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State Department of Health & Child Care Regulations in Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Health sets regulations regarding child-care facilities. The purpose is to protect children and provide a safe and healthy environment. Laws outline the requirements for the license, qualifications, building space, inspections and forms.

  1. License

    • To start the licensing process an application along with a non-refundable $100 fee must be sent to the Mississippi State Department of Health Child Care Division . A temporary license is provided allowing a facility to operate before a permanent license is issued. Temporary licenses are only good for six months. A permanent license is issued after all the requirements are met. Receiving a permanent license can take 90 days or longer and is good for a year. A probationary and restricted license can be issued when there are violations that need to be corrected or the health and safety of the children requires a restriction on the license.

    Qualifications

    • According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, regulations require directors of a child-care facility to meet specific qualifications. An owner must be at least 21 years old and pass all Child Abuse Central Registry and fingerprint checks. Certain education requirements or experience is necessary. An owner must have an associate or bachelor's degree in education, child development or psychology. Owners with an associate's degree must have 480 hours of practical training or two years of paid child-care experience too. A Child Development Associate Credential or a Youth Director's Child Care Credential with two years work experience will meet the requirements. Mandatory trainings for all directors are the Child Care Regulations, New Director Orientation and Playground Safety courses.

    Building

    • The Mississippi Child Care Licensing Law mandates the building meet specific requirements. It must have a minimum of 35 to 45 square feet of indoor space per child, depending on the ages of the children. Outside, 75 square feet of space per child is necessary. The building must meet all fire safety standards, have a kitchen no smaller than 90 square feet, one bathroom for every 15 children and at least two exits from the facility.

    Inspections

    • An inspection by the fire department, the Mississippi Department of Health and Department of Food Services are required. Completed forms from all inspections should be filled out and kept on file at the facility. An inspection by a Health Department representative is required each year when renewing a license.

    Forms

    • A director must submit write-ups about procedures, food menus and the maximum capacity of the facility. An outline of discipline policies, a daily schedule of activities, arrival, departure and emergency procedures must be created too. State forms, required for each child enrolled at the center, must be kept on file.

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