The Best Daycare Centers in Long Beach, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Long Beach. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Long Beach
Long Beach Academy
Independent
Long Beach Academy is a highly-regarded local childcare center offering comprehensive educational programs from infancy through pre-kindergarten. The center features a structured curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and social development through play-based learning. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with low student-to-teacher ratios ensuring personalized attention. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern learning materials. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and focus on developmental milestones. The center maintains excellent safety protocols with secured entry systems and regular safety drills.
Daycare Services:
Little Lambs Child Development Center
Independent
Little Lambs Child Development Center provides a Christian-based educational environment while maintaining high academic standards. The center offers age-appropriate curriculum focusing on cognitive, social, and emotional development through hands-on activities and structured learning. Qualified teachers hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing professional development. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and dedicated infant rooms with specialized care protocols. The center is noted for its family-oriented approach, regular parent-teacher conferences, and comprehensive developmental assessments. Safety features include electronic access control and strict health protocols.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy of Gulfport
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy of Gulfport, located just minutes from Long Beach, is part of a nationally recognized childcare network with strong educational programs. The center utilizes the proprietary Early Foundations curriculum that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through project-based learning. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators with specialized training in developmental milestones. The facility features technology-enhanced classrooms, multiple playgrounds for different age groups, and comprehensive security systems. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through digital platforms, nutritious meal programs, and flexible scheduling options. The center maintains excellent state compliance records and high parent satisfaction ratings.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Long Beach, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Long Beach, MS, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Long Beach, Mississippi, all childcare facilities caring for 5 or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This includes family childcare homes and centers. The MSDH conducts thorough inspections for health, safety, building codes, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. To verify a provider's license, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website, which shows the facility's license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history. It's highly recommended to always choose a licensed provider in Long Beach to ensure state-mandated safety standards are met.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Long Beach, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Long Beach and the surrounding Gulf Coast area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $110 to $160 per week. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. 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. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's best to contact the MDHS Gulf Coast regional office or individual providers directly to inquire about assistance options.
Are there many daycare centers in Long Beach with availability, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infants and toddlers, many quality daycare centers in Long Beach often have waitlists. It is common for popular centers to have waitlists several months long. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and make inquiries at least 6-12 months before their needed start date. While some smaller in-home providers or newer centers might have more immediate openings, securing a spot often requires planning ahead. Be prepared to place a deposit to hold a spot on a waitlist and to check back with multiple providers regularly.
What should I look for when touring a daycare facility in Long Beach, specifically regarding hurricane preparedness and safety?
Given Long Beach's coastal location, hurricane preparedness is a critical factor. When touring a facility, ask specific questions: Do they have a written emergency plan for hurricanes and floods? Where is the designated safe room or evacuation location? How do they communicate with parents during an emergency? Also, observe general safety: secure fencing, clean and age-appropriate toys, locked cabinets for cleaning supplies, and clear evacuation routes. Check that staff are CPR and First Aid certified. A reputable center will be transparent about its emergency protocols and may even conduct regular drills.
Are there daycare options in Long Beach that offer early drop-off or late pick-up to accommodate parent work schedules on the Coast?
Yes, many daycare centers in Long Beach understand the demands of local work schedules, including those in healthcare, hospitality, and shipbuilding. It's common to find centers offering extended hours, such as opening as early as 6:00 AM and closing as late as 6:30 PM. Some may offer "after-school" programs for older children that run until 6:00 PM. However, these extended hours often come with specific policies and sometimes additional fees for late pick-up. Be sure to ask about these hours, associated costs, and the flexibility for occasional early drop-off when you interview potential providers.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Long Beach: