The Best Daycare Centers in Meadville, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Meadville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Meadville
Brookhaven Academy Child Development Center
Brookhaven Academy
Brookhaven Academy Child Development Center serves families throughout Lincoln County and surrounding areas including Meadville. This established center offers a comprehensive developmental program with a strong emphasis on early literacy and social-emotional learning. Their curriculum includes age-appropriate academic preparation, creative arts, and physical development activities. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios with qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Facilities include secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The program emphasizes Christian values while providing a nurturing, structured environment that prepares children for academic success.
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Little Lambs Learning Center
Little Lambs Learning Center
Little Lambs Learning Center in McComb serves families throughout Pike County and surrounding areas including Meadville. This highly-rated center focuses on developmental milestones through a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, language development, and social skills building. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, clean facilities, and the caring, professional staff who create a warm, engaging learning environment.
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Meadville Head Start Center
Southwest Mississippi Community Services
The Meadville Head Start Center is a federally-funded program that has served Franklin County families for nearly two decades. This center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness for children from low-income families. The program includes evidence-based curriculum, health and nutrition services, and family engagement components. Classrooms are designed to support literacy, math, science, and social development through hands-on learning centers. All teaching staff meet federal Head Start qualification requirements and receive specialized training in early childhood development. The center emphasizes parent involvement and offers family support services, making it a valuable community resource for Meadville area families seeking quality early education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Meadville, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Meadville, MS, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Meadville, Mississippi, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This includes family childcare homes, group childcare homes, and childcare centers. The MSDH sets standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and health assessments), safety inspections, and curriculum. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or contact the Southwest Public Health District office, which serves Franklin County. It's highly recommended to always check this status, as operating without a license is illegal and may indicate a facility does not meet state health and safety standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Meadville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Meadville and the surrounding Franklin County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $400 to $550 per month. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $350 to $500 per month. Family childcare homes can sometimes be more affordable. These costs are generally lower than the state average, reflecting the rural cost of living. For financial assistance, the primary resource is the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. You can apply through the Franklin County MDHS office. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
Are there any licensed daycare centers or preschools in Meadville that offer extended hours for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding extended-hour care in a small town like Meadville can be challenging, as most licensed facilities operate on a standard schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). There are currently no 24-hour daycare centers in Meadville. Your best options are to inquire directly with local providers like Meadville Head Start or licensed family childcare homes, as some individual providers may offer more flexible hours by private arrangement. For consistent overnight or very late hours, parents often rely on in-home nannies or trusted family members. Networking with other local parents through community Facebook groups or at churches can help you find potential solutions or shared babysitting cooperatives.
What resources are available in Meadville to help me find and compare different childcare options?
The most comprehensive official resource is the Mississippi State Department of Health's online "Find Child Care" directory, which allows you to search by zip code (39653 for Meadville) and filter by type of care, hours, and accepted subsidies. For a more localized touch, contact the Franklin County Extension Office or the Meadville Public Library; staff often have community knowledge. The local Head Start program can also be a hub of information. Furthermore, joining community Facebook groups such as "Meadville, MS Community" or "Franklin County, MS Talk" and asking for personal recommendations from neighbors is a very common and effective way for parents in small towns to find trusted childcare.
How long are typical waitlists for popular daycare options in Meadville, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a rural community like Meadville, waitlists for the most sought-after options, such as Meadville Head Start (which has income eligibility requirements) or the few licensed childcare centers, can be several months long, especially for infant spots. For family childcare homes with excellent reputations, spots may fill up a year in advance. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your desired start date. Be proactive: call multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their waitlist process (e.g., Is there a fee? How often should I check in?), and get on multiple lists to increase your chances.