The Best Daycare Centers in Biloxi, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Biloxi. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Biloxi
Kiddie Academy of Biloxi
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Biloxi provides comprehensive educational childcare with a structured Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily progress reports, nutritious meals, and dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans. The facility maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and offers both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for developmental activities.
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The Learning Experience - Biloxi
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Biloxi offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators, modern security systems including coded entry, and bright, engaging classrooms. Their program includes enrichment activities like yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. The facility maintains excellent cleanliness standards, provides balanced meals, and offers regular parent communication through digital platforms with photo updates.
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Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility that provides personalized early education with a play-based learning approach. The center features experienced teachers with background checks and ongoing training, secure facility with surveillance systems, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning, creative arts, and social development through structured activities. The facility includes spacious playgrounds, separate nap areas, and maintains small class sizes with low teacher-to-child ratios. They offer flexible scheduling and maintain strong relationships with local families through regular events and open communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Biloxi, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Biloxi, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Biloxi, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This includes meeting strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training, facility safety (including hurricane preparedness plans), and regular inspections. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed facility to ensure a baseline of safety and quality for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Biloxi, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In the Biloxi area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $125 to $175 per week. Toddler care is often slightly less, averaging $110 to $160 per week. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and location. 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 requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Biloxi, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Waitlists for infant rooms, in particular, can be quite long in Biloxi, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for highly-regarded centers. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy. For older toddlers or preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter but can still be several months. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
Are there childcare options in Biloxi that cater to families with non-traditional or shift work schedules, common in the casino and tourism industry?
Yes, given Biloxi's major casino and hospitality industry, some childcare providers offer extended hours or more flexible scheduling. While not all centers do, it's important to specifically ask about early morning (before 6:00 AM), late evening (after 6:00 PM), overnight, or weekend availability. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer more personalized, flexible arrangements for shift workers. Additionally, you can search for providers with "variable hour" licenses on the MSDH website, which are specifically designed to accommodate non-standard schedules.
What should I look for in a daycare's emergency preparedness plan, especially considering Biloxi's hurricane risk?
This is a critical question for Biloxi parents. A reputable daycare should have a detailed, written emergency plan that specifically addresses hurricanes and flooding. When touring, ask to see their plan or ask key questions: What is their evacuation location if they must leave the facility? How and when will they communicate with parents during a storm? What supplies do they keep on hand (food, water, generators)? Do they conduct regular drills? The facility should be clearly marked with storm surge evacuation zone information, and their staff should be trained in the plan. Choosing a center with a robust plan is essential for your peace of mind.
Childcare Insights for Biloxi
If you're a parent in Biloxi, Mississippi, typing "daycare cost near me" into a search bar, you're likely seeking clarity amidst what can feel like an overwhelming process. Understanding the landscape of childcare costs in our coastal community is the first step toward finding a solution that fits both your child’s needs and your family’s budget. In Biloxi and the surrounding Gulfport-Biloxi area, daycare costs can vary significantly based on several key factors, but having local knowledge can empower you to navigate your options with confidence.
Generally, for Biloxi, you can expect to encounter a range of prices. For an infant, full-time care at a licensed center often averages between $125 to $175 per week. For toddlers and preschool-aged children, weekly rates typically range from $110 to $150. It's important to note that these are averages, and you will find centers both above and below these figures. The type of care is a primary cost driver. Larger childcare centers with structured educational curricula and multiple classrooms often command higher weekly rates. In contrast, licensed home-based daycares, which are quite prevalent in Biloxi neighborhoods, can sometimes offer a more affordable and personalized setting, with costs potentially on the lower end of the spectrum. The age of your child is another major factor, as infant care requires more hands-on attention and lower staff-to-child ratios, making it the most expensive age group.
Beyond the basic weekly tuition, parents in Biloxi should inquire about what is included. Some centers have an all-inclusive rate covering meals, snacks, and curriculum materials, while others may charge additional fees for lunch, registration, or annual supplies. When budgeting, always ask for a complete list of potential extra costs. A significant resource for Biloxi families is the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), which administers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP). This subsidy program provides financial assistance to eligible working families or those in education or training programs. Applying for this support can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, making quality care much more accessible. You can contact the MDHS office in Gulfport, which serves Harrison County, to begin the eligibility process.
Finding the right balance between cost and quality is paramount. While affordability is crucial, visiting potential daycares is non-negotiable. Observe the cleanliness, the engagement of the staff, and the overall happiness of the children. Ask about their license, staff qualifications, and daily routines. In a community like Biloxi, don't underestimate the value of local word-of-mouth; ask other parents at the park, library storytime, or your workplace for their personal recommendations and insights on value. Remember, the goal is to find a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child can thrive. By understanding the local cost structure, exploring all available financial assistance, and prioritizing a personal visit, you can move beyond the search query to find a childcare solution in Biloxi that brings you peace of mind.