Licensed Child Care Agency.