In the information provided on this page is a basic outline of Mississippi Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Mississippi. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
MISSISSIPPI Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Mississippi State Department of Health, Child Care Facilities Licensure
P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700
https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/78.pdf
(601) 576-7813
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: Infants 40 sf Infants,45 sf per Toddlers, 35 sf per older child
|
|
<12 Mos. |
12-24 Mos. |
2 Years |
3Years |
4Years |
5-9Years |
10-12 Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:5 |
1:5 |
1:7 |
1:14 |
1:10 |
1:20 |
1:25 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
10 |
18 |
14 |
14 |
20 |
20 |
25 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
10 |
18 |
14 |
14 |
20 |
20 |
25 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
None |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
400 sf. |
810 sf. |
490 sf. |
490 sf. |
700 sf. |
700 sf. |
None |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- When the outdoor activity area is not adjacent to the center, there shall be at least two staff members present.
- One hour of outdoor time is required per day.
- Trampolines are not allowed.
- Staff are required to be trained by the end of their first day of work..
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
30 |
Infants are required to have 30 minutes of tummy time a day. |
25 |
Infant areas of 25sf per child do not include cribs and change tables. |
13 |
Child volunteers must be at least 13 years old and not enrolled in the childcare center. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
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Emergency evacuation maps must be posted on each floor of each building and be visible to children and staff. |  |
Open slides and platforms must be lower than seven feet high and must have a fall surface underneath. |  |
Insecticides and cleaning supplies must be kept in a locked cabinet to prevent access by children |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019