EARLY EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN IN TN
Firefly Program
Preschool and Kindergarten-readiness programs for 3-year-old children in Smyrna, Nolensville, and Murfreesboro, TN.
✓ Meal & Snacks Included
✓ Part-Time or Full-Time Options
✓ Historically Low Rates
Welcome to the Firefly Classroom
For potty-trained children who are ready for the next step, the Firefly classroom offers a bright and cheerful space filled with opportunities to learn and grow.
Children explore hands-on learning stations while also practicing responsibility by caring for their classroom materials. With more structure, small group activities, and cognitive lessons woven into the day, our early education for children in TN helps children stay engaged, build focus, and develop independence.
Quick Details:
Classroom: Firefly
Age: 3 Years
Hours: 6:30am - 6pm
Ratios: 1 teacher: 9 children
Max Class Size: 18
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 Child’s Day Looks Like
Each day in the Firefly classroom, children 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 with the Dragonfly class
Explore Your Child’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 Firefly classroom, many children are learning to:
Notice other children and join them in play
Have brief conversations with adults
Ask who, what, where, or why questions
Draws shapes when you show them
Use utensils
Start to dress themselves
Most children transition out of the Firefly classroom around 4 years, 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 son had never been in a daycare/school setting. He loves it at Ms. Nicole’s. All the Teachers and people who work here are very friendly and take care of my son very well. I'm very picky about who watches my son. That's why I had never put him in a daycare. It was always friends and family who watched him. I would definitely recommend MNI Kids. I trust them, and that says a lot.”
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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 Firefly classroom, children make big leaps during their time with us—from problem solving to having conversations. When your child shows they’re ready for new challenges, we’ll gently transition them to the next stage of our early education for children in TN: the Dragonfly preschool classrooms. Every child develops at their own pace, and we never rush the transition.
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Tuition varies by location and your child’s age. For our early education programs in TN, we keep it simple with weekly tuition and one annual registration fee — with no surprise add-ons like many corporate facilities. Contact us for current rates.
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Yes, we accept certificates through the state program, and we accept Military Child Care assistance though NACCRRA & CHILD CARE AWARE OF AMERICA. These can be applied to our early education programs in Tennessee, including the Grasshoppers classroom. For more information, visit: http://www.naccrra.org/military-families or ask about it on your tour!
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.