The Tullahoma Day Care Center (TDCC), located on Trinity Lane in Tullahoma, has been a staple in the community for more than 50 years.  As a 501(c) (3) non-profit, they strive to make affordable daycare available to all families in the area. “Our Center is open to everyone.  There are no income restrictions,” stated Emma Coleman, Center Director. “What makes us more accessible are our tuition rates and the programs we have in place to help those who may need financial assistance.” 

Meeting community needs is foundational to the program. In 1968, Ben Wilkins and John Nicholson, owners of Tennessee Apparel, recognized that their employees needed safe and reasonably priced care for their children. As time went on, other families started sending their children, and the program grew. Then in 1973, funding was raised for a building and a local family donated a parcel of land to Trinity Lutheran Church for the existing building site.

Approximately 10 years ago, the TDCC building was renovated to make it a more updated space, and since that time, continuous improvements have been made. “In the past three years, thanks to our active Board and our generous community donors, we have been able to upgrade the building, integrate more learning activities such as a structured music program, improve playground equipment and provide onsite experiences which have included a petting zoo,” said Dori Henninger, TDCC Board president. “We want the children to have an environment where they love to learn and are given the tools to become lifelong learners.”

While the facilities and programs are essential, the backbone of the Center is the staff. Emma Coleman has been with the Center for over 40 years, becoming the director in 2009. Working alongside Coleman are two other ladies, Nita Estill and Patsy Jones, who have been with TDCC for 30 plus years.  Together they provide outstanding care for children, ages two and one-half to five, Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Center relies on community support and grants for operational needs. The 18 TDCC board members are now preparing for their 2025 Holiday Tour of Homes event, which is the largest annual fundraiser for the day care center. “You won’t want to miss this year’s Tour of Homes and Silent Auction.  Make sure you save the date, Sunday, Dec. 7th,” said Jan Dent, TDCC board member. “The homes are very diverse in style ranging from a new build to historic landmarks.”  In addition to the four homes featured on the tour, a Silent Auction will be held at The Atlantic located at 205 Northwest Atlantic Street in downtown Tullahoma. The home tours run from 1 – 5 p.m. while the auction is open from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Online ticket sales begin October 20 on the Center’s website: tullahomadaycare.com.

All money made through fundraisers goes to support TDCC’s various educational programs and hands-on experiences, as well as learning tools to help facilitate kindergarten readiness and expand horizons. Donations received throughout the year go toward items such as sleeping mats, copy paper, a child’s tuition for a week, cost of meals or snacks and outdoor playground toys.  “Community support is the reason we have been able to thrive for over 50 years,” said board member, Reba Walters. “We so appreciate the businesses and individuals who believe our cause.”

In order to serve more children and families, we are currently in need of additional staff. If you, or someone you know, has experience with children and a passion for helping them learn and develop skills, please contact us. For more information or to apply, call 931-455-4197 to speak with Ms. Coleman or send an email with your resume to tdcc@lighttube.net.