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.