Attaining childcare in Tennessee can sometimes pose a challenge due to a lack of childcare center resources. There are a total of 183,355 spaces in the childcare centers and family child care homes in Tennessee, whereas there are 295,144 children under the age of 6 needing childcare. To make matters worse, there are238,567 single-parent families in Tennessee, and 148,976 families in poverty in the state. There are also 147,352 single working mothers, which especially necessitates their need for childcare.
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Of the childcare requested, 65 percent is for infant and toddler care, and 97 percent is for full-time care. In addition, the expense for childcare is increases the younger the child is. Infant care costs $5,850 per year in a childcare center, a 4-year-old child costs $4,500 per year in a childcare center, and a child school age or over costs $2,450 per year in a childcare center. The expense is a bit less in family care homes where infant care costs $4,750, a 4-year-old child costs $4.050, and a school age or older child costs $2,500. Compare the annual costs of childcare with the annual average college tuition for a public four year college in Tennessee, and you will easily see how expensive childcare is in the state. The annual average college tuition for a four year college in Tennessee is $6,525.
However, funds and resources are available to assists families with childcare expenses. The monthly average of families who receive help paying for childcare is 24,300. Overall, because of Tennessee population and resources, the childcare system is mostly competent for the state.
Plus, the state of Tennessee offers plenty of family fun attractions and vacation spots. The Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg is a favorite hotspot for family vacations. Close-by is Pigeon Forge where Dolly Parton’s amusement park, Dollywood, is a children’s favorite. Also in Pigeon Forge are plenty of miniature golf courses and local simulation rides and carnival rides. Nashville offers water parks as well as the Opryland Hotel, which puts on a stellar Christmas light and decoration display both inside and outside the hotel from the months of October through December.
