The Best Daycare Centers in Quitman, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Quitman. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Quitman
Clarke County Child Development Center
Clarke County School District
The Clarke County Child Development Center is a comprehensive early childhood facility operated by the Clarke County School District, serving children from infancy through pre-K. The center features a developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized instruction with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. The center is known for its strong parent-teacher communication and comprehensive approach to early childhood development, serving as a foundational educational institution for the Quitman community.
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The T.E.A.C.H. Center
Independent
Located in nearby Meridian, The T.E.A.C.H. Center serves families throughout the region including Quitman. This highly-rated facility offers a research-based curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure facility access with surveillance systems, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their comprehensive program includes nutritious meal service, extended hours, and specialized learning centers for different age groups. The center is particularly noted for its strong literacy program and individualized learning plans that track each child's developmental milestones.
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Meridian Community College Daycare
Meridian Community College
The Meridian Community College Daycare serves as both a childcare facility and a learning laboratory for early childhood education students. This dual-purpose approach ensures children receive care from highly supervised staff while benefiting from the latest early childhood education methodologies. The center offers a play-based curriculum enhanced with STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. Facilities include secure indoor classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and employs degreed early childhood professionals. Their program emphasizes school readiness while providing a nurturing, secure environment for children from the Quitman area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Quitman, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Quitman, MS, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Quitman, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), which sets standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff qualifications. This includes family childcare homes serving more than six children. You can verify a facility's license status and view any inspection reports or violations through the MSDH's online Child Care Facility Search tool. It's crucial to check this, as it ensures the facility meets minimum state safety standards. Additionally, you can contact the local MSDH District Office for the East Central District, which oversees Clarke County, for further verification or to ask specific questions about a provider's compliance history.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Quitman, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Quitman and the surrounding Clarke 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 local cost of living. 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. Parents in Quitman should apply through the Clarke County MDHS office to see if they qualify for subsidies to help offset daycare costs.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care available in Quitman for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend care are very limited in Quitman. Most licensed centers and family homes operate on a standard weekday schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. This is a common challenge in smaller communities. Your best bet is to inquire directly with individual providers, as some in-home providers may offer more flexible arrangements by private agreement. For reliable overnight or weekend care, parents often need to look into private nanny shares with other local families or seek care from licensed providers in nearby larger towns like Meridian, though this adds commute time. Planning ahead and networking with other parents in the community is essential to find a solution.
What resources are available in Quitman to help me find and evaluate different daycare centers or home-based providers?
The primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Mississippi, which is operated by the Mississippi State University Extension Service**. While not based in Quitman, they serve the entire state. You can call their referral line or use their online search to find licensed providers in Clarke County. They can provide lists and general guidance. For hands-on evaluation, we recommend visiting the Mississippi Department of Health's website for inspection reports, asking for personal referrals from other parents at local spots like the Clarke County Library or pediatrician's offices, and physically touring any potential facility. Checking with local churches, many of which operate preschool programs, can also be a valuable resource.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Quitman, and when should I start looking for care before I need it?
For the most sought-after centers and accredited home providers in Quitman, waitlists can range from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant slots, which are limited by strict staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. Due to the limited number of facilities, popular options fill up quickly. When you contact a provider, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often they update it, and your current position. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists. For more immediate needs, expanding your search to include less formal but licensed family childcare homes in the residential areas of Quitman may yield shorter wait times.