You are not alone in this
Childcare is one of the hardest expenses families face.
In Tennessee, full-time childcare for one child can run $700 to over $1,000 a month — more than rent for many families. That cost forces impossible choices: work fewer hours, skip childcare, or go without something else entirely.
The good news is that help is available, and more families qualify than realize it. The Tennessee Child Care Payment Program covers part or all of the cost of licensed childcare for qualifying families. You don't have to navigate it alone, and this page walks you through every step.
Childcare subsidy
The Tennessee Child Care Payment Program
The Tennessee Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) is the state's subsidy program for working families who need help paying for licensed childcare. It is administered through the Department of Human Services — the same office that handles SNAP, Families First, and TennCare.
Call or visit DHS
Contact the Rutherford County DHS office to start your application. They will verify your income, employment status, and the ages of your children to determine your benefit level.
Choose a licensed provider
The subsidy is accepted at licensed childcare centers and family home providers enrolled in the program. DHS can provide a list, or you can search the state's provider directory online.
Pay your co-pay — if any
Based on your income, you may owe a small weekly co-pay. The state pays the provider directly for the rest. Many families at lower income levels have a $0 co-pay.
Dept. of Human Services — Murfreesboro
Administers the Tennessee Child Care Payment Program along with SNAP, Families First, Medicaid, and TennCare. One office, one call — they can walk you through all benefits your family may qualify for at once.
Find a Licensed Childcare Provider
The Tennessee Department of Human Services maintains a searchable directory of all licensed childcare centers and family home providers in Rutherford County, including which ones accept the CCPP subsidy. Search by zip code or city.
Family support programs
Free programs that strengthen families
Beyond financial assistance, several local organizations offer free classes, in-home support, and parenting coaching that give children and parents alike a stronger foundation.
The Family Center — Murfreesboro
A licensed child abuse prevention agency offering free positive parenting classes for families with children of all ages. Classes are available at no cost, and financial aid is available for those who meet DHS poverty guidelines. One of the most genuinely useful family resources in the county.
Raising Resilience Tennessee
Free Positive Parenting Plus and Nurturing Families programs for parents and caregivers, available both virtually and in some in-person settings. Works in partnership with Rutherford County Courts and DCS. No referral or insurance needed — anyone can participate.
Nurture the Next
Free in-home support, parent mentorship, and educational classes for families with young children across Tennessee. Programs are confidential and available at no cost. Particularly valuable for first-time parents and families navigating early childhood challenges.
UT/TSU Extension — SNAP-Ed Family Programs
Free cooking, nutrition, budgeting, and physical activity classes for SNAP-eligible and low-income families throughout Rutherford County. Classes are offered at schools, community centers, and other locations. Practical, hands-on, and available to families with children.
Summer 2026
Free and low-cost activities for kids this summer
Summer is long — and keeping children engaged, safe, and fed through it doesn't have to cost much. Between free meal programs, low-cost recreation centers, and public library resources, families in Rutherford County have real options.
Patterson Park Community Center
One of the best values in Rutherford County — low-cost membership covers an indoor pool, fitness classes, a track, weight room, racquetball, basketball, and pickleball. Summer swim programs and recreation classes for children are available at the membership rate. A family that can get here in the summer has real options.
Sports*Com
Low-cost membership with indoor and outdoor pools, group fitness classes, and a full fitness center. Summer swim programs and recreational activities for children run through the season. Same low-cost City of Murfreesboro pricing as Patterson Park.
Linebaugh Public Library — Summer Reading
The Rutherford County library system runs a free summer reading program every year for children and teens. Programs include activities, prizes, author visits, and events — all free with a library card. Library cards are free to Rutherford County residents. A library card also unlocks free digital books, audiobooks, and learning resources.
Rutherford County Parks & Recreation
Rutherford County operates parks, greenways, and recreation programs throughout the county. Summer programs, youth athletics, and community events are offered at low or no cost. Check their website for current summer listings and registration.
Additional help
Other resources worth knowing
| Organization | Phone | What They Offer | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| TN Dept. of Human Services | 615-848-5153 | Child Care Payment Program, SNAP, Families First, TennCare — one office covers all | tn.gov/humanservices |
| The Family Center | 615-890-4673 | Free parenting classes, child abuse prevention, family coaching. Mon–Fri 10am–7pm | familycentertn.org |
| Raising Resilience TN | — | Free Positive Parenting programs, virtual and in-person, no insurance required | raisingresiliencetn.org |
| Nurture the Next | — | Free in-home parenting support and mentorship for families with young children | nurturethenext.org |
| Patterson Park Community Center | 615-893-7439 | Low-cost membership, indoor pool, kids programs, summer activities | murfreesborotn.gov |
| Sports*Com | 615-895-5040 | Low-cost membership, indoor/outdoor pools, summer programs | murfreesborotn.gov |
| Linebaugh Public Library | — | Free summer reading program, children's events, free library cards for county residents | linebaugh.org |
| UT/TSU Extension — SNAP-Ed | 615-898-7710 | Free nutrition, cooking, and budgeting classes for families | rutherford.tennessee.edu |
Building the full picture
Childcare is one piece of the stability plan
Childcare assistance helps you stay in the workforce. The next piece is making sure that job actually builds toward something. The Jobs & Income page has a side-by-side job comparison calculator and a guide to choosing work that fits your life — not just your schedule. And the Financial Empowerment page shows how to build a budget around what you have, starting today.