The Best Daycare Centers in Oxford, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oxford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oxford
Willie Price Lab School
University of Mississippi
Willie Price Lab School serves as the early childhood demonstration school for the University of Mississippi's School of Education. The center offers a research-based curriculum focused on child development and early learning. With highly qualified teachers who often have advanced degrees in early childhood education, the facility provides exceptional teacher-to-child ratios and individualized attention. The program emphasizes play-based learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness. As part of the university, they benefit from ongoing educational research and maintain excellent safety protocols. The natural outdoor learning environment and modern facilities make this a premier choice for families seeking high-quality early childhood education.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Oxford
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Oxford provides comprehensive early childhood education with a nationally recognized curriculum that balances academic preparation and social development. The center features age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and rigorous safety protocols. Their teachers receive ongoing professional development and follow developmentally appropriate practices. The program includes phonics-based reading readiness, math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to nurturing each child's individual needs. The facility offers flexible scheduling options and nutritious meals prepared on-site.
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Primrose School of Oxford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Oxford offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, which combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts in a safe, stimulating environment. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers receive extensive training in early childhood development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The program includes hands-on learning experiences, music and movement, and technology integration appropriate for young learners. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, engaging curriculum, and the caring, professional staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oxford, MS
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Oxford, MS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Oxford, the cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 per month, while toddler and preschool programs often range from $700 to $950 per month. Home-based daycare is generally less expensive, averaging $500 to $750 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) through the Department of Human Services (MDHS), which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school enrollment. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Lafayette County MDHS office for specific eligibility details and application guidance.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare facility in Oxford?
All licensed childcare facilities in Oxford and throughout Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). You can verify a facility's license and view its inspection reports online through the MSDH's "Facility Licensure" portal. This public database allows you to search by facility name or county (Lafayette) to see the license status, capacity, and any cited violations from the past three years. It's crucial to look beyond just the license being "current"; review the inspection reports for details on compliance with health, safety, and educational standards. You can also contact the North Public Health District office, which oversees Lafayette County, for further information. Always visit a facility in person to observe conditions and ask the director about any past violations.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Oxford, particularly for infants, and how should I plan ahead?
Yes, due to high demand and limited infant slots (which require lower staff-to-child ratios), waitlists for infant care at many Oxford daycare centers can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. Popular centers affiliated with the University of Mississippi or with strong reputations may have even longer lists. To plan ahead, begin your search and schedule tours during your second trimester if expecting. Get on multiple waitlists, even if a center is not your top choice, as availability can change unexpectedly. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). For more immediate options, consider exploring licensed family childcare homes, which may have more flexibility, or nanny shares with other local families.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Oxford, especially for university students or parents with irregular schedules?
Oxford offers several part-time and flexible childcare options to accommodate student and professional schedules. Some daycare centers offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week), though these spots are limited. A more common solution for drop-in or occasional care is utilizing registered family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible hourly or daily rates. Additionally, the University of Mississippi's Associated Student Body (ASB) often maintains a list of screened student babysitters available for hourly work. For structured, part-time early education, many local churches and organizations like the Oxford Park Commission offer preschool programs that operate on a half-day, 2-3 day per week schedule, which can be ideal for parents with partial coverage needs.
What unique childcare resources or programs are available in Oxford that I might not find elsewhere?
Oxford has several unique resources tied to its academic and cultural community. The University of Mississippi's School of Education often partners with local centers for practicum students, bringing additional hands-on learning to classrooms. The "Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts" and the "University Museums" occasionally offer special arts-integrated daycare field trips and programs. Seasonally, the Oxford Park Commission runs camps and programs that provide school-break coverage. Furthermore, the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the Oxford Parents Network (often found on social media) are invaluable for connecting parents with trusted, hyper-local recommendations and facilitating nanny-share arrangements. The intellectual environment also means many caregivers and centers emphasize early literacy and developmental activities beyond basic custodial care.