Guide to Expanding Child Care Seats in Davidson County

Information on why and how this guide was created, and how to use the material.

Get to know the sections included in this guide and which sections apply to you, based on whether you are opening a new center or expanding your existing footprint.

This section offers a helpful list to get your started in understanding the financial viability of your child care business goals.

Understand what one-time costs you can expect to encounter during your expansion.

There are currently three zoning options for child care centers in Davidson County: Commercial Daycare, Group Home, and In Home. Get to know the requirements for each category.

You will need to have a team of professionals to support you as you build and expand your space. Get a look at the list and the roles they play.

Identifying a location early on in the process is extremely important. This section will help you understand what you need to consider and research when identifying your future location.

This section is for new businesses only, and gives an outline of the assets and documentation you need to secure as you move forward.

You’re ready to begin the process with TDHS and contact a Program Specialist. This section gets you started and includes both TDHS-notated steps plus other insight from local business owners.

Navigating codes and zoning will be unique based on your individual plans and facility. This section gives an introduction to your resources.

Once you have confirmation from TDHS to start the process, request a pre-submittal meeting with the Metro Nashville Zoning Codes office. This section will help you navigate so you’re prepared at this step.

Once you have completed the pre-submittal process and applied all the information from TN State and Metro Nashville representatives, you can continue your forward progress. Here’s what you can expect when working through the process with architects, contractors, and other key supports.

When your renovations or build is complete, you will be inspected by the TN State and Metro Nashville Fire Marshal in separate appointments. This section notates TDHS steps for approval.

Usage and Occupancy permitting comes in the form of a letter that is granted through the Codes department.

Your TDHS Program Specialist will coordinate with you and the TN State Department of Health to inspect issues related to the environment. See a sample inspection list, along with TDHS-notated steps.

The Tennessee Choose Safe Places for Early Care and Education (TNCSP) program works to ensure children are kept safe and healthy while they are in child care. Get to know how you can receive your designation with these TDHS-notated steps.

Be ready for your final walkthroughs with your TDHS Program Specialist, with the goal of receiving your Provisional License. This section outlines what you should know.

Learn about Establishment Grants, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and staff training requirements necessary for you to be ready for opening day.

This section gives a high-level overview of the annual inspections you can expect to maintain your license.

This special section gives you a list of resources you can use as your go forward in your journey to opening to expanding your child care center.

Get to know all the entities involved in the development of this content.