The Best Daycare Centers in Money, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Money. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Money
Greenwood Children's Academy
Independent
Greenwood Children's Academy serves the Money area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and offer extended hours to accommodate working families in the Leflore County area.
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Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege has been serving the Greenwood and surrounding Money communities for over 15 years with a focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early learning methods. The center features certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured access and comprehensive background checks. Facilities include dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms with interactive technology. They emphasize parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Greenwood
First Baptist Church Child Development Center provides quality Christian-based early childhood education to families in Greenwood and the surrounding Money area. Their program integrates faith-based values with a comprehensive early learning curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten success. The center features experienced educators with degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent staff retention rates. Safety is prioritized with secure facilities, monitored access, and regular safety drills. The program includes music enrichment, physical education, and hands-on learning experiences in well-equipped classrooms and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Money, MS
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Money, Mississippi?
In Money and the surrounding rural areas of Leflore County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than the Mississippi state average. For infants and toddlers, you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for a licensed in-home provider or a small local daycare center. Larger centers in nearby cities like Greenwood may charge slightly more, around $120 to $180 per week. It's important to note that due to the small size of the community, options are limited, and prices can vary based on the specific services offered, such as meals and curriculum. Financial assistance is available through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program for eligible families.
How do I verify if a childcare provider in Money is properly licensed by the state of Mississippi?
All licensed childcare facilities in Mississippi, including those in Money, are regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). You can verify a provider's license and view their latest inspection reports online through the MSDH's "Facility Search" portal on their official website. For providers in a small town like Money, it's also highly recommended to visit in person and ask to see their current license certificate, which must be posted in a visible location. In Mississippi, family childcare homes serving 6 or fewer children are not required to be licensed but can choose to be registered. Always ask about their compliance status and check for any history of complaints with the MSDH.
Are there any state-funded pre-K or Early Learning Collaborative programs available for 4-year-olds in Money?
Access to state-funded pre-K in Money is very limited. The Mississippi Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) program primarily serves larger counties and school districts. Money is part of the Leflore County School District, which may have limited ELC seats. Your best bet is to contact the Leflore County School District office directly to inquire about any available pre-K programs that might serve the Money area. Alternatively, some local licensed daycare centers may offer a pre-K curriculum for 4-year-olds, but these would be private pay. For broader options, parents often look at programs in Greenwood, the county seat, though transportation would be a key consideration.
What should I look for when choosing between a home-based daycare and a center-based facility in a small community like Money?
In a small, close-knit community like Money, personal reputation and word-of-mouth are incredibly valuable. For home-based daycares, inquire about the provider's experience, their emergency plan, and the adult-to-child ratio in a home setting (Mississippi law allows 1:6 for small licensed homes). Visit to ensure the home is childproofed and has a safe outdoor play area. For a center (if one is available locally), check for structured daily activities, formal staff training, and a clear curriculum. In both cases, given the rural setting, ask about their protocol for severe weather and their plan for communication during potential power outages. Getting personal references from other parents in the community is one of the most important steps.
How long are the waitlists for quality childcare in Money, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a town of Money's size, quality childcare spots can fill up quickly and waitlists can form, especially for infant care. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. For a fall start (like for a pre-K program), you should begin contacting providers the prior January. When you call, ask specifically about their current capacity, their waitlist process, and if there's a fee to be placed on the list. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists. Also, network with other parents at local churches or community events, as sometimes the best referrals for upcoming openings come through personal connections.
Childcare Insights for Money
Finding the best childcare near you is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent, and for families in Money, Mississippi, this search comes with its own unique considerations. Our small, close-knit community means that word-of-mouth recommendations carry significant weight. Often, the most trusted childcare providers are those that have been caring for local children for years, becoming a cherished part of family life. When you ask neighbors or friends at the local store for their advice on childcare, you're tapping into a deep well of communal experience that is invaluable.
In a town like Money, convenience is often measured not just in miles but in relationships and trust. While you may be searching for "best childcare near me," you're likely looking for a place that feels like an extension of your own home—a safe, nurturing environment where your child is known and valued. Many excellent options here may be smaller, licensed home-based daycares, which offer a family-style setting with mixed age groups. This can be wonderful for siblings to stay together and for children to develop in a more intimate atmosphere. It's essential to visit these homes, check their current Mississippi State Department of Health licensing status, and observe how the provider interacts with the children during your visit.
Given our rural setting, another key factor is the daily routine and the opportunities for play and learning. The best childcare providers in Money will often incorporate the natural world into their day, with outdoor time in secure, shaded spaces being a cornerstone. Ask about their daily schedule: is there time for free play, reading, and creative activities? Inquire about their policies on school readiness for preschoolers, ensuring they are fostering the social and early academic skills that will serve your child well. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other parents in the community; their firsthand accounts will give you the clearest picture.
Finally, building a partnership with your childcare provider is crucial. In a small community, open and consistent communication is easier to maintain and is vital for your peace of mind. Discuss your child's specific needs, from dietary restrictions to nap routines, and see how the provider responds. Trust your instincts during these conversations. The right fit will feel like a team effort, where you are confident your child is happy, engaged, and safe while you are at work. Finding the best childcare in Money, MS, is about blending practical logistics with that irreplaceable feeling of trust, ensuring your little one is in caring and capable hands right here in our own community.