Mississippi Childcare Assistance for Single Mothers (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

Mississippi has one main childcare subsidy (the Child Care Payment Program), plus free early learning options (Head Start/Early Head Start and state Pre‑K), tribal services, and regional resource centers that can help you find a slot and apply. This guide shows you exactly where to start, what to expect, real dollar amounts, and who to call when you’re stuck.

Quick help box

• Call the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) help line: 800‑877‑7882 (Mon–Fri). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Check if you’re currently eligible to apply (exception categories) or must join the waitlist. If you joined the waitlist after April 1, 2025 and get an invite email, you have 10 calendar days to submit your application. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Apply for CCPP online and upload documents (provider required before you apply): Mississippi CCPP application and document upload (includes “Check Application Status”). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Find a provider that accepts subsidy: State child care provider search (check “Accepts MDHS Subsidy Children”). (mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov)
• See your expected monthly co‑pay: CCPP co‑payment fee scale. Families at or below 100% FPL pay $0;somegroupscappedat\ast \ast$10**; most others pay based on income and family size. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Free options while you wait: Head Start/Early Head Start (no cost if eligible) and State Early Learning Collaboratives (Pre‑K for 4‑year‑olds). (mdhs.ms.gov, mdek12.org)
• Get local help finding care: Contact your Resource & Referral (R&R) center (sample phones below), or use the directory on MDHS. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• File a complaint or check a provider’s history: MSDH Child Care Facility Complaint Hotline 1‑866‑489‑8734 or file online; provider inspection histories are linked in the state search. (mdhs.ms.gov, msdh.ms.gov)

---

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Numbers above are from official state and federal pages accessed September 2025. See citations.

---

The Child Care Payment Program (CCPP): your main subsidy

First steps (do these in order)

• Check whether you’re in an exception category (these can apply anytime): TANF or transitioning off TANF; children in MDCPS foster care; teen parents; children with special needs; deployed military; families experiencing homelessness. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• If you joined the waitlist after April 1, 2025, watch for the CCPP email invite. When it arrives, you have 10 calendar days to submit the application in the portal using your unique code. Don’t miss this deadline. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Pick a provider before you apply. Use the state search tool and check the box “Accepts MDHS Subsidy Children.” Save the provider’s name and ID. (mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov)
• Apply online and then upload your documents: identity, residency, proof of work/school/training hours, and income. Use the application and “Parent Document Upload” on MDHS. Fax 601‑359‑4422 or mail if needed (P.O. Box on the page). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Call 800‑877‑7882 if you get stuck, and check “CCPP Updates” for any policy changes. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Who qualifies (in plain English)

• You’re working or in school/job training at least 25 hours/week, and your income is within the state’s Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) limit (up to 85% of State Median Income for initial eligibility; lower tiers (50% SMI) apply for some very-low-income groups). Certificates last 12 months once approved. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Exception categories (above) can apply at any time even during pauses; others must wait for an invite if applications are limited (as they were in 2025). (mdhs.ms.gov)

Mississippi income limits posted by MDHS

MDHS publishes the State Median Income (SMI) table it uses to determine whether a family is at or below 50% or 85% of SMI. Here are the current posted annual amounts (accessed Sept. 2025 on the MDHS site):

Source: MDHS “CCPP Eligibility Guidelines” (Income Guidelines table). MDHS notes the table also shows the federal poverty line and TANF limits for context. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Reality check: MDHS’s page labels the poverty-line column as “2021 FPL,” but the SMI thresholds above are what MDHS currently posts for CCPP eligibility as of September 2025. Always verify during your application in case MDHS updates the amounts. (mdhs.ms.gov)

What you’ll pay: co‑payments and your out‑of‑pocket

• Your monthly co‑pay depends on family size and annual gross income. Families at or below the federal poverty line pay $0\ast \ast ;certaingroups(TANFtransition,teenparents,MDCPSchildren,HealthyFamiliesMS,SSIrecipientparents,childrenwithspecialneeds)haveco‑payscappedat\ast \ast$10. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• You also pay the difference between the provider’s published tuition and the CCPP subsidy amount on your certificate. Example from MDHS: if your provider charges $390\ast \ast andCCPPpays\ast \ast$300, you owe the $90 difference plus your co‑pay. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Co‑pay examples (from the MDHS fee scale)

Partial excerpts above to help you ballpark. See the full “CCDF Child Care Monthly Co‑Payment Fee Scale for Parents” to find your exact amount. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Reimbursement rates to providers (why your out‑of‑pocket can vary)

• Mississippi sets base subsidy rates using a Market Rate Survey, aiming for about the 75th percentile of local prices; rates vary by age, setting (center vs. family child care), and geography. Providers may charge more than the subsidy and bill you the difference. (law.cornell.edu, casetext.com)
• As an example from the state’s regulations, base monthly ceilings historically ranged roughly from the low $200s–$300s depending on care type/age/area; your provider’s price may be higher. Use your certificate and ask the center for a written breakdown. (law.cornell.edu, casetext.com)

Tip: Always get a printed receipt for co‑pays and the “difference” you pay the provider each month. (mdhs.ms.gov)

