Tennessee Code Title 8. Public Officers and Employees § 8-50-1301

(a) A state agency may contract with a provider of child care services to offer child care services as an option for the agency's officers and employees. If a state agency offers child care services, then the child care provider must be licensed by the department of human services under title 71, chapter 3, part 5. Primary emphasis for child care services must be given to children who are not subject to compulsory school attendance pursuant to § 49-6-3001.

(b) Child care programs may be located in state-owned office buildings, educational facilities and institutions, and, with the consent of the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, in buildings and spaces used for legislative activities. The state may provide the space to a sponsoring agency, if it is available.

(c) The provider of proposed child care services must be selected by competitive contract. Requests for proposals must be developed with the assistance of the sponsoring state agency, and are subject to the approval of the sponsoring state agency and the department of human services. The department of general services shall coordinate with the sponsoring state agency and the department of human services to determine the total cost of the build out for each individual project. Once a cost is determined, the department of general services, in coordination with the sponsoring state agency, shall procure the child care services from a qualifying vendor, using the policy, procedures, and rules from the central procurement office. The vendor that is awarded the contract shall cover all costs of the build out under the contract.

(d) An operator selected to provide services must comply with all state and local standards for the licensure and operation of child care facilities, maintain adequate liability insurance coverage, and assume financial and legal responsibility for the operation of the program. Neither the operator nor any personnel employed by or at a child care facility are employees of the state.

(e) A state agency may enter into a partnership with local municipalities to jointly provide child care services to state and municipal employees.

(f) This part does not apply to an institution of higher education that provides or establishes child care services through the institution of higher education.