The Best Daycare Centers in Ellisville, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ellisville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ellisville
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Ellisville
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies
Kids 'R' Kids of Ellisville provides a comprehensive early childhood education program using their proprietary Brain Development curriculum. The facility features secure entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their STEAM-focused approach integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on activities. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-to-teacher ratios. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintains extensive outdoor play areas with modern safety surfaces.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
The Learning Center offers a balanced educational approach combining structured academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and creative expression through project-based learning. The center maintains state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Safety protocols include secured access, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility features separate playgrounds for different age groups and incorporates technology-enhanced learning stations for preschool students.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Laurel serves the Ellisville community with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based discovery. The center features purpose-built classrooms with learning centers for literacy, mathematics, science, and art. All lead teachers hold degrees in education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes character development and social skills alongside academic preparation. Security features include keypad entry systems, comprehensive camera monitoring, and strict pick-up authorization protocols. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds with safety-certified equipment and surfaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ellisville, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Ellisville, MS, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Ellisville, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This includes family childcare homes, group homes, and childcare centers. The MSDH sets standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility inspections. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or contact the MSDH Division of Child Care Licensure directly. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child, as it ensures the facility meets minimum state safety and quality standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ellisville?
The cost of childcare in Ellisville is generally more affordable than in larger Mississippi cities, but it varies by facility type. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of **$100 to $140 per week** for full-time care of an infant or toddler. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from **$80 to $120 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, diapers, or educational materials). Some centers in the area may also have registration or supply fees.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with daycare costs for families in Ellisville?
Yes, eligible families in Ellisville can apply for assistance through the Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), which is administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). This subsidy helps low-income working families, those in job training, or parents attending school pay for childcare at licensed or registered providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the local MDHS office serving Jones County. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in Ellisville may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it's worth inquiring directly with individual daycare providers about any available financial support options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Ellisville, and when should I start looking?
Due to limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists at popular licensed centers in Ellisville can range from **3 to 9 months**. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. Some centers affiliated with local institutions like Jones College or major employers may have even longer lists. When contacting a center, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update you on your position, and if they offer part-time spots while you wait for full-time. Exploring in-home providers can be a good alternative if center waitlists are prohibitive.
What are some key factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in Ellisville?
Beyond checking the license, parents in Ellisville should look for several local and practical factors. First, observe the **staff-to-child ratio** and how caregivers interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff turnover, as consistency is crucial. Second, inquire about their **sick policy and health protocols**, especially regarding common childhood illnesses. Third, examine the **safety and cleanliness** of the indoor and outdoor play areas. Fourth, understand their **educational philosophy or curriculum**—some may follow a play-based model, while others might have a more structured preschool preparation program. Finally, consider practicalities like **operating hours** (many Ellisville centers close by 5:30 or 6 PM), **meal provisions**, and their policy for communication with parents (e.g., daily reports or apps). Trusting your instincts about the environment is also key.
Childcare Insights for Ellisville
Finding quality, affordable childcare can feel like one of the most stressful challenges for a family working with a tight budget. If you’re in Ellisville, Mississippi, and typing “low income daycare near me” into your search bar, know that you are not alone, and there are pathways and resources designed to help. The journey requires some local knowledge and patience, but supportive options do exist right here in our community.
A crucial first step for any family in Ellisville seeking financial assistance is to connect with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). They administer the Child Care Payment Program, often referred to as the subsidy voucher program. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and your reason for needing care, such as employment, education, or training. Applying for this program can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs by allowing you to use approved providers. You can start this process online or by visiting the local MDHS office, which serves Jones County. Being proactive with this application is key, as funding can sometimes have waitlists.
When looking for a daycare center or home-based provider in Ellisville that accepts these subsidies, it’s important to make direct contact. Some well-regarded local centers participate in the MDHS program. A phone call to ask, “Do you accept MDHS childcare subsidy vouchers?” will quickly give you your answer. Don’t hesitate to also ask about any sliding scale fees they might offer independently of the state program. In smaller communities like ours, home-based family childcare providers can also be a wonderful, often more flexible, and affordable option. These are typically licensed caregivers who look after a smaller group of children in their own homes. Checking with neighbors, local community boards at places like the Ellisville Public Library, or even your church can yield personal recommendations for these in-home providers.
Beyond state assistance, explore local support networks. Organizations such as the United Way of Southeast Mississippi or Catholic Charities often have information on community resources and may offer occasional assistance programs. Additionally, consider reaching out to Jones County Junior College. If you are a student there, they may have resources or referrals for student-parents. Sometimes, local churches in Ellisville also operate mother’s day out programs or preschools at reduced rates for congregants and sometimes community members. It never hurts to inquire.
Remember, affordability must go hand-in-hand with quality and safety. Once you have a list of potential providers, schedule a visit. Trust your instincts as a parent. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children, check for cleanliness and safety, and ask about their daily routines and educational philosophy. A warm, nurturing environment where your child can thrive is the ultimate goal. Securing childcare in Ellisville on a limited income is undoubtedly a hurdle, but by leveraging state programs, tapping into our close-knit community for leads, and carefully vetting options, you can find a safe and caring place for your little one. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.