The Best Daycare Centers in Brandon, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brandon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brandon
The Learning Tree Academy
Independent
The Learning Tree Academy is a highly-regarded private preschool and childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a structured academic curriculum that includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, and hands-on science exploration. The center emphasizes character development and social-emotional learning through their "Character Counts" program. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms with modern learning materials, secure outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and uses electronic check-in systems for enhanced security.
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Primrose School of Crossgates
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Crossgates is part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools franchise, offering the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development, STEM activities, and creative arts while building essential social skills. The facility features secure, age-specific learning environments, commercial-grade kitchens providing nutritious meals, and monitored outdoor play areas. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks. Parent communication includes daily updates through the Primrose Schools mobile app.
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Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center provides a nurturing educational environment with a strong focus on school readiness and whole-child development. Their curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired learning stations alongside traditional preschool activities, emphasizing literacy development through the Zoo-phonics® program and mathematical concepts through hands-on manipulatives. The center features bright, well-organized classrooms, separate playgrounds for different age groups, and a dedicated music and movement room. Staff members participate in continuous training through the Mississippi State University Early Childhood Institute. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains an open-door policy for parent involvement, with regular parent-teacher conferences and classroom observations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brandon, MS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Brandon, MS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Brandon, the cost of full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week, while preschool for a 3-5 year old averages between $100 and $140 per week. These rates can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum (like Montessori or faith-based), and staff-to-child ratios. 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. Additionally, some local centers in Brandon may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the MDHS Rankin County office or individual providers directly to discuss options.
How do I verify that a daycare facility in Brandon is properly licensed and what specific state regulations should I be aware of?
All licensed childcare facilities in Brandon must comply with Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) regulations. You can verify a facility's license status and view any past inspection reports by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:11 for 4-year-olds), required background checks for all employees, and annual health and safety inspections. Facilities must also have a written discipline policy and meet specific square footage requirements per child. When touring centers in Brandon, don't hesitate to ask for their license number and their most recent inspection report.
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for infant care in Brandon, and when should I start looking?
Infant care (children under 1 year) in Brandon is often in high demand with limited spots due to strict staff-to-child ratios. It is common for reputable centers to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months, especially for newborns. We strongly recommend starting your search during the second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their infant room capacity, current waitlist length, and any non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot. Some smaller home-based licensed providers in Brandon neighborhoods may have more immediate openings, so expanding your search to include these can be beneficial.
Are there daycare options in Brandon that offer extended hours for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Yes, there are limited options in Brandon for extended-hours childcare. While most traditional centers operate between 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM, a few facilities and several licensed family childcare homes may offer earlier drop-off, later pick-up (sometimes up to 7:00 PM), or even occasional overnight care. These spots are highly sought after. It's crucial to inquire directly about specific hours and any associated premium fees. For true shift work or 24-hour needs, you may need to look into private nanny shares or in-home caregivers, which are arrangements some Brandon parents coordinate through local community groups.
What are some of the key differences between center-based care and licensed family childcare homes in Brandon?
In Brandon, your main licensed options are Child Care Centers and Licensed Family Childcare Homes. Centers are often larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They may offer more peer interaction and often have stricter MSDH regulations on physical space. Family homes are smaller, typically run by one or two caregivers in a residential setting, offering a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often provide more flexible hours but may have limited backup if the provider is ill. Costs can be slightly lower in family homes. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and whether you prefer a structured educational approach or a familial setting. Always ensure either type is MSDH-licensed.