The Best Daycare Centers in Brooklyn, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brooklyn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brooklyn
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Brooklyn area and greater Hattiesburg region. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and certified teachers with early childhood education credentials. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and STEM activities. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and uses a secure check-in system with parent communication apps for daily updates. They are known for their nurturing environment and strong parent partnerships.
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The Children's Center at Southern Miss
University of Southern Mississippi
Operated by the University of Southern Mississippi, this NAEYC-accredited center serves as both a childcare facility and teaching laboratory for early childhood education students. The center implements a research-based curriculum that incorporates emergent curriculum approaches and developmentally appropriate practices. Staff include master teachers with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility features observation rooms, specialized learning environments, and inclusive programming. Safety is prioritized with secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and health protocols. The center is particularly noted for its exceptional educational quality and integration of current research in child development.
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Primrose School of Hattiesburg
Primrose Schools Franchising Company
Primrose School of Hattiesburg is part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools network, offering a balanced learning approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure classrooms, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated music and art rooms. All teachers receive extensive training in the Primrose approach and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The school emphasizes safety with secure keypad entry, comprehensive camera systems, and strict health protocols. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through the Primrose app and the school's commitment to developing independence and social skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brooklyn, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Brooklyn, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Mississippi, all childcare facilities caring for six or more children must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This includes family childcare homes that exceed the smaller, unlicensed capacity. Licensed facilities in Brooklyn must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, health and safety inspections, background checks for employees, and staff training in CPR and First Aid. To verify a provider's license, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or contact the MSDH Office of Health Protection directly. It's always recommended to ask the provider for their current license certificate during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Brooklyn area, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Brooklyn and the surrounding Forrest County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $160 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), curriculum offered, and included amenities. 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 important to inquire directly.
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend availability in Brooklyn to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Finding daycare with extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend availability in Brooklyn can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to inquire with registered family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible hours by arrangement, or to look at centers in the larger Hattiesburg area, just a short drive away, where there may be a few providers catering to healthcare or shift workers. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs early in your search, as spots with flexible hours are limited and often in high demand.
What resources are available in Brooklyn to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
The primary resource for parents in Brooklyn is the **Mississippi Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network**, specifically the region managed by the Family Health Center in Laurel. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and registered providers in Forrest County. You can contact them by phone or online. They also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit, including questions about curriculum, safety, and staff qualifications. Additionally, local pediatrician offices, churches, and community boards at places like the Brooklyn Post Office can be good sources of personal recommendations from other parents.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Brooklyn, and when should I start my search?
For the most sought-after licensed centers and quality home-based programs in Brooklyn, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for a waitlist to be 6 to 12 months long. Therefore, it is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy if possible. When contacting a provider, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to be listed, how often you should check in, and if they offer "sibling priority" for current families. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is the best strategy in this area.