Tennessee child care facility & license
Indoor/outdoor space, license term, and inspection cadence. This page isolates the configured Tennessee figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to TDHS Rules 1240-04-01Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice
Facility & license
- Indoor space
- 30 sq ft/child
- Outdoor space
- 50 sq ft/child
- License term
- 1 year
- Inspections
- ≥4 monitoring visits/yr (2 announced + 2 unannounced) for continuously licensed agencies (TDHS policy).
Citation: TDHS Rules 1240-04-01
Tennessee facility & license FAQ
How much indoor and outdoor space does each child need?
Centers must provide at least 30 usable square feet of indoor play space per child and at least 50 square feet of outdoor play space per child using the area at one time. These minimums are evaluated during the TDHS on-site review and ongoing monitoring.
How long does a Tennessee childcare license last?
An annual license is the default. After a center demonstrates compliance, TDHS may issue an extended multi-year license. Regardless of term, centers receive at least four monitoring visits per year: two announced and two unannounced.
What subsidy program operates in Tennessee?
Tennessee's subsidy is the Smart Steps / Child Care Certificate Program, administered by TDHS. Income eligibility runs on a sliding scale, and families pay a copay set by their income. Only TDHS-licensed (or Department of Education-approved) care may be used.
Disclaimer: These figures summarize TDHS Rules Chapter 1240-04-01 for convenience; operators should confirm current requirements directly with the Tennessee Department of Human Services before making licensing decisions. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Tennessee Department of Human Services, Child Care Services.