How to Start a Daycare or Preschool IN MISSISSIPPI
This page is INFORMATIONAL ONLY and we strongly recommend that you contact the Child Care Resource and Referal for Mississippi directly. Please visit the MS State Website today!
Family Childcare(Non-Registered /exempt)
Family Childcare(registered)
Childcare Center(in operator’s home)
Childcare Center(in commercial location)
5 or less(some counties 6)
5 or less(some counties 6)optional to get registered
12 or less
Based on location
Yes
Where should you start?
The hardest part of starting a daycare is figuring out how to begin the process. Right?
Maybe you have searched around already and are puzzled by the state requirements. Don’t worry. We have been there and can simplify this process for you.
Below you will find 5 easy steps to get your in-home Mississippi childcare going.
Step 1: Contact the Licensing Agency for your county (see right hand column for contact info)
Use the form provided in our “How to Start Your Daycare” program to get all the important questions answered
Step 2: Decide if you can start small and be an exempt provider
You can always apply to be a licensed provider when you have enough students to necessitate it. Remember, the process for getting students won’t happen overnight. Why increase your costs right away?
Step 3: Begin the setup process for your daycare
See our setup suggestions.
Step 4: Open your small daycare
Everyday management is explained and outlined for you in our program – accounting suggestions and fully customizable forms, contracts, and templates are included with our program.
Step 5: When you are ready, move to the licensed status
Let us know that you want to get registered or licensed and we can help you to do it quickly and affordably.
MS Family Childcare (Non-Registered)
This is the easiest level to go with.
If you have 5 or less children in care, you do not have to register with the state, have home inspections, take the orientation classes, etc.
There are benefits to registering with the state though… we will go into those in the next section. However, its great to stay small and grow as you go so there isn’t so much of a financial burden.
Max students: 5 children (possibly 6 depending on your county) or less
This level is the same as the exempt one above. The reason I point this out, is that with the same number of children, you may choose to become voluntarily registered through Child Care Resource and Referral Centers. There are some benefits to being registered. Families do feel that there is more reliability there. The homes are inspected regularly and rules and regulations must be adhered to.
To review the Family Chilcare rules and reglations, visit the Mississippi site.
Maximum number of children:
The provider shall care for no more than five children at any one time.
General Requirements
Max # of Children: 5 (possibly 6 depending on area) or fewer children
Background Check: Required (on all people over 18 years old living in the home or regularly in the facility)
Additional Items:
Training Required
Orientation Class: Yes (8 hours of free training)
Abuse and Neglect Class: Yes
Adult / Infant First Aid and CPR: Yes
Inspections Required
State Inspections: Every 3 years (or if a complaint is filed)
Sanitation Inspection Required for License: Yes
Costs
Application Fees: $25 application fee + background check
Sanitation Inspection: Varies
If you want to care for 7 – 12 children, you can get your family childcare licensed with the state. You must be over 21 in order to be the director of this type of in home daycare an meet some minimum teaching requirements. If you are concerned about meeting those, consider starting smaller and getting registered. Because it is regulated by the state, they consider your expereince to apply as teaching experience. These hours can build up and give you enough hours to be considered a director.
Maximum number of children:
The provider shall care for no more than 12 children at any one time.
General Requirements
Max # of Children: 12 or fewer children
Background Check: Required (on all people over 18 years old living in the home or regularly in the facility)
Training Required
Orientation Class: Yes (8 hours of free training)
Abuse and Neglect Class: Yes
Adult / Infant First Aid and CPR: Yes
Inspections Required
State Inspections: Yearly
Sanitation Inspection Required for License: Yes
Costs
Application Fee: $100
License Fee: $50
Background / Finger Printing Fee: $50 per person
Sanitation Inspection Fee: Varies