How to start a home daycare in Mississippi.
Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) oversees home daycares in Mississippi. These are the kinds it allows and the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
The kinds of home daycare Mississippi allows
Child care facility in the operator's home
12 or fewer children
It has its own rules, apart from the rules for centers.
Source: How to Get a Child Care LicenseChild care family home
5 or fewer children
Care takes place in the caregiver's own home.
Source: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Family Homes for 5 or Fewer Children
Starting a home daycare in Mississippi, step by step
Call the Child Care Licensure office
The office helps with each step and the information you need. Call it first.
Source: New Child Care Facility License Application: Start HereApply online
Fill out the online application. A licensing inspector then contacts you about next steps.
Source: How to Get a Child Care LicenseStudy the rules for homes
Read the state rules for child care facilities with 12 or fewer children in your home.
Source: How to Get a Child Care LicenseGet a fire inspection certificate
Your local fire department inspects and approves your home. Send its certificate with your application.
Source: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities for 12 or Fewer Children in the Operator's HomeGet background checks
Workers need a Letter of Suitability. It shows criminal, sex offender and child abuse registry checks.
Source: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities for 12 or Fewer Children in the Operator's HomeGet CPR and first aid
Someone with adult, child and infant CPR and first aid must be there whenever you are open.
Source: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities for 12 or Fewer Children in the Operator's HomeTake the required training
The owner and director take training on the rules, Directors Orientation and Playground Safety.
Source: How to Get a Child Care LicensePass the MSDH inspection
An MSDH representative inspects your home before a license is issued.
Source: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities for 12 or Fewer Children in the Operator's Home
At a glance
- Who oversees home daycares
- Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Child Care Licensure. Sets the minimum rules for child care facilities under the state licensing law.Source: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities
- License needed
- 6 or more children under 13 who are not related to youSource: New Child Care Facility License Application: Start Here
- First license
- A temporary license, then a regular oneSource: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities for 12 or Fewer Children in the Operator's Home
- Regular license
- Lasts up to one yearSource: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities for 12 or Fewer Children in the Operator's Home
- Food training
- An accredited food manager courseSource: Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities for 12 or Fewer Children in the Operator's Home
Good to know
- A family home with 5 or fewer unrelated children may register with MSDH by choice.Source: How to Get a Child Care License
- Your city may also require a building inspection or a business license before you open.Source: How to Get a Child Care License
Run a program in Mississippi? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a daycare in Mississippi
Opening a child care center: the steps and the agency.
- Mississippi licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Daycare startup costs in Mississippi
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
- Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
- Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
How do I start a home daycare in Mississippi?
The first step: Call the Child Care Licensure office. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who oversees home daycares in Mississippi?
Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Child Care Licensure. Sets the minimum rules for child care facilities under the state licensing law.
How many children can a home daycare in Mississippi care for?
Child care facility in the operator's home: 12 or fewer children. Child care family home: 5 or fewer children.
About this page
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.
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