Research shows Tennessee lacks sufficient regulated childcare space

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Childcare shortages have continued to plague Tennessee.

According to The Sycamore Institute , a public policy research center for Tennessee, there was a statewide average of only 0.8 regulated childcare spots for 1 every child under age 5 in 2023.

On Thursday morning, Metro Nashville leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for a new childcare center in North Nashville. Through a state grant, that center and two more centers will be built, but advocates believe that’s not nearly enough to meet demand.

As of publication, Tennessee’s Department of Human Services licenses more than 2,000 centers that care for 171,000 children each day. The department encourages parents to find licensed childcare through their website .

“Here in Middle Tennessee, there are multiple childcare deserts,” Childcare Tennessee spokesperson Whit Gardner said. “Davidson County has two childcare deserts: one in North Nashville where St. Mary Villa just had their groundbreaking today.”

Gardner said that he believes a big reason for the the lack of licensed childcare centers is due to low childcare worker pay. He estimated the starting pay for a Nashville childcare worker is between $12-15 dollars an hour. Gardner said that such pay causes not only lack of interest in the career, but also forces some workers to leave the industry for better paying jobs.

“Childcare professionals are historically one of the most underpaid people in our workforce right now, which is a real shame,” Gardner said. “Considering the importance they serve in our economy and our children’s lives.”

Regarding parents, the rising costs of childcare has forced some to lose their jobs and change their lives to accommodate their child at home. Gardner estimated that childcare costs for one child in Tennessee can range between $1,600-2,200 hundred a month.

It’s an ever-growing problem that advocates hope state leaders will improve, for parents and those who chose the profession.

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