Do I need a Tennessee child-care license to run an after-school program?

It depends on the program structure and who is served; many school-age programs are regulated by Tennessee DHS, but some school- or municipality-run programs may be exempt. Check Tennessee DHS guidance and consult the state licensing office.

Where do I get a City of Memphis business license?

Apply through the City of Memphis Revenue Business License page; application steps and submission instructions are found on the official City website.

Who inspects my facility?

Building, occupancy and zoning inspections are performed by City code enforcement or construction officials; child-care program standards and inspections are performed by Tennessee DHS Division of Child Care Licensing.

How to License an After-School Program in Memphis

Education Tennessee 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

Starting an after-school program in Memphis, Tennessee requires compliance with both city business and zoning rules and state child-care licensing. This guide explains which municipal offices are involved, the state licensing authority that regulates care for school-age children, the typical application and inspection steps, common violations, and how to appeal or report enforcement actions. Follow the steps below to confirm local zoning, obtain a City of Memphis business license, register with state child-care licensing where required, and prepare for inspections and background checks.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for after-school programs in Memphis is split: the City enforces business licensing, zoning, building and occupancy rules, while the Tennessee Department of Human Services enforces child-care licensing standards. Specific fine amounts and statutory penalties for unlicensed child-care operation or business-license violations are not specified on the cited municipal or state summary pages; see the official citations below for detail and statutory references.^[1]^[2]

Fines: not specified on the cited pages; penalties depend on the enforcing agency and ordinance or rule cited.^[1]
Escalation: first and repeat offences and continuing violations vary by code or rule and may include increased fines or court actions; amounts and tiers are not specified on the cited pages.^[3]
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease operation, suspension or revocation of license, occupancy notices, and requirement to correct violations; state child-care licensing includes corrective action plans and possible closure.
Enforcers and complaints: City of Memphis Revenue and Code Enforcement for business, zoning and building issues; Tennessee Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care Licensing for care standards and licensing.

Contact the responsible agency immediately if you receive a notice or inspection report.

Applications & Forms

City business license application: required to operate a business in Memphis; fee details and submission instructions are provided on the City of Memphis business license page.City Business License^[1]
State child-care license application and provider resources: required if your program meets Tennessee definitions of regulated child care; see the Tennessee DHS child-care page for application packages, background check requirements, and training obligations.Tennessee Child Care Licensing^[2]
Municipal code and zoning: confirm permitted use, occupancy classification and any special use permits via the Memphis Code of Ordinances and zoning rules.Memphis Municipal Code^[3]

How licensing and inspections usually work

Pre-application: confirm zoning and occupancy for an after-school program through Planning or Code Enforcement.
Submit applications: apply for a City business license and, if required, submit a state child-care license application and background check forms.
Inspections: expect building/occupancy inspections by city code enforcement and program inspections by state licensing.
Corrections and re-inspection: correct code or licensing deficiencies and schedule follow-up inspections.

Some school-age programs are exempt from state child-care licensing depending on the sponsor and setting; confirm exemption status with Tennessee DHS.

Common violations and typical outcomes

Operating without a required child-care license: potential orders to close and corrective actions by state licensing.
Failure to obtain a City business license or to pay required fees: penalties and collection enforced by City Revenue.
Occupancy or fire-safety violations: orders to cure, fines, or denial of occupancy until resolved.

FAQ

Do I need a Tennessee child-care license to run an after-school program?: It depends on the program structure and who is served; many school-age programs are regulated by Tennessee DHS, but some school- or municipality-run programs may be exempt. Check Tennessee DHS guidance and consult the state licensing office.^[2]
Where do I get a City of Memphis business license?: Apply through the City of Memphis Revenue Business License page; application steps and submission instructions are found on the official City website.^[1]
Who inspects my facility?: Building, occupancy and zoning inspections are performed by City code enforcement or construction officials; child-care program standards and inspections are performed by Tennessee DHS Division of Child Care Licensing.^[2]

How-To

Confirm zoning and allowable occupancy with Memphis Code Enforcement or Planning.
Apply for the City of Memphis business license and pay any required city fees.
Determine whether Tennessee DHS child-care licensing applies; if so, submit the state application, background checks, and training documentation.
Prepare the facility for inspections: fire safety, records, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios as required by applicable rules.
Address any corrective actions identified in inspections and request re-inspection as needed.
If you receive enforcement action, use the appeals or review routes described by the issuing agency and note any time limits for appeal.

Key Takeaways

Both City business licensing and state child-care licensing may apply before opening.
Inspections and background checks are routine and required where licensing applies.