Licensed Daycare in Mississippi
Find the right daycare in Mississippi in under 5 minutes. 1,300 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Mississippi licensing records.
Mississippi childcare by the numbers
Mississippi Childcare Licensing
In Mississippi, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:9 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:14 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Mississippi: Mississippi has the country's lowest daycare costs ($650/mo infant) but the loosest ratio standards (1:5 infants, 1:9 toddlers, 1:14 preschool). CCPP subsidies serve families up to 85% state median.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure
- Infant ratio
- 1:5
- Toddler ratio
- 1:9
- Preschool ratio
- 1:14
- Avg infant cost
- $650/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $540/mo
Mississippi Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Mississippi runs about $7,800/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Mississippi center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Mississippi
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Check eligibility for Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP). Most Mississippi families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Mississippi often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (800) 877-7882.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure database and tour during operating hours.
Mississippi Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Mississippi families can apply for Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (800) 877-7882
Official Mississippi & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Mississippi — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Mississippi is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Mississippi?
How much does daycare cost in Mississippi?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Mississippi?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Mississippi daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Mississippi
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 searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for 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 1,300 Licensed Mississippi Centers
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