Mission
Home-based child care plays a vital role in Tennessee in supporting families, nurturing children, and strengthening communities. AWAKE TN and ThinkTennessee created tnchildcareathome.com to amplify the voices of home-based child care providers and to serve as a hub for facts, stories, and advocacy tools—empowering the public to push for stronger support of these essential caregivers. Scroll down to hear directly from home-based providers across Tennessee, and click here to learn more about the state of child care in Tennessee.
The Providers
Hover over each provider portrait to hear their story!
Shetika D.
Davidson County
Why do you think parents choose home-based child care?
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“Even though this is a business, I can’t fully treat it that way on that boundary. Because these are children, these are families, we have to become more intimate than the business-customer relationship. And I think that’s why a lot of parents choose in-home child care providers, especially when they are younger, infants and early toddlers, because they have that intimate relationship, and they can have that relationship with one provider, maybe two at the most.”
Peace M.
Blount County
What misconceptions do people have about home-based child care?
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“People think [home-based care] is less safe. But it allows the children to learn more and see more things than just being at home. We have very high safety standards for our kids, including kid-friendly objects and furniture, and are intentionally attentive and emotionally encouraging with kids.”
Abraham A.
Shelby County
What advantages does your home-based care offer?
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“My [home-based] care offers smaller group sizes, that allows me to give more attention to each child. This also makes open communication with parents easier and builds trust. Parents in the community can check in during the day if needed, and it allows them to be more involved in the child’s development.”
Dominic W.
Carroll County
What do you wish people knew about child care?
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“For you to give the best care, you need to love what you do. You need to love the children. You need to understand the outcome: if I provide this to the children, what will they become? Who will they become?”
Tasha O.
Cannon County
What would the parents say they appreciate about your child care?
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“[The parents] would probably say they trust me. Not just to keep their children safe, but to care for them like family. I think they would mention the small group size, the personalized attention, and the fact that I communicate openly about their child’s days, development, and milestones”.
Nathaniel A.
Claiborne County
What got you into child care?
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“I am the youngest in my family. I have four elder siblings, with many nieces and nephews. I have been caring for them most of my life. That has grown into caring for friends and neighbors’ children. “
Mark G.
Williamson County
What would the parents say they appreciate about your child care?
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“[The parents] say I'm dependable, and I keep their children safe while also making time for them to enjoy themselves. I just make the moments enjoyable and also educational. I communicate clearly with the parents first about routines, progress, if there are any concerns, anything of value I'd like to share with them, or discipline. And, also, many parents say that they noticed their children are excited to see me, and it reassures them that I'm building a positive relationship with their children.”
ThinkTennessee is a nonpartisan, results-oriented think tank that uses research, engagement, and advocacy to build a state where all Tennesseans are civically engaged and economically secure. Working in partnership with state and local leaders, we advance data-driven, evidence-based policies that strengthen the voice of voters, better support working families, and move Tennessee forward. For more about ThinkTennessee, visit thinktennessee.org.
About AWAKE & ThinkTennessee
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About AWAKE & ThinkTennessee -
Advocates for Women’s and Kids’ Equality (AWAKE) Tennessee is a women-led grassroots organization committed to advancing gender equity through education, advocacy, and policy change. AWAKE focuses on addressing the health, safety, and success of women and children across Tennessee, championing holistic and innovative solutions that empower individuals and drive systemic transformation. For more about AWAKE TN visit awaketn.org.