Licensed Daycare in Columbus, Mississippi
12 licensed daycares in Columbus, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Mississippi licensing records.
Columbus listings updated May 2026 from official Mississippi records.
Daycare in Columbus: what parents should know
Our directory lists 12 licensed childcare providers in Columbus, Mississippi, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 25% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Mississippi license at indexing time, sourced from Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure.
For age coverage, 1 center in Columbus report infant care (roughly 8% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 1 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5.
Licensed care in Columbus spans 4+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 25% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Columbus's licensed centers hold about 866 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Columbus childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Columbus
ChildCare Aware reports the Mississippi average full-time cost at $650/month for infant care and $540/month for preschool. City-level prices in Columbus vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Mississippi families may also qualify for Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) (intake: (800) 877-7882).
Full Mississippi licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure
- Infant ratio
- 1:5
- Toddler ratio
- 1:9
- Preschool ratio
- 1:14
- Avg capacity
- 72 kids
Largest licensed centers in Columbus
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Columbus licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.
Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Columbus, Mississippi?
What's the average daycare cost in Columbus?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Columbus daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Columbus?
How do I verify a Columbus daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Columbus
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programMississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 877-7882 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Columbus
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Columbus, Mississippi are compiled from official Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 12 Licensed Centers in Columbus
Free, no signup, verified directly with Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure.