The Best Daycare Centers in Marion, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marion. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marion
Kiddie Academy of Hattiesburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hattiesburg provides comprehensive educational childcare with a structured Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily progress reports for parents, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and extensive indoor/outdoor play spaces. Serving the Marion area with transportation options, they maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and focus on school readiness through play-based learning and developmental milestones tracking.
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Primrose School of Hattiesburg
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Hattiesburg offers Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development and play-based learning. The facility features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure monitored access, and modern classroom technology. Their approach includes hands-on learning in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts, with specialized programs in music and foreign language exposure. The center maintains exceptional safety protocols with comprehensive background checks, health screening procedures, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Serving families from Marion and surrounding communities with flexible scheduling and excellent parent communication systems.
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Columbia Academy Early Learning Center
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy Early Learning Center provides Christ-centered early childhood education with a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic readiness and spiritual development. The center features degreed early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and secure campus facilities. Their program includes phonics-based reading instruction, hands-on mathematics, science exploration, and character education. The facility offers modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Serving Marion area families with transportation options, they maintain strong safety records with monitored access systems and emergency preparedness protocols while emphasizing individual attention and developmental progress tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marion, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Marion, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Marion, Mississippi, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), except for those legally exempt (like certain religious-affiliated or small in-home operations). Licensed providers 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 daycare'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 only consider licensed facilities to ensure a baseline of safety and quality for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marion, MS?
The cost of daycare in Marion and the surrounding Lauderdale County area is generally more affordable than in larger Mississippi cities, but it varies by facility type. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of **$100 to $150 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. In-home family childcare may be slightly less, typically ranging from **$80 to $120 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can differ based on the program's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate and if there are additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups.
Are there any state or local financial assistance programs to help with childcare costs in Marion?
Yes, eligible families in Marion can apply for assistance through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program (CCPP). This state-funded subsidy helps low-income working families, those in job training, or parents pursuing education pay for childcare at participating licensed or registered providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Lauderdale County MDHS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Marion, and what can I do to secure a spot?
For the most sought-after licensed centers in Marion, waitlists, especially for infant rooms, are common and can range from **3 to 9 months**. Due to limited options in a smaller city, planning ahead is crucial. To improve your chances, contact centers as early as possible during pregnancy or before your need arises. Get on multiple waitlists and ask specific questions about their process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Do they prioritize siblings of current families? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in nearby communities like Meridian, which may have more immediate availability.
What are some key local factors to consider when touring a daycare in Marion, MS?
Beyond standard safety checks, consider these Marion-specific factors: **Transportation & Field Trips:** Ask if the center provides transportation to/from local elementary schools (like West Lauderdale schools) and what safety protocols they follow for local trips. **Outdoor Play:** Given Mississippi's heat and humidity, inquire about shaded outdoor areas, water play options in summer, and indoor gross motor spaces for inclement weather. **Community Ties:** Many quality centers incorporate local culture, such as activities related to local agriculture or community events. Also, ask about their plan for severe weather common to the region, like tornadoes, and where children take shelter. Finally, talk to other local parents for firsthand recommendations, as the childcare community in a smaller city like Marion is often tightly knit.