The Best Daycare Centers in Columbia, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Columbia. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Columbia
Columbia Academy Child Development Center
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy Child Development Center is part of the reputable Columbia Academy private school, offering a comprehensive early childhood program grounded in play-based learning and academic readiness. The center features a structured curriculum that incorporates literacy, math, and social-emotional development, with low teacher-to-child ratios to ensure individualized attention. Staff hold certifications in early childhood education and undergo continuous training. Facilities include secure indoor and outdoor play areas, technology-enhanced classrooms, and a nutrition program providing balanced meals. Parents consistently praise the center's safe environment, strong communication, and focus on holistic child development.
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First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Columbia
Operated by First Baptist Church of Columbia, this center provides a faith-based educational approach that integrates moral and spiritual development with age-appropriate academic activities. The curriculum emphasizes social skills, creativity, and early literacy through hands-on learning and structured play. All teachers are background-checked and trained in early childhood best practices, with many holding degrees in education. The facility maintains high safety standards, including secure access, regular drills, and clean, well-equipped classrooms. Parents value the nurturing atmosphere, active parent involvement opportunities, and consistent communication about child progress.
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Marion County Child Development Center
Marion County
Marion County Child Development Center focuses on delivering affordable, high-quality childcare with a curriculum that blends STEM activities, creative arts, and language development to foster cognitive and social growth. The center employs certified early childhood educators who prioritize individualized learning plans and maintain small class sizes for optimal engagement. Safety protocols include secured entrances, routine health checks, and up-to-date licensing compliance. Parents appreciate the center's inclusive environment, strong parent-teacher partnerships, and emphasis on preparing children for kindergarten through structured yet flexible programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Columbia, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Columbia, MS, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Columbia, Mississippi, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) unless they are legally exempt (such as certain religiously affiliated centers or small in-home care with fewer than 6 children). Licensed centers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license, you can visit the MSDH Child Care Facility Search website or contact the local MSDH District Office serving Marion County. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure a baseline of safety and quality for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Columbia, MS?
The cost of childcare in Columbia, MS, is generally more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas but varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, full-time care for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), you can expect to pay between $110 and $140 per week. In-home family childcare may be slightly less expensive. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. For financial assistance, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) for eligible families; you can apply through the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Columbia, and how far in advance should I start looking?
While not as extreme as in major cities, popular and highly-rated licensed daycare centers in Columbia can have waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is advisable to begin your search and make inquiries at least 3 to 6 months before your needed start date. For infant care, starting 6 months in advance is prudent. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their current capacity and waitlist process, including any deposit or fee to hold a spot. Exploring multiple options, including smaller licensed family childcare homes, can provide more immediate availability.
What resources are available in Columbia to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Parents in Columbia have several key resources. The primary tool is the Mississippi State Department of Health's online "Find Child Care" search, which allows you to filter by location, age, and license type. Additionally, you can contact the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for South Mississippi**, which serves Marion County. They offer free referrals, information on quality indicators, and guidance on choosing care. Locally, asking for recommendations from other parents at places like the Marion County Public Library or your pediatrician's office can provide valuable firsthand insights. Some centers may also be rated through Mississippi's voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), known as "Mississippi Building Blocks."
What are some key questions to ask during a daycare tour in Columbia, specifically related to local policies and safety?
Beyond general questions, tailor your tour to local considerations. Key questions include: 1) "What is your severe weather and tornado safety plan, given Mississippi's climate?" (They should have a designated safe room and practiced drills). 2) "How do you handle transportation for field trips, and are all vehicles compliant with MSDH regulations?" 3) "What is your policy on illness, and how do you coordinate with local health guidelines from the Marion County Health Department?" 4) "Can you describe your outdoor play area and how it's secured?" 5) "What is the background and training process for all staff, including substitutes, as required by Mississippi law?" Observing cleanliness, child engagement, and asking for references from current Columbia parents are also crucial steps.