Child care is classified into two types: center-based and home-based. Child care homes serve a smaller number of children in the provider's house, whereas centers serve a bigger group of children in a non-home environment. Typically, parents prefer home-based care for children under the age of three. Parents prefer center-based care for older children because it often places a higher focus on education.

Child care providers are classified into three categories by the Tennessee Department of Human Services:

Five to seven children are cared for in family child care homes. Eight to twelve youngsters are cared for in group homes. Children aged 13 and up are cared for at child care facilities.