The Best Daycare Centers in Stennis Space Center, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stennis Space Center. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stennis Space Center
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bay St. Louis is a premier early childhood education center serving the Stennis Space Center area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning through STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. With low student-to-teacher ratios and ongoing staff development, they provide individualized attention and track developmental milestones. The curriculum emphasizes school readiness while maintaining a nurturing environment, making it popular among Stennis Space Center families seeking quality education and care.
Daycare Services:
Kidz World Learning Center
Independent
Kidz World Learning Center in Waveland provides comprehensive childcare services for Stennis Space Center employees and local families. Their developmentally appropriate curriculum focuses on hands-on learning through centers-based activities, including language development, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators who receive continuous training. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program. The facility includes separate playgrounds for different age groups and emphasizes creating a home-like environment while preparing children for academic success.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy in Gulfport serves the broader Stennis Space Center region with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes school readiness and whole-child development. Their proprietary Digital Learning Program integrates technology with hands-on activities in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features secure environments with keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and well-maintained indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Qualified teachers implement individualized learning plans and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. With flexible scheduling options and extended hours, they accommodate the needs of Stennis Space Center professionals. Their balanced approach to education focuses on developing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills through age-appropriate activities and structured play.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stennis Space Center, MS
What are the primary types of licensed childcare available to families living near Stennis Space Center, MS?
In the Stennis Space Center area, which is in Hancock County, Mississippi, parents typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare. These are licensed childcare centers, registered church-exempt centers, and licensed family childcare homes. Centers are often the most common for the workforce associated with the federal site and supporting contractors, offering structured programs for various age groups. Church-exempt programs, while not required to meet all state licensing standards, must still register with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and meet basic health and safety requirements. Family childcare homes offer a smaller, home-based setting. Due to the semi-rural nature of the area, centers may be concentrated in nearby communities like Bay St. Louis, Waveland, or Picayune, requiring a commute from the Stennis campus.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare center near Stennis Space Center?
The State of Mississippi provides an online public search tool called "Child Care Facility Search" through the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) website. You can search by county (Hancock or Pearl River), city, or facility name to find any licensed provider. This report will show the facility's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any compliance history, including cited deficiencies from state inspections. It is crucial to check this for any facility you are considering, as it provides an objective record of their adherence to state regulations on staff-to-child ratios, safety, and health standards. You can also contact the MSDH's Child Care Licensure office for the Southern District for additional information.
Are there childcare options that accommodate the irregular or extended hours common for employees at Stennis Space Center?
Finding childcare for non-standard hours (e.g., early mornings, late evenings, or rotating shifts) can be a challenge in the Stennis area. Traditional centers typically operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to inquire directly with local centers about possible early drop-off or late pick-up flexibility, which some may offer for an additional fee. Alternatively, seeking a licensed family childcare home may provide more personalized and flexible scheduling arrangements. Some parents employed at Stennis also form nanny shares with colleagues or utilize in-home nannies to cover their specific shift needs. It's recommended to start this search well in advance, as flexible care is in high demand.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in the Stennis Space Center vicinity, and are there financial assistance programs?
In Hancock and Pearl River Counties, the average weekly cost for full-time infant care in a licensed center ranges from approximately $135 to $175. Family childcare homes may be slightly less expensive. These costs are generally lower than the national average but should be budgeted carefully. For financial assistance, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Eligibility is based on family income, work or training requirements, and family size. Many contractors and federal employees at Stennis may also have access to Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through their employers, allowing them to use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses.
Given the location, what should I look for in a daycare's emergency preparedness plan, especially for hurricanes?
This is a critical consideration for the Gulf Coast. When touring facilities, explicitly ask about their comprehensive emergency plan for hurricanes and severe weather. A reputable center or home should have a detailed, written plan that includes: a clear communication protocol to parents (e.g., text alerts), defined evacuation routes and relocation sites (often further inland), procedures for securing the facility, and provisions for food, water, and medication for at least 72 hours. Ask if they conduct regular drills and how they handle early dismissal or closure in coordination with county emergency management. Facilities that have operated on the coast for many years often have robust, experience-tested plans, which is a significant advantage.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Stennis Space Center: