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Licensed Daycare in Mississippi

Search 1,300 verified daycare and childcare centers across Mississippi, sourced directly from Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

1,300
Licensed Centers
$650/mo
Avg Infant Care
$540/mo
Avg Preschool
1:5
Infant Ratio

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.

Verify a license at Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure

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
Financial help

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

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Daycare in Mississippi — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Mississippi is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/30,0,183.html.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Mississippi?
State minimums in Mississippi are roughly 1:5 infants, 1:9 toddlers, and 1:14 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Mississippi?
Full-time infant care averages about $650/month; preschool runs around $540/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Mississippi trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Mississippi?
Yes. The primary state program is Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), reachable at (800) 877-7882. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Mississippi daycare?
File a complaint with the Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Licensure via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 1,300 Licensed Mississippi Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.