Brightwheel › Licensing Requirements › Mississippi › Mississippi Preschool Licensing Requirements

Mississippi Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Mississippi.

Mississippi Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with MS DHS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	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

Mississippi preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs 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.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (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 with MS DHS.

Mississippi preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Mississippi childcare center license require a director meeting Mississippi Department of Human Services’s qualification standards under MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Mississippi must meet minimum education requirements set by Mississippi Department of Human Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Mississippi Department of Human Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Mississippi-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Mississippi

Private preschool programs in Mississippi follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Mississippi Department of Human Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Mississippi Department of Human Services center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Mississippi Department of Human Services — Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD). The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Mississippi Department of Human Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Mississippi Department of Human Services — Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD).
Official resource: https://mdhs.ms.gov/early-childhood

Keep your Mississippi preschool running — not drowning in paperwork.

Brightwheel gives preschool directors a single platform to manage attendance, billing, parent communication, and daily documentation.

Digital check-in Parent sign-in/sign-out with timestamps — eliminates paper sign-in sheets and satisfies MS DHS documentation requirements.

Lesson planning Document daily activities and developmental observations aligned with state early learning standards.

Subsidy billing Manage subsidy invoicing alongside private-pay tuition — no dual systems needed.

See brightwheel for preschools →

Frequently asked questions: Mississippi preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Mississippi need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Mississippi that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Mississippi Department of Human Services under MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Mississippi Department of Human Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Mississippi preschool teacher need?

Mississippi preschool teacher credential requirements are set 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 lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Mississippi Department of Human Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Mississippi preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Mississippi Department of Human Services in Mississippi, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. Contact MS DHS to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Mississippi?

Mississippi may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Mississippi Department of Human Services or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Mississippi?

Kindergarten in Mississippi is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Mississippi Department of Human Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Mississippi Department of Human Services under MDHS Rule 9.1 (Regulations Governing Licensed Child Care Facilities); Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1 and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Mississippi Department of Human Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

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.

Also in this guide: Mississippi Childcare Center Requirements, Mississippi Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Mississippi Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Mississippi Department of Human Services at https://mdhs.ms.gov/early-childhood before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.