The Best Daycare Centers in Harriston, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harriston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harriston
Little Blessings Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings Learning Center is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare facility serving the Harriston area from nearby Tylertown. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program that combines academic preparation with Christian values. The center features a structured curriculum focused on literacy, mathematics, and social development, with certified teachers and low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure indoor classrooms, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication. The center provides nutritious meals and emphasizes character development alongside academic readiness.
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Kiddie Academy of McComb
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of McComb is a nationally recognized educational childcare center that serves families throughout Pike County, including Harriston residents. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on whole-child development through structured learning activities, character education, and technology integration. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and age-appropriate learning environments. The academy emphasizes STEM education, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Parents appreciate the transparent communication through their mobile app, nutritious meal program, and the center's commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success.
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Tylertown Early Learning Center
Independent
Tylertown Early Learning Center has been serving the Harriston and surrounding communities for over 15 years with a reputation for quality early childhood education. The center employs certified early childhood educators who implement a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes language development, cognitive skills, and social interaction through hands-on activities. The facility includes secure indoor learning spaces, fenced outdoor playgrounds, and modern safety protocols. The center is known for its family-like atmosphere, experienced staff with low turnover, and strong kindergarten preparation program. Parents value the consistent communication and individualized attention given to each child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harriston, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harriston, MS, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harriston, as in all of Mississippi, childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. For Harriston specifically, you can verify a facility's license status by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or by contacting the local county health department. It's important to note that some smaller, in-home providers may operate legally under a "registered" status, which has different requirements. Always ask to see the current license or registration certificate during a tour.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harriston, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Harriston and the surrounding rural areas of Mississippi, daycare costs are generally lower than the national average but can vary. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for an infant or toddler. Costs may be slightly higher for accredited centers or facilities with specialized programs. 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 requirements. Parents in Harriston should contact the MDHS office in their county to apply. Some local churches or community organizations may also offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Harriston, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare centers in a small town like Harriston, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months or longer. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they charge a fee to be placed on it. Exploring options in nearby towns like Houston or Okolona may also be necessary if local availability is scarce.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Harriston—centers, family homes, or church-based programs?
Harriston, being a small community, primarily offers family childcare homes and church-affiliated preschool or Mother's Day Out programs. Licensed family childcare homes are often run out of a provider's residence and can offer a more home-like environment with smaller groups. Church-based programs are common and may offer part-day or part-week options, which can be ideal for parents with flexible schedules. There are fewer large, corporate daycare centers. When searching, use the MSDH directory and filter by "Harriston" and the type of care (Center, Family, or Registered Family) to see your specific local options.
Are there any daycare facilities in Harriston that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in healthcare, manufacturing, or agriculture?
Finding childcare with evening, overnight, or weekend hours in Harriston is a significant challenge, as most providers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet is to inquire directly with licensed family childcare homes, as some independent providers may be willing to accommodate shift work for a consistent schedule. Alternatively, you may need to look for a private in-home nanny or babysitter who can offer more flexible hours. Networking through local community groups, churches, or Facebook groups for Harriston parents can be a valuable way to find caregivers who understand the needs of families in local industries like farming or nearby manufacturing plants.