Jackson County, MS Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Jackson County home-based childcare is regulated primarily by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Child Care Licensing under MS Code §43-20-1 through §43-20-31. Family child care homes caring for 5 or fewer children (not counting the provider's own) may operate without a license. Licensed family child care homes can serve up to 6 children including the provider's own, while group family child care homes can serve up to 12 children with additional requirements. Licensing requirements include: fingerprint-based background checks through MS Department of Public Safety for the provider and household members over 14, CPR and pediatric first aid certification, a minimum of 35 square feet indoor space per child plus 75 square feet outdoor play area per child, fire safety inspection, lead paint and environmental safety compliance, immunization records for all children, and liability insurance. Critical for Gulf Coast Jackson County: MSDH requires written hurricane/disaster evacuation plans with pre-identified inland shelter locations. Annual renewal and unannounced inspections occur throughout the year. Local zoning in unincorporated Jackson County (under Jackson County Zoning Ordinance) generally permits small family child care in residential zones without additional permits, but larger operations may require conditional use approval. Pickup/drop-off traffic must not create neighborhood disruption. Provider must be 21+, have high school diploma/GED, and complete 15 hours annual training.