Childcare Northeast TN

The childcare landscape today faces significant challenges and opportunities. Limited access to affordable, quality childcare is impacting children's third-grade reading proficiency (40% overall) and labor force participation in Northeast Tennessee (52.8% in January 2025). Childcare providers struggle with staffing issues and often reduce available slots, leading to long waitlists. Families also face high tuition costs, with childcare in Tennessee exceeding the cost of in-state university tuition.

 

FTDD’s Childcare Northeast Tennessee (CNET) partners with employers, local leaders, and childcare providers to address these challenges. By sharing resources and building supports, CNET works to educate leaders and create tailored solutions within existing networks.