The Best Daycare Centers in Verona, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Verona. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Verona
Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Tupelo
Kids R Kids Learning Academies
Kids R Kids offers a comprehensive curriculum called the "Advantage Curriculum" that focuses on whole-child development through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. The facility features secured entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and webcam access for parents. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes literacy development, character education, and hands-on learning experiences in state-of-the-art classrooms designed for different age groups.
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Little Tykes University
Independent
Little Tykes University provides a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a security system with keypad entry. Their curriculum includes phonics, mathematics readiness, and social-emotional development. The facility includes separate playgrounds for different age groups, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent-teacher conferences to track developmental milestones.
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Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center offers a balanced approach to early childhood education through their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum. The center features certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning centers. Programs include foreign language exposure, music and movement, and technology integration. The center maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios tracking each child's progress and developmental achievements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Verona, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Verona, MS, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Verona, 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 recent inspection reports through the MSDH's online "Child Care Facility Search" tool. It's crucial to check this, as operating without a license is illegal. The local Lee County Health Department can also be a resource. Always ask to see the current license during your tour.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Verona, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Verona and broader Lee County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $120 to $160 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $110 and $140 per week. Home-based daycare may be more affordable. For financial assistance, Mississippi offers the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) through the Department of Human Services (MDHS) for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the Lee County MDHS office in Tupelo. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Verona for parents working non-traditional shifts?
Finding extended-hour or weekend care in Verona can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet for non-traditional hours is to seek out licensed family childcare homes, as some providers may offer more flexible schedules to accommodate shift workers. It's also common for parents in the area to use a combination of a primary daycare and a trusted in-home babysitter for evening or weekend coverage. We recommend starting your search early and being very clear about your needed hours when contacting providers.
What should I look for when touring a daycare center or home in Verona to ensure it's a safe and high-quality environment?
Beyond checking the MSDH license, look for clear signs of safety and engagement. Check that outlets are covered, cleaning supplies are locked away, and outdoor play areas are fenced and secure. Observe how staff interact with children—they should be actively engaged and responsive. Ask about staff turnover and qualifications; many quality centers in Mississippi encourage staff to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Inquire about their sick policy, emergency procedures, and how they handle discipline. Finally, trust your instincts on the overall cleanliness and warmth of the environment.
How long are waitlists for infant daycare spots in Verona, and when should I start looking for care?
For infant care (children under 18 months), waitlists in Verona and the surrounding Tupelo area can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for the most sought-after centers. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and contacting daycare providers as early as their second trimester. Many facilities will allow you to place your unborn child on a waitlist with an expected due date. Being proactive is key. Consider expanding your search to include licensed homes in Verona and neighboring communities like Shannon or Tupelo to increase your options.
Childcare Insights for Verona
As the school year winds down, many parents in Verona find themselves facing the annual question of summer childcare. Finding reliable and engaging summer daycare near you is more than just a convenience; it’s essential for providing your children with a safe, fun, and structured season while you manage work and other responsibilities. For families in our close-knit Verona community, the search often feels personal. You’re not just looking for a service, but for a place where your child is known, cared for, and can enjoy the unique pace of a Mississippi summer.
Start your search by tapping into the local networks that make Verona special. Talk to other parents at your child’s school, at community events, or at local spots like the Verona City Park. Personal recommendations in a town like ours carry significant weight and can lead you to trusted home-based providers or smaller local programs that might not have a large online presence. These caregivers often provide a family-like atmosphere that can be very comforting for children during the summer months. Simultaneously, explore options in the broader Lee County area, including nearby Tupelo, which may offer larger daycare centers or specialized summer camps with transportation options. The short drive can open up possibilities for programs focused on arts, sports, or science.
When evaluating a potential summer daycare, consider how they embrace the season. The best programs in our area understand that summer in Mississippi is for exploration, albeit with necessary precautions for the heat. Ask about their daily schedule: Do they incorporate water play, shaded outdoor time at local parks, or indoor activities that spark creativity? Given our warm climate, inquire about their policies for hydration, sunscreen application, and air-conditioned spaces for cooling down. A good program will have a balanced mix of active play, quiet time, and perhaps even local field trips that give children a taste of our region’s culture and history.
Finally, planning ahead is crucial. Summer spots in Verona and the surrounding area can fill quickly, as many providers have limited capacity to maintain a quality, low child-to-staff ratio. Begin your inquiries in the spring, if possible. When you visit a potential daycare, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about their summer curriculum, staff qualifications, and safety protocols. Trust your instincts as a parent—you know the environment where your child will thrive. Finding the right summer daycare in Verona is about securing peace of mind, knowing your child is in good hands, making friends, and creating happy summer memories right here in our own community. It’s an investment in a season of growth and joy for your child, and in your own productivity and peace.