Empowering Nashville's Early Education for a Bright Future
Welcome to the Nashville Early Education Coalition (NEEC)! We promote early education by connecting local providers, government entities, businesses, and philanthropy.
Founded in 2024 as a Coalition of 29 Critical Community Partners
With over half of Nashville’s children lacking access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education, NEEC is stepping forward to create a solution that will impact the lives of families and children across the region.
NEEC in the News
Advancing Educational Growth for Nashville’s Youth
Our vision is a city where all children have access to the highest-quality childcare from infancy to kindergarten; parents can provide for their families and contribute meaningfully to their communities; and childcare providers are able to sustain high-quality programs.
We seek to co-develop a comprehensive citywide plan centered on providing children, ages birth to five, the support needed to thrive through high-quality, early childhood educational experiences and to bring together stakeholders serving children and families in early childhood through an integrated and well-connected system.
Learn More
Childcare in Nashville: A Closer Look at the Numbers and Needs
Child care costs more on average than in-state college tuition in Tennessee.1 As Nashville continues to grow, the demand for quality early education is on the rise. Parents are seeking reliable and affordable childcare options to support their children's development.
children ages birth to 5 years old live in Davidson Co. and the surrounding areas. 380 regulated child care providers offer a total capacity of 34,497 child care slots.2
Zip Codes throughout Davidson Co. likely have substantial unmet child care needs, with an estimated child population that is at least three times greater than the current regulated child care capacity--often what is known as a child care desert.2
of Davidson Co. working parents reported employment disruptions due to inadequate child care, citing affordability, quality and access as major challenges. Many reported quitting, being fired or turning down a job offer or promotion as a result of child care problems. And 26% stopped seeking employment altogether.1
the annual reduced earnings of working Davidson Co. families due to the current constraints around access to child care. Employers experienced losses of $55.9 million from lower productivity, reduced revenue, increased hiring and retention costs and, ultimately, lost profits. Finally, the economic impact on families and employers resulted in lower consumption of taxable goods, lower profit margins, and reduced tax revenues of $43.8 million per year.1
Explore the Latest NEEC Updates and Educational Resources
Key updates and support for early learning providers and community members
How Much Child Care Can Nashville Actually Supply? Early Findings and Next Steps from the Davidson County Child Care Landscape Study
This policy brief shares findings from the Davidson County Child Care Landscape Study, highlighting a disparity between young children and licensed child care slots in Nashville, especially in underserved areas. It emphasizes the need for accurate data on child care availability and provider capacity to guide policy solutions that enhance access and equity for families.
