The Best Daycare Centers in De Kalb, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in De Kalb. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in De Kalb
Little Blessings Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility in De Kalb that provides comprehensive early childhood education with a Christian-based curriculum. The center features age-appropriate learning environments with structured daily schedules that balance educational activities, creative play, and rest periods. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning activities. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and safe outdoor play areas with modern safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kiddie Kingdom Child Development Center
Independent
Kiddie Kingdom Child Development Center offers a structured educational program that emphasizes school readiness through their comprehensive early learning curriculum. The center features certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. Their program includes literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and social-emotional learning components. The facility maintains excellent safety standards with monitored access, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular facility inspections. They provide engaging learning centers, age-appropriate playground equipment, and technology-integrated classrooms for older children. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular events and detailed progress reports.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center, located approximately 30 minutes from De Kalb in Meridian, serves families throughout Kemper County with their comprehensive early childhood program. The center employs a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, featuring thematic units that integrate literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood credentials and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility includes separate infant rooms with individualized care plans, toddler classrooms with sensory learning stations, and preschool rooms designed to promote independence and social skills. They maintain rigorous health and safety protocols including secure check-in systems, comprehensive cleaning procedures, and emergency preparedness training. The center offers flexible scheduling options and serves families from surrounding communities including De Kalb.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in De Kalb, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in De Kalb, MS, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In De Kalb, Mississippi, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), which sets standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. You can verify a facility's license status by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or by contacting the North Central Public Health District office, which oversees Kemper County. It's crucial to check this, as operating without a license is illegal. Licensed facilities in De Kalb are subject to annual inspections, and their reports are public record, giving you insight into their compliance history.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in De Kalb, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In De Kalb and the surrounding Kemper County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $100 to $150 per week. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $90 to $130 per week. Home-based daycare is often more affordable. 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 Kemper County MDHS office. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
Given De Kalb's rural setting, how can I find and evaluate in-home daycare providers, and what should I look for during a visit?
In a smaller community like De Kalb, finding in-home providers often relies on word-of-mouth, local Facebook community groups (e.g., "De Kalb, MS Community"), and bulletins at places like the public library or Piggly Wiggly. Ensure any provider caring for more than six children is licensed as a "Family Child Care Home" by the MSDH. During a visit, look for a clean, safe environment with secure outdoor space, age-appropriate toys, and a posted daily schedule. Ask about the provider's experience, emergency plans, discipline policy, and if they participate in the USDA Food Program for nutritious meals. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's interaction with children.
Are there any part-time or non-traditional hour childcare options available in De Kalb for parents working shift jobs?
Options for part-time or non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends) are very limited in De Kalb due to its size. Most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet is to seek out licensed family childcare homes, as some may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers at local employers like the Kemper County power plant or healthcare facilities. Be prepared to discuss your schedule needs upfront. You might also need to explore creating a share-care arrangement with another family or hiring a trusted, background-checked babysitter for specific shifts.
What resources are available in De Kalb to help me choose a quality daycare, and are there typically long waitlists?
Start with the Mississippi State Department of Health's online directory, which allows you to filter by location (ZIP code 39328) and view inspection reports. The Kemper County Cooperative Extension Service may also have resources on early childhood. For hands-on help, contact the Early Years Network, which serves the region. Waitlists are not as common as in larger cities, but for the most sought-after providers, especially for infant care, there can be a short wait. It's advisable to begin your search at least 2-3 months before you need care. Visiting multiple options and asking for references from current parents is highly recommended.