The Best Daycare Centers in Leland, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Leland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Leland
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Leland area from nearby Indianola. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones with certified teachers and low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and structured play areas. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on learning activities. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Greenville First United Methodist Church Weekday Ministries
First United Methodist Church
This church-affiliated childcare program has served the Mississippi Delta region for over two decades, drawing families from Leland due to its excellent reputation. The center provides a nurturing Christian environment with experienced, degreed early childhood educators. Their curriculum balances academic preparation with spiritual development, featuring music enrichment, literacy programs, and structured play. The facility includes secure, age-specific classrooms and outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, communication quality, and the program's focus on whole-child development.
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Kiddie Kollege Learning Center
Kiddie Kollege Learning Center
Kiddie Kollege is a well-established childcare center in Greenville that serves families throughout Washington County, including Leland residents. The center offers a structured educational program with certified early childhood teachers and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Their approach emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional development through play-based learning and structured activities. The facility features modern security systems, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. The center is known for its experienced staff, clean environment, and strong parent-teacher communication system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Leland, MS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Leland, MS?
In Leland, the cost of full-time daycare can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $400 to $550 per month for full-time care. In-home family childcare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $300 to $450 per month. Infant care is often at the higher end of this scale due to required lower staff-to-child ratios. It's important to note that these are average estimates, and prices can fluctuate. Some providers may offer discounts for siblings. Additionally, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) for eligible families to help subsidize these costs, which can be a crucial resource for many parents in the Leland area.
How do I verify that a daycare in Leland is properly licensed and what should I look for during a visit?
All licensed childcare facilities in Leland are regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the online "Facility Search" tool on the MSDH website. During an in-person visit to a daycare in Leland, look for clear evidence of the current license posted, a clean and safe environment with secure outdoor play areas, age-appropriate toys and learning materials, and a posted daily schedule. Ask about staff qualifications, including CPR/first-aid certification and background checks. Observe how staff interact with the children—engagement and responsiveness are key indicators of quality care. Given Leland's smaller community, asking for local parent references can also be very insightful.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Leland, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a smaller city like Leland, it is common for the most sought-after providers to have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families new to the area begin their search at least 3 to 6 months before they need care. Some popular centers may have waitlists extending 6-12 months. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers, including licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate availability. Being flexible with your start date and putting your child's name on multiple lists can be a practical strategy. Don't hesitate to check back periodically, as spots can open unexpectedly.
What types of childcare options are available in Leland beyond traditional daycare centers?
Parents in Leland have several options to consider. Beyond state-licensed daycare centers, there are licensed family childcare homes, which offer a smaller, home-like setting often with mixed-age groups. For preschool-aged children, some local churches and community organizations may offer part-day preschool programs that focus on early learning. For school-age children, the Leland School District provides after-school programs at its elementary school. For more flexible or occasional needs, exploring local babysitting networks or nanny shares with other families in the community can be an option, though these are typically unregulated. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) website is a good resource for finding a full list of licensed providers in the area.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for daycare in Mississippi, and how does this impact care in Leland?
Mississippi law sets strict staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety and quality of care. For infants (0-12 months), the ratio is 1 staff member for every 5 infants. For toddlers (1-2 years), it's 1:6; for 2-year-olds, it's 1:8; for 3-year-olds, it's 1:12; and for 4-year-olds and above, it's 1:15. These ratios are non-negotiable for licensed providers in Leland. This means that in smaller facilities, the number of available spots for infants and toddlers is inherently limited, contributing to waitlists. When touring a daycare, ask how they maintain these ratios during naps, meals, and outdoor play. A quality provider will not only meet but often strive to operate with better ratios than the state minimum to provide more individualized attention.