The Best Preschools in Hickory, MS
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Hickory. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
Newton Child Development Center
Newton Child Development Center
Newton Child Development Center is a highly-rated early learning facility located approximately 10 miles from Hickory, serving the broader Newton County area. The center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and social skills development in a structured yet nurturing environment. The facility maintains excellent safety standards and employs qualified early childhood educators. Parents consistently praise the center's caring staff, clean facilities, and the visible progress children make in their development.
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Little Blessings Learning Center
Little Blessings Learning Center
Located in Meridian approximately 25 miles from Hickory, Little Blessings Learning Center has built a strong reputation for quality early childhood education serving families across the region. The center offers age-appropriate curricula that balance academic preparation with play-based learning. Their program includes structured activities focusing on literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility features secure environments with monitored access and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Parent reviews frequently highlight the center's dedicated staff, comprehensive communication, and the warm, family-oriented atmosphere.
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Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center
Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center
Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center in Meridian serves families throughout Lauderdale County and surrounding areas, including Hickory. With nearly two decades of operation, this established center provides a comprehensive early education program that prepares children for academic success. Their curriculum incorporates phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on mathematics, and developmental activities that build critical thinking skills. The center maintains state licensing compliance and employs experienced early childhood educators. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment, consistent routines, and the center's focus on developing both academic foundations and social-emotional skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Hickory, MS:
What is the typical cost of preschool in Hickory, MS, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Hickory and the surrounding rural areas, preschool costs can vary but are generally more affordable than in larger Mississippi cities, often ranging from $100 to $250 per week. For state-funded assistance, families should apply for the Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) program through the Mississippi Department of Education, which may provide free or low-cost, high-quality pre-K at participating local providers. Additionally, some local churches or community centers may offer sliding scale fees based on income.
How can I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Hickory?
All licensed childcare facilities in Mississippi, including Hickory, are regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). You can search for a specific provider's licensing status, inspection reports, and any compliance history on the MSDH website. For a quality benchmark, look for programs that are part of Mississippi's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), called "Mississippi Building Blocks," which evaluates curriculum, teacher qualifications, and learning environments.
What types of preschool programs are available in Hickory, given its small-town setting?
Options in Hickory itself typically include home-based daycare programs and often a preschool program operated by a local church, such as Hickory United Methodist Church or a similar community organization. For more structured curriculum-based programs, many families in Newton County also consider preschools in the larger nearby towns of Newton or Decatur, which may offer public pre-K through the school district or private centers with extended hours.
When should I start looking and applying for preschool in Hickory, MS, due to limited spots?
Due to the limited number of local options, it is advisable to begin your search and inquiry process at least 6-12 months before your desired start date, often in the fall prior to the school year you are targeting. Enrollment for state-funded Pre-K (Early Learning Collaborative) typically has a strict application window in the early spring. For private or church-based programs, contacting them directly in January or February is recommended to secure a spot for the following August or September.
What are key safety and logistical considerations for preschools in a rural area like Hickory?
Key considerations include the facility's emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common in Mississippi and its protocols for safe transportation if offered on rural roads. Given the area's layout, inquire about secure check-in/out procedures and staff-to-child ratios to ensure adequate supervision. It's also practical to consider the program's operating hours relative to common work commutes to nearby cities, as well as their policy on closures for inclement weather.
Nearby Cities
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