The Best Daycare Centers in Rome, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rome. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rome
Little Lambs Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Lambs Daycare & Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms with certified early childhood educators who maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. Their program includes structured learning activities, outdoor play in a fenced playground, nutritious meals, and regular developmental assessments. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication about children's progress.
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Tupelo Children's Mansion
Tupelo Children's Mansion
Located approximately 15 miles from Rome, Tupelo Children's Mansion offers a comprehensive childcare program with a strong educational foundation. Their curriculum blends Montessori principles with traditional early learning, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The facility features modern security systems, certified teachers with CPR/first aid training, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. The center is known for its structured daily routines, enrichment programs including music and art, and excellent parent-teacher communication.
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The Goddard School of Tupelo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Tupelo, serving families in the Rome area, provides a premium early childhood education experience with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development in purpose-built classrooms. The school features secure entry systems, highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents appreciate the regular progress updates, clean facilities, and the school's commitment to preparing children for academic success through individualized learning plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rome, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Rome, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Mississippi, all childcare facilities, including those in Rome, must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This includes family childcare homes serving 6-12 children and centers serving 13 or more. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or contact the North Central Public Health District office, which oversees Pontotoc County. It's crucial to choose a licensed provider, as this is your primary assurance of regulated care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Rome area, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Rome and the surrounding Pontotoc County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $140 per week. These rates can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and operator type (home-based vs. center). 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. You can apply through the Pontotoc County MDHS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare options in Rome itself, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns like Pontotoc or Tupelo?
As a small, unincorporated community, Rome itself has very limited dedicated daycare facilities. Most parents in Rome expand their search to the nearby city of Pontotoc (approximately a 10-15 minute drive), which offers several licensed childcare centers and family homes. For a wider selection, including nationally accredited centers and programs with specialized curricula, many parents also consider Tupelo, about a 25-30 minute drive away. When searching, use "Pontotoc County" as your primary location filter on state resources. Building a network with other local parents through community groups or churches can also help uncover smaller, home-based providers operating in the Rome area.
What are typical waitlist times for daycare centers serving the Rome community, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers directly serving Rome, waitlists for preferred centers in Pontotoc can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is common to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend beginning your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist policy: whether there's a fee to join, how often you need to confirm your interest, and if they offer priority for siblings. Being flexible on your start date can improve your chances. For immediate needs, exploring registered family childcare homes may offer shorter wait times.
Beyond licensing, what should I look for or ask about when touring a daycare that serves families from Rome, MS?
Given the rural setting and potential commute, ask specific logistical questions. What are their hours, and are they flexible if you're delayed driving from work in Tupelo? What is their policy on school closures (e.g., for Pontotoc City or County Schools) and inclement weather? Inquire about their daily outdoor play schedule and if they have secure, shaded outdoor spaces. Ask about meal and snack provisions—do they participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, which ensures nutritional standards? Finally, discuss their communication methods (apps, daily sheets) to stay connected throughout the day despite the distance. A visit during operating hours will give you the best feel for the environment and staff-child interactions.