The Best Daycare Centers in Ashland, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ashland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ashland
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Oxford
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Oxford is a highly-rated childcare center known for its advanced curriculum that emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. They employ state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their educational approach includes hands-on activities, language development programs, and character education. Parents praise the center's strong communication through daily reports and a dedicated app, along with nutritious meal programs and inclusive environments that serve families from Ashland and surrounding areas.
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Childcare Network of Holly Springs
Childcare Network
Childcare Network of Holly Springs offers a comprehensive early education program with a focus on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their curriculum includes literacy-rich activities, math concepts, and social-emotional learning, supported by qualified staff with CPR and First Aid certifications. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols, including secured facilities, regular health checks, and sanitization procedures. Highlights include a structured daily schedule, outdoor play areas, and parent involvement opportunities through events and progress tracking. Serving the Ashland region, it is praised for its affordable pricing, flexible hours, and supportive community atmosphere.
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La Petite Academy of Tupelo
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Tupelo provides a nationally recognized curriculum that fosters cognitive, physical, and social development through play-based and academic activities. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing training, ensuring high-quality care. The facility features modern classrooms, interactive technology, and safe, enclosed playgrounds. Their program includes emphasis on literacy, math skills, and creative arts, with additional offerings like music and movement. Parents value the center's strong safety record, nutritious meals, and transparent communication, making it a trusted choice for families in Ashland and the broader North Mississippi area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ashland, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ashland, MS, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Ashland and throughout Mississippi, childcare facilities are licensed and regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility conditions. For Ashland specifically, you can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed facility, as this ensures a baseline level of oversight. You can also contact the North Mississippi Regional Licensing Office, which oversees Benton County, for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ashland, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ashland and the surrounding rural areas of Benton County, daycare costs are generally lower than in Mississippi's urban centers, but options are more limited. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for an infant or toddler. However, prices can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) through the Department of Human Services (MDHS). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the MDHS county office in Ashland or nearby Holly Springs. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations may offer sliding-scale fees or limited scholarships.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Ashland that offer educational curriculum or prepare children for kindergarten?
While Ashland is a small town, there are options that focus on early learning. Some licensed home-based providers and the limited center-based options often incorporate structured play and basic pre-academic skills like letters, numbers, and social development. For a more formal preschool curriculum, parents in Ashland sometimes look to nearby communities like Holly Springs or Ripley, which may have dedicated preschool programs. It's important to ask providers directly about their daily schedule and educational philosophy. The Ashland School District itself may offer information on local pre-K readiness, and checking with the Benton County Library for early literacy programs can be a good supplement to daycare.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Ashland, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small town like Ashland, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care spots, which are in highest demand. It is not unusual for a popular licensed home daycare or the local center to have a waitlist of several months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search at least 6 to 9 months before they need care. Begin by contacting providers directly, asking about current availability and their waitlist process (e.g., if a deposit is required). Being proactive and getting on multiple lists can significantly increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What should I look for and ask about during a tour of a home-based daycare in Ashland?
Touring a family childcare home is crucial. First, ensure the provider can show you a current MSDH license. During the tour, observe the safety of the environment: check for covered outlets, secured cabinets, safe outdoor play areas, and clean spaces. Ask specific questions about their daily routine, meal provisions, nap arrangements, and discipline policy. Inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather, which is important in rural Mississippi, and their protocol for sick children. Request references from current or past parents. Given Ashland's size, a provider's local reputation is key; ask other parents in the community for their experiences. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's interaction with the children and the overall warmth of the home.