The Best Daycare Centers in Brookhaven, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brookhaven. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brookhaven
Brookhaven Academy Child Development Center
Brookhaven Academy
Brookhaven Academy Child Development Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a strong focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. The center features a structured curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. What sets this center apart is their integration of technology in early learning and their emphasis on character development through daily activities and structured play. They maintain rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills.
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First Baptist Church Weekday Early Education
First Baptist Church of Brookhaven
First Baptist Church Weekday Early Education provides a faith-based learning environment combined with high-quality early childhood education standards. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features experienced educators with backgrounds in early childhood development who implement a curriculum focused on cognitive, physical, and spiritual growth. Facilities include dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and secure outdoor playgrounds. The center stands out for its strong community involvement, nutritious meal programs, and comprehensive parent communication system that includes daily updates and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center has served the Brookhaven community for nearly two decades with a reputation for consistent, quality childcare. Their educational approach combines traditional learning methods with modern early childhood education best practices, focusing on literacy development, mathematical concepts, and social skills. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Facilities feature age-separated classrooms, computer learning stations for older children, and monitored outdoor play areas. The center distinguishes itself through its extended hours of operation, flexible scheduling options, and comprehensive enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education components integrated into the daily curriculum.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brookhaven, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Brookhaven, MS, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Mississippi, all childcare facilities, including those in Brookhaven, must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This includes family childcare homes serving 6-12 children and centers serving 13 or more. Licensing ensures minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks are met. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the MSDH's online "Child Care Facility Search" tool or contact the Southwest Public Health District office, which oversees Lincoln County. It's crucial to check for any recent violations or conditional licenses before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Brookhaven, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Brookhaven, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $100 to $150 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $90 to $130 per week. These rates can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and operator type (e.g., church-affiliated vs. private center). 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 Lincoln County MDHS office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Brookhaven, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Waitlists are common for infant rooms and highly-rated centers in Brookhaven, especially for those affiliated with local churches or offering structured preschool programs. It's not unusual for a wait to be 3 to 6 months. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple facilities to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a small waitlist fee. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in residential areas, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Brookhaven beyond traditional daycare centers?
Brookhaven offers a variety of childcare options to fit different family needs. Beyond licensed centers, you can find: * **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often run in a provider's residence, offering a smaller group setting. * **Faith-Based Programs:** Many local churches operate preschools and Mother's Day Out programs, which may offer part-time or full-day care. * **In-Home Care (Nannies/Babysitters):** While not licensed as facilities, some families hire private caregivers. Using agencies is less common locally, so referrals through community networks or platforms like Care.com are typical. * **School-Age Programs:** Offered by the Brookhaven School District or the Boys & Girls Club of Lincoln County for before/after-school care and summer programs.
How does the local school district, Brookhaven School District, collaborate with or offer early childhood programs?
The Brookhaven School District itself does not typically provide general daycare for infants and toddlers. However, it plays a key role in early childhood education through its public **Pre-K programs**. The district offers state-funded Pre-K classrooms for eligible 4-year-olds, which follow a structured educational curriculum during school hours. These programs are highly sought after and have specific enrollment periods and eligibility criteria. For younger children, parents must rely on private daycare centers, homes, or church programs. It's advisable to contact the District's Central Office for the most current Pre-K information and to understand how these programs might transition into kindergarten.