The Best Daycare Centers in Marietta, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marietta. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marietta
The Goddard School of Tupelo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Tupelo offers a premier early childhood education program serving families throughout Northeast Mississippi, including Marietta. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression through play-based learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs in music, art, and technology. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean environment, and strong communication systems.
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Primrose School of Tupelo
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Tupelo provides balanced learning through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining academic preparation with character development. Serving the Marietta area, this accredited facility emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. The school features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood credentials, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their approach includes proprietary curriculum materials, interactive technology, and specialized programs in music, Spanish, and physical development. The campus offers spacious classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated areas for different age groups. Parents highlight the structured yet nurturing environment and excellent preparation for kindergarten.
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First United Methodist Church Weekday Ministries
First United Methodist Church of Tupelo
First United Methodist Church Weekday Ministries has served Northeast Mississippi families for over 25 years, providing quality childcare to Marietta-area residents. This faith-based program combines academic readiness with Christian values in a nurturing environment. The center offers age-appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, math readiness, social skills, and spiritual development. Safety features include secure check-in systems, background-checked staff, and comprehensive emergency protocols. Experienced teachers with early childhood certifications create engaging learning environments with hands-on activities, music, and creative play. The program maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes individualized attention. Parents appreciate the warm, family-like atmosphere and strong community connections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marietta, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Marietta, MS, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Marietta and throughout Mississippi, childcare facilities are licensed and regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and nutritional guidelines. To verify a daycare's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or contact the North Central Public Health District office, which serves Prentiss County. It's crucial to choose a licensed facility, as this ensures a baseline of oversight and safety for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marietta, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In the Marietta area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $100 to $150 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. 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 requirements. You can apply through the MDHS county office in Booneville, which serves Prentiss County. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many options for childcare in Marietta, MS, and should I expect to be on a waitlist?
As a smaller, rural community, Marietta itself has limited dedicated daycare centers. Parents often look to nearby towns like Booneville, Rienzi, or Corinth for more options, including licensed centers, church-based preschools, and registered family childcare homes. Due to the limited number of slots, especially for infants, waitlists are common and can be several months long. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Networking with other local parents can also help you discover smaller, in-home providers.
What are the typical operating hours for daycares in the Marietta area, and are there options for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Most licensed daycare centers in the surrounding area operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Options for evening, overnight, or weekend care are extremely rare in this region. Parents with shift work, such as those employed in manufacturing or healthcare in nearby cities, often need to rely on private arrangements with family, friends, or individual babysitters. When touring facilities, be sure to confirm their exact opening and closing times, as late pick-up fees can be substantial.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in or near Marietta, and what local-specific questions should I ask?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, child engagement, and staff interactions. Check for secure entrances and safe outdoor play areas. Specifically for this area, ask key questions: "What is your plan for severe weather or tornado warnings?" (given Mississippi's climate), "How do you handle transportation or field trips on rural roads?", and "What is your policy for school closures or delays due to weather, as this may affect staff availability?". Also, inquire about their connection to the local community, such as visits from the Prentiss County Library or local fire department, and whether they incorporate any agricultural or nature-based learning, which can be a benefit of a rural setting. Always ask for references from current parents.