The Best Daycare Centers in New Augusta, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Augusta. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Augusta
The Goddard School of Hattiesburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hattiesburg offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. All lead teachers have college degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. They provide nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining rigorous health and safety protocols.
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Primrose School of Hattiesburg
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Hattiesburg provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their approach integrates character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts through hands-on learning experiences. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated music and art spaces. Teachers maintain detailed developmental portfolios for each child and provide regular parent communication. The school emphasizes whole-child development with a focus on building independence, confidence, and social skills.
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Pine Belt Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Pine Belt Child Care & Learning Center offers comprehensive childcare services with a focus on individualized attention and developmental appropriateness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Mississippi Early Learning Standards, emphasizing language development, cognitive skills, and social interaction. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified teachers who receive ongoing training in early childhood development. Facilities include secure premises with surveillance, age-separated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. They provide balanced meals and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular updates and family involvement opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Augusta, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in New Augusta, MS, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In New Augusta, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff qualifications. For a family childcare home (caring for 6-12 children), a license is required. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or by contacting the MSDH Division of Child Care Licensure directly. It's a critical first step to ensure any provider you consider is operating legally and safely under state regulations.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in New Augusta, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the New Augusta area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $100 to $150 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $90 to $130 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. 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. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare centers with immediate openings in New Augusta, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to New Augusta's smaller, rural community size, the number of licensed daycare facilities is limited. It is very common for reputable centers and home-based providers to have waitlists, especially for infant care. We recommend starting your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. Be proactive by contacting multiple providers, getting on their waitlists, and checking back periodically. Exploring options in nearby communities like Hattiesburg or Laurel may provide more availability, though this will involve a longer commute.
What types of childcare settings are most common in New Augusta—centers, church-based programs, or in-home providers?
New Augusta primarily features licensed family childcare homes and a smaller number of childcare centers. Given the community's size, home-based providers are a very common and often popular option, offering a smaller, family-like setting. There are also faith-based preschool programs, often attached to local churches, which may offer part-day programs for preschoolers rather than full-time infant/toddler care. When evaluating options, consider your child's needs, the provider's daily structure, and the environment that best fits your family.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a daycare provider in New Augusta?
When visiting a potential daycare in New Augusta, go beyond the basics. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, including secure outdoor play areas. Notice how staff interact with the children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about their daily schedule, educational philosophy (even for young children), and policies on discipline and communication. Inquire about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and emergency procedures. Given the rural setting, ask about their plan for weather-related closures or power outages. Trust your instincts about the overall warmth and professionalism of the setting.