The Best Daycare Centers in Wheeler, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wheeler. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wheeler
Kiddie Kollege Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that balances structured academic preparation and creative development. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems with coded access, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, music and movement, and outdoor play in secured playgrounds. The center is known for its nurturing environment, regular parent communication through digital portfolios, and emphasis on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
Daycare Services:
First United Methodist Church Child Development Center
First United Methodist Church of Booneville
This faith-based childcare center offers a balanced curriculum combining Christian values with early childhood education best practices. The facility features state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development, secure monitoring systems, and structured learning environments. Their program includes age-appropriate academic instruction, character development, music education, and physical activity in safe indoor and outdoor spaces. The center is recognized for its family-oriented atmosphere, nutritious meal program, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills and staff background checks.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes academic, social, and emotional development. The facility features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, secure keypad entry systems, and modern learning environments with interactive technology. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development through play-based learning. The school is distinguished by its comprehensive safety measures, regular developmental assessments, parent communication portal, and extensive enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wheeler, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Wheeler, Mississippi, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Wheeler, 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 training. This includes family childcare homes serving more than six children. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider, as this ensures a baseline of regulatory oversight for your child's safety and well-being.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Wheeler area?
In Wheeler and the surrounding Prentiss County region, daycare costs are generally lower than state and national averages, reflecting the local cost of living. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately **$100 to $150 per week** for an infant or toddler at a licensed childcare center. In-home family daycare may sometimes be slightly less. It's important to ask what is included in this weekly rate (e.g., meals, diapers, formula) and if there are any registration or supply fees. Financial assistance may be available through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program for eligible families.
Are there many daycare options in Wheeler, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns?
As a smaller community, Wheeler itself has a limited number of dedicated childcare centers. Most options are likely to be licensed family childcare homes. Many parents in Wheeler expand their search to nearby towns such as **Booneville (about 10 miles away)** and **Baldwyn (about 15 miles away)**, which offer more center-based options. When considering providers outside Wheeler, factor in the reliability of your commute and the provider's hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Local Facebook community groups for Prentiss County can be a valuable resource for personal recommendations.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Wheeler, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers, quality daycare spots in and around Wheeler can have significant waitlists, especially for infants. It is strongly advised to **begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care**. For infant care, starting 6 months in advance is not uncommon. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and process. Getting on multiple lists is a common strategy. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typical and often applied to your first week's tuition upon enrollment.
What local resources or programs are available to help parents find and evaluate childcare in Prentiss County?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for North Mississippi**, which is typically administered through a community action agency or early childhood coalition. They provide free referrals to licensed providers in your zip code, information on quality indicators, and guidance on applying for subsidy programs. You can contact the Mississippi State Department of Health for the current CCR&R contact. Additionally, connecting with other parents through the **Prentiss County School District** (if you have older children) or local community centers can provide invaluable word-of-mouth insights into the best local childcare options.