The Best Daycare Centers in Harrisville, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrisville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrisville
Kiddie Academy of Hattiesburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hattiesburg provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming camera access for parents. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and maintains low student-teacher ratios to ensure individual attention.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Hattiesburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hattiesburg offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems, and regular health screenings. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts, with additional enrichment programs in yoga, music, and foreign language. The facility includes modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for STEAM activities.
Daycare Services:
Pine Belt Early Learning Center
Community Care Services
Pine Belt Early Learning Center operates as a nonprofit childcare facility serving the broader Hattiesburg area including Harrisville residents. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains NAEYC accreditation standards with a focus on developmentally appropriate practices. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers and play-based activities. The facility features secure access controls, nutritious meal programs meeting USDA guidelines, inclusive classrooms for children with special needs, and outdoor learning environments. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrisville, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harrisville, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harrisville, as in all of Mississippi, childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:11 for 4-year-olds), background checks for all employees, health and safety inspections, and age-appropriate curriculum plans. To verify a facility's license and view any inspection reports or complaints, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or contact the local county health department. It's crucial to ask any provider you visit for their current license number and confirmation of their compliance status.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harrisville, MS, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Harrisville and the surrounding rural areas of Mississippi, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $100 to $150 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $90 to $130 per week. These costs are generally lower than state urban averages but can vary based on the facility's amenities and program type. 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. Parents in Harrisville should contact the Simpson County MDHS office or apply online to determine if they qualify for subsidies to help offset childcare costs.
Are there many licensed in-home daycare options versus center-based care in Harrisville, and what are the pros and cons of each in our community?
Harrisville, being a smaller community, likely has a mix of both, with licensed family childcare homes (in-home) being a common and valued option. Center-based care may require travel to nearby larger towns like Magee or Mendenhall. In-home daycares in Harrisville often offer a home-like environment, potentially more flexible hours, and mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. Center-based facilities typically have more structured curricula, multiple staff, and often more resources. The key is to ensure any in-home provider is licensed by the MSDH, which ensures they meet safety and health standards. Visiting both types is recommended to see which environment best suits your child's needs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Harrisville area, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small town like Harrisville, quality daycare spots, especially for infants, can have waitlists ranging from a few months to over a year. It's advisable to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. To secure a spot, contact all licensed providers in Harrisville and the surrounding communities. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists, often by completing an application and paying a small fee. Maintain regular, polite contact with providers every few months to express continued interest. Also, explore licensed family childcare homes, as they may have more immediate availability.
What questions should I specifically ask when touring a daycare in Harrisville, given our rural location?
When touring a daycare in Harrisville, beyond standard questions, consider these location-specific concerns: 1. **Emergency Protocols:** Ask about their plan for severe weather common to Mississippi (tornadoes) and medical emergencies, given the distance to major hospitals. 2. **Transportation & Field Trips:** Do they provide transportation for school-age children to/from local schools like Harrisville Attendance Center? For field trips, how do they ensure safety on rural roads? 3. **Outdoor Play & Safety:** Inspect the outdoor play area for safety and ask about supervision, especially given the potential for nearby agricultural or wooded areas. 4. **Staff Longevity:** In a small community, low staff turnover is a positive sign. Ask about how long caregivers have been with the program. 5. **Communication:** How will they communicate with you if internet/cell service is unreliable? Ensure they have a reliable backup method.
Childcare Insights for Harrisville
Finding trustworthy and nurturing infant child care is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a new parent in Harrisville, Mississippi. The search for "infant child care near me" is about more than just proximity; it's about discovering a safe, loving, and stimulating environment for your baby's earliest development. In our close-knit community, this search often feels personal, and knowing what to look for locally can provide immense peace of mind.
First, understanding your options in and around Harrisville is key. Given our rural setting, childcare providers may include licensed in-home daycares, smaller family childcare homes, or centers in nearby larger towns. Many wonderful caregivers here operate with a family-like atmosphere, which can be incredibly comforting. Start by asking for recommendations from neighbors, friends at local churches, or even your pediatrician's office in Simpson County. Personal word-of-mouth referrals carry significant weight in our area and can lead you to providers who are cherished parts of the community but may not have a large online presence.
When you visit a potential caregiver, pay close attention to the environment. Is it calm, clean, and secure? For infants, a low child-to-caregiver ratio is non-negotiable; Mississippi state licensing requires one caregiver for every five infants, but the best providers often aim for even smaller groups. Ask about their daily routine—how they handle feeding, diapering, and napping. Importantly, inquire about how they foster early development through tummy time, gentle interaction, and reading. In Harrisville, a provider who understands the rhythms of small-town life can be a partner, offering flexibility when needed and truly getting to know your family.
Logistics in a rural area require special consideration. Discuss policies for inclement weather, as our roads can be affected. Clarify hours of operation to ensure they align with commutes to possible workplaces in surrounding areas like Magee or Mendenhall. Affordability is also a crucial factor. Explore if the provider accepts Mississippi’s Child Care Payment Program subsidy, which can help eligible families with costs. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience, training in infant CPR, and their philosophy on communication—whether through daily logs, text messages, or a quick chat at pickup.
Trust your instincts during this process. The right caregiver will welcome your questions and put you at ease with their obvious affection for the children in their care. Finding infant child care in Harrisville is about building a relationship with someone who will cherish your baby as you do, providing a foundation of security and warmth during these precious early months. Taking the time to connect with local options thoughtfully will help you find a nurturing extension of your home right here in our community.