Mississippi Home Daycare Licensing State Law

Under Mississippi Code Sections 43-20-1 et seq. (Child Care Facilities Licensing Law), any residence caring for six or more children unrelated to the operator must obtain a Child Care Facility license from the Mississippi State Department of Health. Licensing requires criminal background checks, fingerprinting, immunization records for children, fire and sanitation inspections, CPR training, and adherence to state staff-to-child ratios. Family child care homes serving five or fewer unrelated children are exempt from licensing but must still comply with health and safety standards. The state framework establishes uniform minimum requirements; local zoning may apply but cannot override state licensing.

Operating without a required license can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, injunctive action, and criminal misdemeanor charges under Miss. Code 43-20-21.