Child Care Licensure Rules & Regulations
The Division of Early Childhood Care and Development funds the Mississippi Department of Health Child Care Licensure Branch to serve as the regulatory agency for licensed child care in the state of Mississippi.
Types of Child Care Programs
Licensed Child Care Center
A child care center refers to a facility that provides care to children while parents are working or unavailable to care for their child(ren). Child Care Centers typically group children of similar ages and offer some type of programming throughout the day. These facilities are licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health and must adhere to regulations regarding child care. High quality centers will offer educational/developmental curriculum implemented by trained staff. Health and safety of the children in these settings is a priority. Center quality can be determined by the star rating received through participation in the Mississippi Child Care Quality Step System. The more stars received, the higher the quality of care provided.
Locating a Licensed Facility in Your Area
Licensed Family Child Care Home
A licensed Family Child Care Home refers to a setting in which an individual is paid by parents to care for their child(ren) while they are working or unavailable. This setting occurs in the child care provider’s home and provides group care in a home-like environment and typically provides some type of programming throughout the day. These facilities are licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health and must adhere to regulations regarding child care. High quality centers will offer educational/developmental curriculum implemented by trained staff. Health and safety of the children in these settings is a priority. A system of evaluating quality in Family Daycare Homes is currently under development.
Locate a Licensed Facility in Your Area
Registered Family Child Care Home
A registered Family Child Care Home refers to a setting in which an individual is paid by parents to care for their child(ren) while they are working or unavailable. This setting occurs in the child care provider’s home and provides small group care in a home-like environment. Registered Family Daycare Homes are NOT licensed by the Mississippi Department of Health and are not regulated by ANY state agency or group. Minimal information is maintained about these programs by the Mississippi Department of Health to assist in emergency preparedness only. Registered Family Daycare Homes may choose to participate in the same quality evaluation program offered to Licensed Family Daycare Homes.