Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment & admissions

  • Lotus serves children ages 15 months through 5 years old. Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to support each stage of early childhood development, from toddler exploration and social-emotional growth to preschool and Pre-K kindergarten readiness.

  • Families can begin the enrollment process by scheduling a tour and connecting with our administrative team. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the classrooms, meet the teachers, learn about our programs, and ask questions about availability, tuition, and enrollment requirements.


  • Yes. We encourage families to schedule a tour to experience our learning environment, meet our educators, and learn more about our play-based and project-based approach to early childhood education prior to registering at Lotus.

  • Availability will vary throughout the year depending on classroom openings, student transitions, and enrollment demand. We recommend contacting our team via email at info@lotustn.com to inquire about current availability and waitlist options.

  • We currently offer full-time enrollment only.

  • We proudly serve families throughout North Nashville, Madison, East Nashville, Goodlettsville, and surrounding Davidson County communities.

  • Every child develops differently, but many families begin exploring preschool options between ages 3 and 4 depending on their child’s developmental readiness, social needs, and family goals.

Classroom programs & child development

  • The Seedlings classroom focuses on early language development, sensory exploration, motor skill development, social-emotional growth, and early independence through play-based learning experiences designed for toddlers ages 15 to 30 months.

  • Toddlers develop communication skills, gross and fine motor coordination, early social skills, sensory awareness, emotional regulation, independence, and foundational literacy and math concepts through hands-on exploration and guided play.  We also start potty training for our young learners.

  • Toddlers participate in a balance of structured routines and child-led exploration, including sensory activities, music and movement, outdoor play, story time, snacks, rest time, and social interaction with peers and teachers.

  • The Sprouts classroom encourages curiosity, communication, creativity, and collaboration through play-based and project-based learning experiences that support social-emotional and cognitive development.

  • Children in the Blossoms classroom build kindergarten readiness skills through literacy, math, science, creative arts, collaborative projects, problem-solving activities, and hands-on learning experiences that encourage confidence and independence.

  • Mixed-age classrooms allow younger children to learn through observation and peer interaction while older children develop leadership, communication, empathy, and confidence by helping mentor younger classmates.

  • We help children develop emotional awareness, empathy, communication, self-confidence, and healthy peer relationships through daily routines, collaborative play, teacher guidance, and supportive classroom interactions.

  • Children are encouraged to make choices, solve problems, participate in classroom routines, and explore their interests within a supportive environment. Teachers provide guidance while allowing children opportunities to build confidence and independence through everyday experiences.

  • Yes. Our programs are designed to support early childhood development and kindergarten readiness while incorporating developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with Tennessee early learning expectations.

Curriculum & educational approach

  • Lotus uses a blend of a comprehensive, research-based curriculum along with a play-based and project-based learning approach. We believe children learn best through hands-on exploration, meaningful relationships, creativity, and guided discovery experiences that support the whole child.

  • Play-based learning allows children to develop academic, social, emotional, and problem-solving skills through purposeful play experiences. Through exploration, imagination, collaboration, and hands-on activities, children build foundational skills while developing a lifelong love of learning.

  • Project-based learning encourages children to explore topics and ideas in greater depth over time. Teachers guide children through investigations, discussions, creative activities, and collaborative experiences that help develop critical thinking, communication, and curiosity.

  • Our curriculum supports kindergarten readiness by focusing on literacy, mathematics, communication, independence, social-emotional growth, and problem-solving skills. We believe readiness also includes confidence, collaboration, emotional regulation, and a joy for learning.

  • We believe kindergarten readiness includes academic preparation as well as social-emotional growth, confidence, independence, communication skills, creativity, and the ability to engage positively in a classroom community.

  • We integrate foundational academic concepts into meaningful play experiences, hands-on activities, and project-based exploration. This balanced approach helps children develop skills while maintaining curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning.

  • High-quality early childhood education helps children build foundational academic, communication, social-emotional, and problem-solving skills that support long-term success in school and beyond.

  • Lotus refrains from using the term “daycare.”  Learning centers focus on early childhood education, social-emotional development, kindergarten readiness, and structured learning experiences in addition to providing care. At Lotus, we believe every opportunity is a developmental opportunity, from our youngest 15-month-olds to our oldest five-year-old students.  Children participate in play-based and project-based learning designed to support the whole child.

  • Lotus is an independent, community-oriented program that was started by a husband-and-wife team that has two young children, so we intimately understand and can empathize with parents.  Lotus emphasizes meaningful relationships, individualized learning experiences, and a balanced approach to early education. Our play-based philosophy encourages children to explore, create, collaborate, and develop confidence in a nurturing and engaging environment.

Classroom programs & child development

  • Lotus is open from 7am-6pm Monday through Friday.

  • Lotus provides a morning and afternoon snack while families are responsible for providing their child’s lunch.  Please refer to the Lotus Family Handbook for guidance on what comprises a balanced and healthy lunch. 

  • Outdoor play and movement are important parts of the daily experience whenever weather conditions safely allow. Children have opportunities for physical activity, exploration, and nature-based play throughout the week.

  • We partner closely with families during the potty-training process by encouraging consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement while supporting each child’s developmental readiness.  Potty-training can start as early as our Seedlings program and will continue in our Sprouts program.

  • Families will receive a recommended supply list prior to enrollment that will include items such as extra clothing, water bottle and lunch tray, diapers or wipes (if applicable), and other classroom essentials.  Lotus provides a nap mat upon enrollment into the program.

  • We believe strong family partnerships are essential to a child’s success. Teachers and staff provide regular communication through Brightwheel regarding classroom activities, developmental progress, and important updates to help families stay connected and informed.

Health, safety & compliance

  • Yes. Lotus operates in compliance with Tennessee Department of Human Services childcare licensing requirements and standards designed to support the health, safety, and well-being of young children.

  • Creating a safe and nurturing environment is a top priority. We maintain structured supervision practices, secure classroom environments, age-appropriate learning spaces, and consistent health and safety procedures throughout the school.

  • Our classroom ratios follow Tennessee Department of Human Services state licensing requirements to help ensure children receive attentive supervision, support, and individualized care throughout the day.

  • To help maintain a healthy environment for all children and staff, families are asked to follow our illness and exclusion guidelines regarding symptoms, contagious illnesses, and return-to-school procedures.  This policy is outlined in our Lotus Family Handbook.