The Best Daycare Centers in Carrollton, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carrollton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carrollton
Carrollton Head Start Center
Community Action Partnership
Carrollton Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services through the federally funded Head Start program. The center focuses on school readiness with a research-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. All teachers meet federal Head Start qualification requirements and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Family engagement is a core component, with regular parent-teacher conferences and family support services. The center serves low-income families and children with special needs, offering inclusive classrooms and individualized support.
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Carrollton Day Care & Learning Center
Independent
Carrollton Day Care & Learning Center is a locally owned childcare facility serving children from infancy through school age. The center provides a structured learning environment with age-appropriate activities that promote early literacy, math readiness, and social skills development. Staff members are trained in early childhood education and CPR/first aid certified. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and follows strict health and safety protocols. The program includes educational activities, arts and crafts, music, and physical play. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains small group sizes to ensure individualized attention for each child.
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Grenada KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Centers
Grenada KinderCare, located approximately 30 minutes from Carrollton, is part of the nationally recognized KinderCare network with a strong reputation for quality early childhood education. The center implements a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, including phonics-based literacy, STEM activities, and character education. All teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The secure facility features dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, interactive learning centers, and safe outdoor play areas. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and follows rigorous health and safety standards. Many Carrollton families choose this center for its structured educational approach and national accreditation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carrollton, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Carrollton, MS, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Carrollton and throughout Mississippi, childcare facilities are licensed and monitored by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) under the Child Care Licensure regulations. 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 procedures, and facility requirements. To verify the license status of a daycare in Carrollton, you can use the MSDH's online "Find Child Care" search tool or contact the MSDH's Child Care Licensure office directly. It's crucial to choose a licensed facility, as this ensures a baseline level of safety and oversight. Unlicensed care, except for very small in-home operations exempt from licensing, may not meet these state standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Carrollton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Carrollton and the surrounding Carroll County area, daycare costs are generally lower than state and national averages, but can vary. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for an infant or toddler. Costs may be slightly higher for accredited centers or in-home providers with specialized programs. For financial assistance, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or training requirements. Local Carrollton parents should contact the MDHS office in Grenada or Winona to apply. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations may offer subsidized slots or scholarships.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care available in Carrollton for parents working non-traditional shifts?
Finding daycare with extended hours (early morning or late evening) or weekend care in a smaller community like Carrollton can be challenging. Most licensed centers and home-based providers operate on a standard weekday schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Options for non-traditional hours are limited and often rely on individual in-home providers or family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care. Your best approach is to contact providers directly to inquire about their flexibility. Networking through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Carrollton, MS Community") or asking for referrals from your employer or church can sometimes lead to finding a smaller, licensed family childcare home willing to accommodate a unique schedule.
What resources are available in Carrollton to help me find and evaluate different childcare providers?
The primary statewide resource is the Mississippi Department of Health's online search tool. However, for localized help, parents in Carrollton can also contact the **Family Resource Center of North Mississippi**, which serves multiple counties including Carroll. They can provide referrals and information on choosing quality care. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule tours and ask providers for references from current parents. Key local evaluation points include: observing caregiver-child interactions, checking the cleanliness and safety of the physical space (especially outdoor play areas), understanding their policies on sickness and emergencies, and asking about their curriculum or daily structure for learning through play, which is vital even in a small-town setting.
How long are waitlists typically for daycare centers in Carrollton, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed facilities in a town of Carrollton's size, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for a waitlist to be several months long. We strongly recommend starting your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before you need care, particularly if you have an infant. For popular providers, you may even need to get on a list before your child is born. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to hold a spot, how often they update the list, and their estimated timeline for an opening. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists increases your chances of securing a spot when needed.