Smart Start childcare
KNOXVILLE, TN·DHS Child Care — Child CareLicensed
Contact information
Address3915 Carnation Drive, KNOXVILLE, TN, 37921
CountyKnox
Phone(865) 705-0449
Operating details
Capacity15
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 5/11/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High1
- Medium-High1
- Medium0
- Medium-Low0
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
3915 Carnation Drive, KNOXVILLE, TN, 37921, KNOXVILLE, TN 37921
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- This facility has health or sanitation findings on its state record - ask about their current cleaning, diapering, and handwashing procedures
- Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
- Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
- Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 5/11/2026
- High1
- Medium-High1
- Medium0
- Medium-Low0
- Low0
2026
- High riskStandard 12405/11/2026
1240-04-01-.21 Specific Requirements for Group Child Care Homes
The provider was observed to be out of ratio during a site visit today. It was observed that more than 4 children were on site under the age of 2. Per rules and regulations, the ratio should be no more than 4 children on site, with two educators, who are under the age of 2. — Visit: QRIS Monitoring visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The agency will ensure that ratios are kept in compliance until new staff is hired for assistance.
Corrected at inspection - Medium-High riskStandard 12404/16/2026
1240-04-01-.12 Health and Safety
During a QRIS visit, a program specialist observed several "keep out of reach of children" items in areas accessible to children and not stored in locked areas. The program specialist also observed items such as electrical cords and a string of floral arrangements that were accessible to children. — Visit: QRIS Monitoring visit,Technical Assistance,Complaint Investigation — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): Removing all keep-out-of-reach items and locking them in a secure place. Provider will ensure all items labeled "keep out of reach" are locked and kept out of children's reach.
Corrected at inspection
Safety & Compliance Analysis
This daycare has few recorded violations. Always visit in person to verify conditions.
(Past 6 Months)
Parent Recommendations
Based on the violation data, here are some recommendations:
- Review the detailed violations listed above.
- Ask the daycare about their response to these violations.
- Look at the correction status to see how quickly issues were addressed.
- Schedule a visit during regular hours to observe daily operations.
Note: This analysis is based on publicly available violation data and is intended as a tool to help parents make informed decisions. Always visit a daycare in person and ask specific questions about areas of concern.
Estimated monthly cost
$737/month
This is a modeled estimate — based on location, ages served, and program data — not the provider's actual tuition. Real prices vary by age group and services. Contact the daycare for current rates, fees, and availability.
Typical prices in Tennessee run about $858/month for infant care at a center (federal median) — see daycare costs in Tennessee by age group.
About this daycare
- Location: KNOXVILLE, Knox County
- Capacity: 15
- Type: DHS Child Care — Child Care
What parents actually pay
No parent-reported prices yet. If your child attends here, you can be the first to add one.