The Best Daycare Centers in Hurley, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hurley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hurley
The Goddard School of Lucedale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lucedale offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by degreed teachers with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide daily communication through their mobile app. The school emphasizes character development and social-emotional learning, with structured activities that prepare children for kindergarten while nurturing individual growth.
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La Petite Academy of Moss Point
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy in Moss Point provides comprehensive early childhood education with their proprietary LINKS to Learning curriculum, which integrates play-based and academic approaches. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-separated playgrounds, and modern classrooms equipped with learning centers. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, technology integration, and hands-on STEM activities. Teachers hold Child Development Associate credentials or higher, and the center maintains state-exceeding safety standards with regular drills and health protocols. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular conferences, portfolio assessments, and real-time updates via the mobile app.
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Lucedale Child Development Center
Independent
Lucedale Child Development Center offers a faith-based early childhood program that combines academic preparation with Christian values. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor play spaces. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and participate in ongoing training. The program emphasizes character development, community involvement, and individualized attention with small class sizes. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular progress reports, and maintain strong communication with families through daily updates and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hurley, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hurley, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Hurley, as in all of Mississippi, daycare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) if they care for more than 6 children. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training, facility safety (like fire drills and safe sleep practices for infants), and nutritional guidelines. You can verify a facility's license status directly through the MSDH's online Child Care Facility Search portal or by calling the local MSDH office. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this ensures a baseline of safety and oversight for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hurley, MS, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Hurley and the surrounding Jackson 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. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), which provides subsidies to eligible low-income working families or those in education/training programs. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the MDHS county office in Pascagoula, which serves Jackson County.
Are there many daycare centers in Hurley itself, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
Hurley is a small, rural community, so dedicated daycare centers within the city limits are limited. Most parents in Hurley find options in nearby larger towns such as Moss Point, Pascagoula, or even Gautier, which are within a 15-25 minute commute. Your search will likely yield more licensed family childcare homes within Hurley itself. Utilizing local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Hurley, MS Community") or word-of-mouth referrals from neighbors is often the best way to discover trusted in-home providers. Planning for a commute to a center is a common reality for Hurley residents.
What are typical waitlist times for daycare centers in the Hurley area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of facilities serving the area, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers in Pascagoula or Moss Point to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months, or even longer. For infants, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler care, starting your search at least 2-3 months before your needed start date is prudent. Always ask about waitlist fees and policies for maintaining your spot on the list.
What local resources or organizations in Jackson County can help me find and evaluate childcare options near Hurley?
The primary resource is the **Mississippi Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network**, specifically the region covering the Gulf Coast. They maintain a database of licensed providers, offer guidance on choosing quality care, and explain state regulations. You can contact them online or by phone. Locally, the **Jackson County Health Department** can provide information on licensed facilities. Additionally, connecting with other parents through the **Hurley Elementary School** (even for future students) or local churches can yield personal recommendations and insights into smaller, home-based providers that may not be widely advertised.