Tennessee child care staff training & qualifications
Annual training hours and director/lead-teacher minimums. 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
Annual training hours
- 12 hours/year of ongoing training for each staff member
- 24 hours/year for the director
Common required courses
Minimum qualifications
Director
21+; 4-yr degree + 1 yr experience; OR 36 college hrs (30 in business/child dev) + 2 yrs; OR HS + TECTA (30 hrs) + 4 yrs (1240-04-01-.06(6))
Lead teacher
18+; HS diploma/equivalent if sole educator for a group (1240-04-01-.06(6))
Citation: TDHS Rules 1240-04-01
Tennessee staff training & qualifications FAQ
What qualifications does a center director need in Tennessee?
A single-site director must be at least 21 years old and meet one of three education-and-experience paths: a four-year degree plus one year of experience; OR 36 college hours (30 in business or child development) plus two years; OR a high school diploma plus the TECTA orientation (30 hours) plus four years. Directors also complete 24 ongoing annual training hours.
How many annual training hours are required for staff?
An educator must complete 12 ongoing training hours each year, including 6 hours of health and safety and 3 hours of literacy. A single-site director completes 24 ongoing annual hours. Safe-sleep and medication-administration training are also required.
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.