The Best Daycare Centers in Clara, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clara. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clara
Kiddie Academy of Laurel
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Laurel provides comprehensive educational childcare with a proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and modern facilities with age-appropriate learning environments. Their approach emphasizes hands-on learning, technology integration, and parent communication through daily reports and mobile app updates. Located approximately 15 miles from Clara, they serve families throughout Jones and Wayne counties with flexible scheduling options.
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First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Laurel
This faith-based childcare center offers a nurturing Christian environment combined with strong academic preparation. The curriculum balances structured learning with play-based activities, focusing on kindergarten readiness skills including phonics, math concepts, and social development. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and a dedicated music and movement room. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community and regular communication about child progress. Serving the Laurel area and surrounding communities including Clara.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center provides a balanced approach to early childhood education with emphasis on creative expression, cognitive development, and social skills. Their curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early learning standards, featuring learning centers for art, science, literacy, and dramatic play. The center maintains excellent safety protocols including secured entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor learning environments designed to stimulate curiosity and exploration, serving families from Clara and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clara, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Clara, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Mississippi, all childcare facilities, including those in Clara, must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:5 for infants), health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and view their inspection reports, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website. This is a crucial first step for parents in Clara to ensure a facility meets state-mandated safety and quality standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clara, MS?
Childcare costs in Clara and the surrounding rural areas of Mississippi are generally lower than the national average, but can still be a significant expense for families. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed center. In-home family childcare providers may offer slightly lower rates. It's important to note that availability of subsidized care through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program is limited and based on income eligibility and funding availability, so exploring this option early is recommended.
Are there any licensed childcare centers in Clara itself, or will I need to look in neighboring towns?
Clara is a very small, unincorporated community, so licensed childcare center options within its immediate boundaries are extremely limited or non-existent. Parents will typically need to look in neighboring towns such as Wiggins (the county seat of Stone County), Perkinston, or Saucier for a wider selection of licensed daycare centers and registered family childcare homes. Many families in Clara commute for work and childcare, so factoring travel time into your search for facilities along your commute route to places like Gulfport or Hattiesburg is a practical strategy.
What should I look for when touring a potential daycare in the Clara area, given the local environment?
When touring facilities in this rural area, pay special attention to factors relevant to the local context. Ask about their plan for severe weather common to South Mississippi, such as tornadoes or hurricanes, including shelter-in-place procedures and communication protocols. Inquire about outdoor play areas—are they securely fenced and free from local hazards like fire ant mounds? Also, given the potential for longer commutes to centers in neighboring towns, ask about their hours of operation, policies for late pick-up, and if they provide meals and snacks or if you need to pack all food.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare programs in the Stone County area, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
For the most sought-after licensed centers and highly-regarded home providers in the Stone County region (which includes Clara), waitlists can be several months long, especially for infant care. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, be prepared to ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often should you check in? How are spots offered? Building a relationship and expressing consistent interest can sometimes improve your position.
Childcare Insights for Clara
Finding reliable childcare during the week is a challenge many parents in Clara, Mississippi, have mastered, but what happens when your work schedule includes weekends, you have a special event, or you simply need a few hours of respite? The search for "weekend daycare near me" can feel particularly daunting in our close-knit community, where many traditional centers operate on a Monday-through-Friday basis. The good news is that options do exist, and with a bit of local know-how, you can find a solution that brings peace of mind to your family.
First, it’s important to understand the landscape of childcare in and around Clara. Given our town's size, dedicated weekend daycare centers are rare. Your most promising avenues will often be in-home providers or registered family childcare homes where the caregiver may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers at local plants or the healthcare sector. Don’t overlook neighboring communities like Hattiesburg or Columbia, either. A short drive might open up access to larger centers that offer Saturday hours, perhaps for parents attending classes at nearby Jones College or for those working in retail and service industries in the regional hubs.
When beginning your search, word-of-mouth is invaluable in a town like Clara. Talk to other parents at the Clara Community Center, your workplace, or your place of worship. Someone might know a trusted neighbor or a licensed provider who offers occasional weekend care. Online community forums on social media, such as local Facebook groups dedicated to Clara and Forrest County, can also be a goldmine for personal recommendations. Be specific in your posts, mentioning your needed hours and your child’s age, to get the most relevant leads.
Once you have a potential option, whether it’s a home-based provider in Clara or a center in a neighboring town, ask detailed questions. Inquire about their weekend staffing ratios, planned activities, and meal provisions. Since weekend care might mean your child is there during less structured times, understanding how they handle free play and outdoor time is crucial. Always verify their current licensing status with the Mississippi State Department of Health, which oversees all childcare facilities. A licensed provider has met specific health, safety, and training standards, which is non-negotiable for your child’s wellbeing.
Finally, consider building a small network of backup care. You might connect with a few other Clara parents in similar situations and explore a potential babysitting swap for weekend hours. This not only solves the childcare need but also helps your child build friendships within the community. Remember, finding weekend care requires patience and proactive networking. By tapping into the local grapevine and carefully vetting each option, you can secure a safe, nurturing environment for your child, giving you the flexibility you need while living right here in Clara.