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.
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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.
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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.
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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.