The Best Daycare Centers in Kiln, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kiln. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kiln
The Learning Center of Bay St. Louis
Independent
The Learning Center of Bay St. Louis is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Kiln area with comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social development through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, monitored access systems, and spacious outdoor play areas. What sets them apart is their strong focus on school readiness, with dedicated pre-K programs that include phonics instruction and kindergarten preparation activities. They also offer nutritious meal programs and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily updates and regular progress reports.
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Bay-Waveland Preschool & Child Development Center
Independent
Bay-Waveland Preschool & Child Development Center provides exceptional childcare services to families in Kiln and surrounding communities. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills. The center features certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. Their facility includes modern security systems, clean and organized classrooms, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. They stand out for their strong emphasis on character development and social skills, with programs that teach empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving. The center also offers flexible scheduling options and maintains an open-door policy for parent involvement.
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The Goddard School of Gulfport
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Gulfport is a premier early childhood education center that serves families throughout Harrison County, including Kiln residents. Operating under the nationally recognized Goddard Systems framework, they implement the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative expression. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and expansive outdoor learning environments. What distinguishes this center is their comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum integrated throughout all age groups, along with their focus on developing 21st-century skills like critical thinking and collaboration from an early age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kiln, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Kiln, MS, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Kiln, Mississippi, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) unless they are legally exempt (such as certain religiously affiliated centers or very small in-home operations). Licensed centers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/first aid), facility safety, health and sanitation, and curriculum. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or contact the MSDH Office of Health Protection directly. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Kiln, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Kiln area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $110 to $140 per week. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and age of the child. For financial assistance, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) through the Department of Human Services (MDHS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or training requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the MDHS Hancock County office or ask individual providers about accepted subsidy programs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Kiln, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare centers in the Kiln area, waitlists can be common, especially for infant classrooms. It's not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move start researching and touring facilities as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. Get on multiple waitlists if necessary, and be sure to ask about the deposit policy to hold your spot. For older toddlers or preschool-age children, availability may be better, but early planning is still key.
Are there any daycare centers or home-based providers in Kiln that offer flexible hours for parents working non-traditional shifts at the NASA Stennis Space Center or local shipyards?
Finding childcare for non-traditional shifts (evenings, nights, weekends) can be challenging in Kiln, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to inquire with licensed family childcare homes, as some in-home providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers. Additionally, you might need to consider a nanny share or a private babysitter network. We recommend contacting the Hancock County Resource Center or checking local community boards and Facebook groups (like "Kiln Community Connection") where parents often share recommendations for providers who cater to shift workers in the area.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Kiln, and are there any local resources to help with the selection process?
When touring a daycare in Kiln, look beyond the basics. Observe staff-child interactions—are they engaged and nurturing? Check for cleanliness, secure entrances, and safe outdoor play areas. Ask about their daily schedule, discipline policy, and how they handle emergencies, including hurricanes common to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Inquire about staff turnover and their plan for school closures. For local support, you can contact the Early Childhood Association of Hancock County or use the free referral service through the Mississippi State University Extension Service. They can provide checklists and help you understand how a provider meets Mississippi's specific early learning guidelines.
Childcare Insights for Kiln
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and if you're a parent in Kiln, Mississippi, typing "day cares near me" into your search bar, you're likely looking for a place that feels like a second home for your little one. The good news is that our close-knit community here in Hancock County offers a personal touch that can be hard to find in larger cities. Your search is about more than just proximity; it's about finding a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where your child can thrive while you're at work.
When beginning your search here in Kiln, word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. Our community is connected, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from neighbors, coworkers at the local shipyards or NASA facilities, or other parents at the Kiln ball fields. Many excellent in-home daycare providers operate here, often passed down through family referrals. For more structured centers, you'll likely be looking at options in the wider Bay St. Louis and Waveland areas, just a short drive away. This means factoring commute time into your decision is essential. Consider your daily route—does a potential daycare align with your drive to work in Gulfport or Slidell? Planning a test drive during drop-off hours can give you a real sense of the traffic flow.
As you evaluate options, whether it's a licensed family home on a quiet street in Kiln or a center in a neighboring town, there are key local considerations. First, inquire about hurricane preparedness plans. Any reputable provider in our coastal community will have a clear, communicated protocol for storms, including evacuation routes and reunion plans. Second, ask about outdoor play. Mississippi summers are hot, so understanding how they manage outdoor time—with shaded areas, water play, and appropriate schedules—is crucial for your child's comfort and safety. Finally, look for a program that embraces our unique local culture. Does the daycare incorporate stories about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, enjoy local seafood at lunchtime, or celebrate community events like the Cruisin' the Coast? These touches help children feel connected to their home.
Taking the next step involves visiting your shortlist. Always verify the provider's license status with the Mississippi State Department of Health. During your visit, trust your instincts about the warmth of the caregivers and the happiness of the children. Notice if the environment is clean and organized, with plenty of age-appropriate toys and books. Ask about daily routines, caregiver-to-child ratios, and their philosophy on learning through play. Finding the right fit in Kiln means finding a partner in your child's early years—a place where they are known, valued, and encouraged to grow. Your careful search will lead you to a caring spot where you can feel confident and at peace each day.