NAICS 624410
What permits does a childcare centre need?
In short
A childcare centre typically needs 5 permits to open, though the exact set and the fees depend entirely on the city and county. Across the jurisdictions we cover, filing fees run around $1,040 and openings take 12–20 weeks.
Pre-launch build. The permit records on this page are sample data used to build the site structure. None has yet been verified against a primary source, so nothing here should be relied on.
The permits a childcare centre usually carries
| Permit | Issuing agency | Fee | Renews | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Agency Licence | TN Dept. of Human Services | $450 | annually | 07 Aug 2026 |
| Staff Background Check Clearance | TN Dept. of Human Services | $35 per person | every 5 years | 07 Aug 2026 |
| Fire Safety Inspection — Educational Use | Nashville Fire Marshal | $140 | annually | Re-check due · 101 days |
| Certificate of Use & Occupancy | Codes & Building Safety | $220 | once | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Food Service Permit — limited | Metro Public Health | $75 | annually | 12 Aug 2026 |
Do the requirements change between cities?
Substantially. The categories of permit a childcare centre needs are broadly consistent nationally, but the issuing agency, the fee, the renewal term and the filing order all change at city and county level. This is why a national checklist is a starting point rather than an answer.
Childcare centres by city
Commercial Compliance Hub publishes information, not legal advice. Requirements change — confirm anything you rely on with the issuing agency before you file.