The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Tennessee Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Tennessee. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
TENNESSEE Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Department of Human Services, Child Care Services
400 Deaderick Street, 14th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1240/1240-04/1240-04-01.20190103.pdf
(615) 770-3884
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 30 sf per child
|
|
6 Wks.- 15 Mos. |
12-18 Mos. |
18-24 Mos. |
2Years |
3Years |
4Years |
5Years |
6+Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:6 |
1:6 |
1:7 |
1:9 |
1:13 |
1:16 |
1:20 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
12 |
12 |
14 |
18 |
20 |
20 |
None |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
12 |
14 |
18 |
36 |
20 |
40 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
240 sf. |
360 sf. |
360 sf. |
420 sf. |
540 sf. |
600 sf. |
600 sf. |
1400 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 50 sf per child
- Equipment that is 12″ high or less can be on grass or another type of cushioning material.
- Preschool children should not use swings over 8′ high.
- Spacing requirements for gross motor play equipment of 30″ high is 9 feet.
- Use CPSC’s “Handbook on Public Playground Safety” for guidance, but compliance is not required.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
10 |
Occupants allowed in a room with room with only one exit. |
20 |
Percentage of wall mounted artwork allowed to cover the wall area |
0 |
Number of child cubbies allowed in a corridor of a non-sprinklered building. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
Plans must be submitted to the local county Health Department at least 15 days prior to construction. |  |
Children under 16 months may not be grouped with children 3 years old and older. |  |
Diaper changing tables must be within arm’s reach of the diapering sink. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019