The Early Learning Gap —
Nashville’s Childcare Crisis
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The first five years of life aren’t just important; they shape everything that follows.
During these years, a child’s brain develops faster than at any other time, building the foundation for:
Language and literacy
Social-emotional skills like persistence and self-regulation
Curiosity, creativity, and confidence
School readiness and lifelong learning
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For many families, quality childcare isn’t a choice. It’s a crisis.
Waitlists stretch 12–24 months, with some centers having 200+ families waiting for a spot.
Infant care costs $11,000–$13,000 annually, more than in-state tuition at public universities.
Childcare consumes up to 40.9% of median income in Tennessee, making it one of the largest household expenses, often exceeding housing or higher education.
Nashville’s population has grown 21% in the last two decades, but the number of licensed childcare centers has dropped by 16%.
And in Davidson County, nearly 1 in 5 children live in poverty. These challenges hit hardest for low-income, single-parent, and foster families; children who most need stable, nurturing early learning environments often have the hardest time accessing them.
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High-quality early education doesn’t just prepare children for kindergarten. It:
Increases lifetime earnings and academic achievement
Improves long-term health and emotional well-being
Reduces family stress, enabling parents to work and contribute to a thriving local economy
These benefits ripple beyond one child; they strengthen families, communities, and Nashville as a whole.
“The first five years last forever.”
— First Five Years Fund
Our Commitment
At Equally Created, our mission is simple: