The Best Daycare Centers in Walls, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Walls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Walls
The Goddard School of Southaven
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Southaven offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated classrooms with modern learning materials. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes play-based learning with structured activities that promote cognitive, physical, and social development. Parents appreciate the daily communication through their proprietary app and the focus on individualized attention for each child.
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Primrose School of Southaven
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Southaven follows the Balanced Learning® approach, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts. The facility features secure keypad entry, monitored classrooms, and age-specific outdoor learning environments. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous training. The school offers a balanced nutrition program and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, cleanliness, and the visible developmental progress children make through their structured yet nurturing environment.
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Kiddie Academy of Horn Lake
Kiddie Academy International
Kiddie Academy of Horn Lake utilizes their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates educational standards with character development and social-emotional learning. The program includes technology integration, hands-on science activities, and literacy development. The facility features secure entry systems, video monitoring, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with backgrounds in early childhood education. The academy emphasizes community connections and real-world learning experiences. Parents report high satisfaction with the academy's communication, the quality of educational programming, and the caring, professional staff who create a warm, engaging learning environment for children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Walls, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Walls, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Mississippi, all childcare facilities, including those in Walls, 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 Walls, which is in DeSoto County, you can verify a facility's license status and view any inspection reports online through the MSDH Child Care Facility Search portal. It's crucial to choose a licensed provider, as this is your primary assurance of regulated care. You can also contact the MSDH Northern Public Health District office for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Walls, MS?
The cost of childcare in Walls and the greater DeSoto County area is generally lower than the national average but can vary based on the type of care. For licensed daycare centers, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $160 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. In-home family childcare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $100 to $140 per week. It's important to note that prices can be higher for facilities with specialized curricula or extended hours. We recommend contacting several local providers for their current rates and inquiring about any available subsidies through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with daycare costs for families in Walls?
Yes, eligible families in Walls can apply for financial assistance through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program (CCPP). This subsidy helps low-income working families, those in job training, or parents pursuing education afford licensed childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online through the MDHS website or in person at the DeSoto County MDHS office in Hernando. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the Walls area may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Walls area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at popular licensed daycare centers in Walls and surrounding DeSoto County communities can range from 3 to 9 months. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often should you check in? Do they prioritize siblings or local residents? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in residential areas of Walls, as they may have shorter wait times and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are some key local factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in Walls, MS?
Beyond standard checks, parents in Walls should consider several local factors. First, inquire about their severe weather and tornado safety plans, as DeSoto County is in a region prone to severe spring weather. Ask about outdoor play areas and sun protection, given Mississippi's hot and humid climate. For convenience, consider the facility's proximity to major routes like I-55 or Highway 61, which can impact your commute to work in Southaven or Memphis. Finally, ask about their policy on school closures for DeSoto County Schools, as many centers follow the public school calendar for holidays and inclement weather, which can affect your childcare coverage. Always observe the cleanliness, child engagement, and ask for references from other local parents.
Childcare Insights for Walls
Finding quality, affordable childcare can feel like one of the biggest challenges for a family, especially when you’re trying to make every dollar count. If you’re a parent in Walls, Mississippi, searching for “low income daycare near me,” know that you’re not alone, and there are pathways and resources designed to help. The key is knowing where to look and understanding the specific landscape of support available in our DeSoto County community.
Your first and most crucial step should be to connect with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). They administer the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), which is the state’s primary subsidy program for eligible low-income families. This program can make a significant difference, as it helps pay for childcare at licensed or registered providers, allowing you to choose a setting that works for your child while you work, attend school, or participate in job training. You can apply online or contact the local MDHS office; being in DeSoto County, you may find yourself interacting with the regional office in nearby Hernando or Southaven for support and application guidance.
When looking for a daycare in Walls itself, it’s important to expand your search slightly to include the broader North Mississippi corridor. Walls is wonderfully positioned near larger towns like Hernando, Southaven, and even Memphis, which increases the number of potential providers. Start by asking for recommendations from other parents at local community centers, your place of worship, or the Walls Post Office—word-of-mouth is powerful here. Look for providers that are either licensed or registered with the state, as this ensures they meet basic health, safety, and staff training standards, and, importantly, are able to accept CCPP subsidy vouchers.
Don’t overlook local churches and faith-based organizations in Walls and the immediate area. Many operate preschool or daycare programs that may offer sliding scale fees based on income. It’s always worth a phone call to inquire directly about any financial assistance or scholarships they might have available. Additionally, consider family childcare homes, which are often smaller, home-based settings. These can be more affordable and offer a cozy environment, and many registered family homes also participate in the subsidy program.
Remember, persistence and clear communication are your best tools. When you contact a daycare, be upfront about your need for financial assistance and ask directly if they accept MDHS subsidies. Waiting lists can be common, so get on multiple lists as soon as possible. Balancing budget and peace of mind is hard, but by leveraging state programs and thoroughly exploring the options in our Walls community and greater DeSoto County, you can find a safe, nurturing place for your little one to grow. Your dedication to finding this solution is the first of many great gifts you give your child.