The Best Daycare Centers in Preston, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Preston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Preston
KinderCare Learning Center at Meridian
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at Meridian is a highly-rated center serving families from Preston and the surrounding region with a comprehensive early childhood education program. Their play-based learning approach emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development through structured activities and free play. The center employs qualified teachers with CPR and first aid certifications, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Safety is a top priority, featuring secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and monitored facilities. The center includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum, strong communication, and the center's ability to foster developmental milestones in a nurturing environment.
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Primrose School of Meridian
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Meridian offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, which blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities to promote academic and character development. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM education, and social-emotional skills, with enrichment programs in music, art, and physical activity. Certified teachers lead small classes in a safe, modern facility equipped with security systems and outdoor learning spaces. The center is known for its high parent satisfaction, with reviews highlighting excellent communication, individualized attention, and a positive impact on children's growth. It serves the Preston area with flexible scheduling and a commitment to inclusivity.
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ABC Child Development Center
Independent
ABC Child Development Center in Philadelphia is a well-regarded, family-owned facility that serves Preston and nearby communities with a warm, community-focused approach. Their theme-based curriculum incorporates hands-on learning, creative play, and early literacy activities to support cognitive and social development. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing training to ensure high-quality care. The center features clean, safe environments with monitored access, outdoor playgrounds, and age-appropriate learning materials. Parents value the center's flexibility, individualized attention, and strong sense of community, making it a trusted option for families seeking reliable childcare in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Preston, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Preston, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Mississippi, all childcare facilities, including those in Preston, 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 background checks. For a family childcare home (caring for up to 6 children), a registration is required. You can verify a facility's license status by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or by contacting the North Central Public Health District office, which serves the Preston area. Always ask to see the current license during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Preston, MS?
Childcare costs in Preston and the surrounding rural areas of Mississippi are generally lower than the national average, but options are more limited. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. In-home family daycare may be slightly less, around $80 to $120 per week. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to note that subsidy assistance may be available through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) for eligible families.
Are there any state-funded pre-K or Early Head Start programs available for children in Preston?
Yes, there are state-funded early childhood education options. The Mississippi Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) provides public pre-K for 4-year-olds. While Preston itself may not host a site, eligible children in the county can often attend programs in neighboring towns within the school district. Additionally, Early Head Start (for infants/toddlers) and Head Start (for 3-5 year-olds) are available through community action agencies serving Kemper County, such as the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation. These programs are income-based and provide comprehensive early education, health, and family services. Contact the Kemper County School District or MDHS for referral information.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Preston, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare facilities in a small town like Preston, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for a waitlist to be 3 to 6 months long. To improve your chances, we recommend contacting providers as early as possible during pregnancy. Get on multiple lists, even for providers in nearby towns like De Kalb or Scooba. Be proactive—follow up with a call every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller setting.
What local resources or organizations in Preston can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the **Mississippi Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network**, operated by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. They serve all counties, including Kemper, and offer free referrals to licensed providers, information on quality indicators, and details about financial assistance. You can contact them via their statewide hotline or website. Additionally, the **Kemper County Health Department** can provide licensing information, and local community centers or churches may have information about home-based providers or mother's day out programs. Networking with other parents at these locations is often one of the best ways to find trusted local childcare.
Childcare Insights for Preston
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and if you're searching for "childcare near me" in Preston, Mississippi, you're likely looking for that perfect blend of safety, nurturing, and convenience close to home. The good news is that in a close-knit community like ours, childcare often feels like an extension of family, where caregivers know not just your child's name, but your family's story. Your search in Preston can be guided by understanding the local landscape, asking the right questions, and tapping into the community network that makes small-town living so special.
In Preston and the surrounding areas of Kemper County, your options typically include licensed in-home daycare providers, faith-based preschool programs, and potentially smaller learning centers. Given our rural setting, many excellent providers are known through word-of-mouth rather than extensive online listings. This makes personal connections invaluable. Start your search by talking to neighbors, friends at local churches like Preston Baptist Church or First United Methodist Church, and other parents you meet at the Preston City Park. The local school district, Kemper County Schools, may also have recommendations for pre-K programs or trusted after-school care providers for older children.
When you visit a potential childcare provider in Preston, consider questions that address both universal standards and local practicality. Ask about their daily routine, their philosophy on play and learning, and their safety certifications. Given that we're a bit of a drive from larger medical facilities, inquire about their specific emergency protocols and how they handle minor illnesses. It's also wise to discuss their policies on school closures or delayed openings due to weather, as this can directly impact your commute to work in Philadelphia, Meridian, or De Kalb. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Preston parents; in our community, honest feedback is readily shared.
Another key consideration is the environment itself. Does the space offer room for outdoor play, which is such a benefit of our Mississippi setting? Is there a sense of warmth and organization? Look for signs that local culture is embraced—perhaps through stories, songs, or simple activities that reflect the rhythms of life here. For many families, finding a provider who offers flexibility is crucial, especially if you work non-traditional hours at one of the local industries or in healthcare. Be clear about your needed hours and compare them with the provider’s availability.
Ultimately, securing childcare in Preston is about finding a partner you trust within the fabric of our community. Take your time to visit, observe, and listen to your instincts. The right place will give you peace of mind, knowing your child is in a caring, engaging, and secure environment just minutes from your front door. By leveraging local connections and focusing on what matters most for your family, you can find a wonderful childcare solution that supports your child's growth and fits seamlessly into your life in Preston.