| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Mississippi Department of Human Services — Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) |
| Regulatory code | MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1 |
| Infant ratio | 1:5 (max group: 10) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:8 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:10 (max group: —) |
Mississippi licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Mississippi must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Mississippi Department of Human Services under MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1.
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:5 | 10 | Birth–12 months |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:8 | — | 12–24 months |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | — | Ages 2–5 years |
Source: MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1, Mississippi Department of Human Services. Always verify current ratios directly with MS DHS.
Mississippi licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Mississippi childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Mississippi Department of Human Services under MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1. Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Mississippi Department of Human Services for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Mississippi licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Mississippi Department of Human Services. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Mississippi are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Mississippi Department of Human Services. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Mississippi Department of Human Services for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Mississippi licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Mississippi under MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1.
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with MS DHS for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Mississippi
The childcare center licensing process in Mississippi is administered by Mississippi Department of Human Services. The general steps are:
- Contact Mississippi Department of Human Services — Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a MS DHS licensing analyst verifying compliance with MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1 physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Mississippi Department of Human Services. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Mississippi Department of Human Services — Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD).
Official resource: https://mdhs.ms.gov/early-childhood
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Mississippi classroom approaches ratio limits required under MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1.
Frequently asked questions: Mississippi childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Mississippi Department of Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Mississippi Department of Human Services — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Mississippi
Also in this guide: Mississippi Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Mississippi Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Mississippi Preschool Requirements