Child care IN TENNESsEE
Butterfly & Grasshopper Program
Structured, nurturing child care for children ages 24–35 months in Smyrna, Nolensville, and Murfreesboro, TN.
✓ Meal & Snacks Included
✓ Part-Time or Full-Time Options
✓ Historically Low Rates
Welcome to the Butterfly & Grasshopper Classrooms
In our cheerful Butterfly and Grasshopper classrooms, toddlers build social skills, practice staying on task, and enjoy group time with music, movement, and hands-on learning.
As part of our family-owned child care in Tennessee, Butterfly and Grasshopper teachers provide gentle structure and encouragement as these movers-and-shakers gain confidence—including help with big steps like potty training.
Quick Details:
Classroom: Butterfly & Grasshopper
Age: 24-35 Months
Hours: 6:30am - 6pm
Ratios: 1 teacher: 7 children
Max Class Size: 14
Locations: Smyrna, Nolensville, and Murfreesboro, TN
Meals: Certified meals following the CACFP guidelines
Options: Part-Time or Full-Time
Nap Time: Yes
Curriculum: Based on the requirements of the Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards
Licensed & Accredited by the Tennessee Department of Human Services
What Your Toddler’s Day Looks Like
Each day in the Butterfly and Grasshopper classrooms, toddlers are engaged mentally, physically, and emotionally through age-appropriate activities.
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6:30 - Free Choice Centers
7:30 - Clean Up Time
8:00 - Breakfast
8:30- Diapers / Potty
9:00 - Gym / Outside
9:30 - Music & Movement
10:00 - Free Choice Centers
10:20 - Story Time
10:30 - Diapers / Potty
11:00 - Lunch
11:30 - Clean Up and Wash Hands
11:45 - Quiet & Rest Time
1:45 - Diapers / Potty
2:00 - Snack
2:30 - Wash Hands / Free Choice Centers
3:00 - Gym / Outside
3:30 - Music & Movement
4:00 - Diapers / Potty / Wash Hands / Story Time
4:30 - Table Top Toys / Free Choice
4:45 - Music & Movement
Explore Your toddlers’s Room
Every classroom is designed around seven learning environments to give kids a balance of play and learning throughout the day:
Developmental Milestones Your Child Will Be Working Toward
In our Butterfly and Grasshopper classrooms, many toddlers are learning to:
Look at a book with an adult
Putting together 3 or more words
Helping get dressed by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up a foot
Point to show you something
Feed themselves with hands or utensils
Run, kick, and jump
Most children transition out of these classrooms around 35 months, but every child grows at their own pace. We only move them up when they’re truly ready.
Safety Comes First
Your child’s safety and health are our top priority. At MNI Kids, you can feel confident knowing we provide:
Secure Facilities: Locked entry doors, monitored access, alarms, and closed-circuit cameras
Safe Check-In: Streamlined, secure sign-in/sign-out through our parent app
Hands-On Oversight: Directors are monitoring the halls daily, not behind desks
Qualified Staff: CPR & First Aid certified teachers with clean background checks
Healthy Environment: Sanitized classrooms and toys, following strict state hygiene guidelines
Allergy-Aware Care: A nut-free facility with staff trained to handle food allergies
Apps That Keep You Connected
We know how important it is to feel connected to your child’s world at MNI Kids, even while you’re at work. That’s why we integrate helpful technology so you stay up to date and never miss a milestone.
Daily Communication:
With our Tadpoles app, you’ll get photos, notes, and updates straight from your child’s teacher, such as new skills they’re practicing or something fun from their day.
Account Management:
With our SmartCare app, you’ll check your child in and out securely and pay online with ease.
MNI KIDS IS MORE THAN JUST A DAYCARE
We’re Part of Your Parenting Village
As parents ourselves, we understand how hard it is to entrust your child to someone else.
Since 2008, MNI Kids has welcomed thousands of children into our family-owned, licensed childcare centers—where Ms. Nichole, the DePietro family, and our tenured staff provide loving care to your child as they grow.
Licenses & Accreditations
We’re Also Serious About Having FUN!
From dance parties and field trips to festivals and parades, MNI Kids is always creating memories for our kids during their day, as well as opportunities to include their families in the fun.
Check out our Events page to see what’s coming up next!
Happy Kids, Happy Parents
“My kids have been going here for three years. We’ve been part of their daycare program, summer program, and my kids ride the bus here after school. My kids love it, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my kiddos.”
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How to Join MNI Kids
If our Tennessee child care program looks like the right fit for your toddler, we’d love to have you join us!
1. schedule a visit
First, come tour one of our centers, see the classrooms, and meet the teachers who will care for your child.
2. Complete Enrollment
Next, fill out New Child Enrollment Forms and email them to info@mnikids.com or drop them off in-person.
3. join the family
Your child begins their journey with us learning, growing, and thriving in a nurturing environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In the Butterfly and Grasshopper classrooms, toddlers make big leaps during their time with us—from walking, running, and starting to talk. When your child shows they’re ready for new challenges, we’ll gently transition them to the next classroom. Every child develops at their own pace, and we never rush the transition. That’s the care and attention parents love about our family-owned child care in Tennessee.
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Tuition for our child care in Tennessee varies by location and child’s age. We keep it simple with weekly tuition and one annual registration fee—no surprise add-ons like many corporate facilities. Contact us for current rates.
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Yes, our Tennessee child care programs accept certificates through the state program, and we accept Military Child Care assistance though NACCRRA & CHILD CARE AWARE OF AMERICA. For more information, visit: http://www.naccrra.org/military-families or ask about it on your tour!
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Unlike large corporate centers, we’re family-owned and focused on creating a calm, nurturing environment. With lower turnover, consistent teachers, and personal relationships, children feel safe, loved, and ready to learn each day.
We’d Love to Meet Your Family
The best way to know if MNI Kids is right for you is to come see us in action. Tour a center, meet our teachers, and feel the difference of family-owned care.