The Best Daycare Centers in Lexington, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lexington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lexington
Lexington Head Start Center
Community Development Institute Head Start
Lexington Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in Holmes County. The center follows the federally-funded Head Start model with a strong focus on school readiness, cognitive development, and social-emotional learning. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. All teachers meet Head Start qualification standards with ongoing professional development. The program offers comprehensive services including health screenings, nutritious meals, family support services, and parent involvement opportunities. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and developmental assessment tools.
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Little Blessings Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings Child Care & Learning Center offers a faith-based educational environment with a balanced approach to academic preparation and character development. The center utilizes the Abeka curriculum combined with hands-on learning activities to promote cognitive, physical, and social development. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and provides individualized attention. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and a structured daily schedule that includes circle time, learning centers, music, and physical activities. Parents appreciate the strong communication, safe environment, and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten success.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Kosciusko (approximately 15 miles from Lexington), Creative Kids Learning Center serves families throughout Attala County and surrounding areas. The center provides a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills. Their state-licensed facility features modern security systems, age-segregated classrooms, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The experienced teaching staff holds early childhood credentials and participates in ongoing training. The curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through structured activities, creative expression, and hands-on learning experiences. The center offers flexible scheduling and maintains excellent parent satisfaction through regular communication and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lexington, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lexington, MS, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Lexington, Mississippi, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), except for those legally exempt (like certain church-affiliated programs or small in-home care). Licensed centers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility conditions. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the MSDH's "Find Child Care" online search tool or contact the MSDH's Child Care Licensure division directly. It's highly recommended to always choose a licensed provider to ensure a baseline of safety and oversight.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lexington, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Lexington and the surrounding Holmes County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $100 to $150 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff ratios. For financial assistance, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. Locally, you can apply through the MDHS Holmes County office. Additionally, some centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lexington, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare centers in a smaller community like Lexington, waitlists can be common, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's not unusual for a waitlist to be several months long. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length and any deposit or pre-registration fees to hold a spot. Exploring licensed family childcare homes in the area can also provide more immediate options.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Lexington, MS?
Parents in Lexington typically have three main licensed options: 1) **Childcare Centers**: These are formal facilities, often with multiple classrooms and structured programs. Lexington has a few of these, some of which may be associated with churches or community organizations. 2) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes**: These are smaller, home-based operations that care for a limited number of children, often offering a more family-like setting. 3) **Registered Church Exempt Centers**: Some church-affiliated programs are legally exempt from MSDH licensure but must register with the state and meet certain standards. It's crucial to understand the regulations and oversight for each type when making your choice.
Are there any quality indicators or accreditations beyond state licensing I should look for when choosing a daycare in Lexington?
While state licensing ensures minimum health and safety standards, looking for additional quality indicators is wise. In Mississippi, you can check if a program participates in the **Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**, known as "Mississippi Building Blocks." A higher star rating (1-5) indicates a commitment to higher quality in areas like learning environment and teacher-child interactions. Although not all Lexington centers may be rated, asking about it shows a provider's dedication to excellence. Also, ask about staff longevity and turnover, the daily schedule/curriculum, and parent communication practices. Visiting the facility and observing interactions is the best way to gauge quality firsthand.