How do I choose the right daycare in Columbia?

When choosing a daycare in Columbia, consider visiting facilities in person and checking: Licensing status with Tennessee's regulatory agency Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Tennessee) Safety measures and cleanliness Daily routines and educational curriculum Parent reviews and ratings Location and hours that fit your schedule

What types of daycare are available in Columbia?

Columbia offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 16 facilities Headstart Programs — 3 facilities Church Daycare — 6 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 10 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Before or After School Daycare in Columbia, Tennessee (10 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Tennessee?

Daycare costs in Tennessee typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Columbia for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Columbia

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

Little Rascals Daycare

4.63 score

4.8(19)

96 Pawnee Trail, Columbia, TN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 92 children

Little Rascals Daycare in Columbia, Tennessee receives universal praise from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring, engaged staff who treat children like family, and report that their children are excited to attend and thrive developmentally. Families express confidence in their children's safety and well-being, with many maintaining emotional connections to the center long after their children move on to school.

Warm and welcoming staffengaged and attentive teacherschildren eager to attendstrong developmental progress

First United Methodist Weekday

4.48 score

4.6(20)

222 West Seventh Street, Columbia, TN · Church Daycare · Capacity: 62 children

First United Methodist Weekday School in Columbia is highly regarded by parents as a welcoming, faith-centered preschool program run by caring staff. Parents praise the use of Brightwheel for communication and photo updates, as well as the church's community involvement and spiritual environment. All reviews are 5-star ratings reflecting strong satisfaction with the program and facility.

Caring staff who love childrenBrightwheel app for updates and communicationr

Pleasant Heights Baptist Preschool

4.35 score

4.5(12)

2712 Trotwood Avenue, Columbia, TN · Church Daycare · Capacity: 99 children

Pleasant Heights Baptist Preschool receives consistently positive feedback, with reviewers praising the welcoming and friendly community atmosphere. Parents and visitors appreciate the biblically-based doctrine, warm leadership, and inclusive environment. The facility is noted as a well-maintained venue with good acoustics.

Friendly and welcoming staffstrong sense of communitybiblically-based teachingspastor's leadership

Blessed Beginnings

4.35 score

4.7(5)

2505 Campbellsville Pk, Columbia, TN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

Blessed Beginnings is highly praised by parents for its caring and supportive staff. The center offers both childcare and lactation consulting services, with parents particularly appreciating the personalized attention and Christian-based environment. All recent reviewers expressed strong satisfaction with their experiences.

caring and nice staffsupportive environmentChristian-based valuesowner Erica highly regarded

First Baptist Weekday School

4.32 score

4.4(20)

2790 Pulaski Highway, Columbia, TN · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 99 children

Reviews praise First Baptist Weekday School as a welcoming faith-based community with strong biblical teaching and excellent children's programs. Parents highlight the friendly atmosphere, active kids ministry, and comprehensive small group involvement. The facility appears to serve families from preschool through high school age.

welcoming and friendly environmentstrong kids ministry and kids pastorBible-based teachingextensive children's programs (preschool t

Hugging Arms Daycare Center, LLC

4.31 score

4.5(8)

419 Canaan Road, Columbia, TN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

Hugging Arms Daycare Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring staff, owner Angela's passion for children, and the facility's cleanliness and outdoor activities. One parent reported a significant communication issue regarding their child's suspension/expulsion, citing misleading information that resulted in unexpected time off work.

Caring and passionate staffpositive attitude from employeesowner's experience and dedicationchildren's happiness and improved behavior

New Harvest Child Care Center

4.29 score

4.5(7)

201 Mcguire Street, Columbia, TN · Church Daycare · Capacity: 99 children

New Harvest Child Care Center in Columbia, Tennessee is a religious facility with mostly positive reviews praising staff quality and overall care. The daycare is described as popular in the community with staff members like Paula receiving specific praise. One visitor had a negative experience regarding the church atmosphere, though this appears to be about the church itself rather than the daycare specifically.

Staff qualityPaula and her team described as remarkablepopular in communitygood gathering place

Christ Our Savior Academy

4.22 score

4.4(6)

2494 Nashville Hwy., Columbia, TN · Church Daycare · Capacity: 44 children

Christ Our Savior Academy is a religious preschool in Columbia, Tennessee with mostly positive reviews praising well-educated staff, clean facilities, and strong Christian environment. However, one parent had a negative experience, withdrawing their child after 4 days and disputing behavioral assessments made by the director.

Well-educated and dedicated staffbright and clean classroomsabundant learning activities and educational materialsChristian environment

All God'S Children

3.66 score

3.5(11)

2540 Pulaski Highway, Columbia, TN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children

All God's Children receives mixed reviews with strong polarization. Positive reviews praise caring staff, clean facilities, engaging activities, and a nurturing Christ-centered environment. However, negative reviews report serious concerns including unexplained injuries, inadequate supervision, poor hygiene practices, billing disputes, and insufficient support for children with special needs.

Caring and attentive staffclean facilityengaging activities and craftsthemed weeks

Before or After School Daycare in Columbia, Tennessee

There are 10 before or after school daycare in Columbia, Tennessee, making up 29% of the 35 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Columbia, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 10 before or after school daycares in Columbia, Tennessee, out of 35 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Columbia, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

Licensing status with Tennessee's regulatory agency
Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Tennessee)
Safety measures and cleanliness
Daily routines and educational curriculum
Parent reviews and ratings
Location and hours that fit your schedule

Columbia offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 16 facilities
Headstart Programs — 3 facilities
Church Daycare — 6 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 10 facilities

Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Daycare costs in Tennessee typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Columbia for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Columbia must be licensed by Tennessee's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.

10 Before or After School Daycare in Columbia, Tennessee

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Columbia

Top Rated

First Baptist Weekday School

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Daycare types in Columbia

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