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

• Pick a provider that accepts subsidy (search and check the subsidy box). Save the provider’s name and ID. (mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov)
• Submit the CCPP application online. Then submit your documents (upload, fax 601‑359‑4422, or mail to MDHS/DECCD, P.O. Box 352, Jackson, MS 39205). Don’t upload documents until you’ve submitted the application. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Watch your email (including spam) for notices. If you’re invited from the waitlist, complete the full application within 10 days. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• If approved, you’ll get a 12‑month certificate listing: the child’s name, your co‑pay, whether care is full‑time/part‑time, and the approved location (provider name plus site ID). Your child can only attend the location printed on the certificate unless you request a change. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Report changes (income, work/school hours, move out of state) promptly using the MDHS “Report Changes” link. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Expected timelines

Required documents (what parents usually need)

• Proof of identity and Mississippi residency.
• Proof you’re working or in school/training at least 25 hours/week (recent pay stubs; school/training schedule).
• Proof of household income (most recent pay stubs; child support; any other countable income).
• Provider information (name and site ID).
• Any documents for an exception category (foster placement; disability/Special Needs; homelessness documentation; military deployment orders).

See MDHS “Apply for Child Care Payment Assistance” for accepted proofs and upload links. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Real‑world example

• A single mom of 3 in Hinds County earns $36,500/year\ast \ast andchoosesacenterthatacceptssubsidy.Fromthefeescale,afamilyof3around\ast \ast$36k–$36,999\ast \ast paysabout\ast \ast$185 co‑pay per month; if the center charges $500\ast \ast andyourCCPPcertificatepays\ast \ast$300, your monthly out‑of‑pocket is $185+$200 = $385. Budget for this and request receipts. (mdhs.ms.gov)

If this doesn’t work (Plan B)

• While waiting on a CCPP invite or approval, immediately apply for free options: Head Start/Early Head Start, and your local ELC pre‑K if your child is 4 (details below).
• Ask your employer about childcare supports (some MS employers offer stipends and can take a state business tax credit for it, which may help them say yes). (law.justia.com)
• Call your R&R center to find lower‑cost providers that accept subsidy and have openings; ask about sliding‑fee or sibling discounts.
• Call 2‑1‑1 for any emergency help leads in your county. (unitedwaysm.org)

---

Free options while you wait (or for younger children)

Head Start and Early Head Start (no cost if eligible)

• Who it serves: pregnant moms, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Priority for families at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; categorical eligibility for some groups (e.g., foster, homeless). 2025 FPL examples: family of 2 $21,150\ast \ast ;3\ast \ast$26,650; 4 $32,150. (aspe.hhs.gov)
• Where to apply: Use the state provider search (you’ll see HS/EHS in results), or contact major grantees like Friends of Children of Mississippi (multiple sites statewide; HQ 130 Riverview Dr., Flowood). (mdhs.ms.gov, fcmi-ms.org)
• Coverage: Head Start currently serves 21 counties; Early Head Start serves 63 counties (per MDHS “Find a Provider” page). Availability varies; apply early for the next program year. (mdhs.ms.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask to be placed on a waiting list and keep your contact info updated.
• Apply to multiple HS/EHS grantees within travel distance (you can hold one seat if approved).
• Re‑apply if your income drops or your housing situation changes.

State Pre‑K (Early Learning Collaboratives – age 4)

• Who it serves: 4‑year‑olds (must be 4 by September 1). No income test, but limited seats. Mississippi has a growing network of ELCs; check the map and contact list to apply. (mdek12.org)
• Funding and growth: The State Board of Education added three new ELCs in March 2024 (to 37 total at that time) and continues to expand seats as funding allows. Per‑child state funding is set in law; local matches are required. (mdek12.org)
• Where to start: See the MDE ELC directory and map. Many districts open applications in late winter/early spring.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your district about other public pre‑K or Title I pre‑K seats.
• Check United Way or philanthropic pre‑K projects (e.g., PreK4Ward on the Gulf Coast runs on grants and has a timeline every spring). (unitedwaysm.org)

---

Find and vet a provider

• Search and filter providers by county/city and “Accepts MDHS Subsidy Children,” then review each provider’s MSDH inspection/investigation history in the results. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Licensing and complaints: Licensed providers are overseen by the Mississippi State Department of Health. To report a concern, call the Child Care Facility Complaint Hotline 1‑866‑489‑8734 or file online. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Tip for rural moms: Mississippi is very rural and 48% of children live in a “child care desert.” Cast a wider net, consider licensed homes, ask about part‑time or non‑traditional hours, and lean on your R&R for options. (mdhs.ms.gov)

---

Resource & Referral (R&R) centers – real people who help you find care

Use the state R&R lookup tool or call centers directly. A few examples:

Full directory and a county look‑up tool are on the MDHS site. (mdhs.ms.gov)

---

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting to choose a provider until after you apply. CCPP requires you to select a provider first; you’ll need that info on your application. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Missing the waitlist invite window. If you’re invited, you have 10 calendar days. Add ccnotices@mdhs.ms.gov to contacts and check spam daily. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Not budgeting for the “difference.” The state subsidy rarely covers full tuition. You must pay your co‑pay plus any difference between the subsidy and the provider’s price. Get it in writing. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Skipping receipts. Always get monthly co‑pay receipts from your provider. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Forgetting to report changes (job hours, income, moves). Report promptly to avoid overpayments or disruptions. (mdhs.ms.gov)

---

Application checklist (print or screenshot)

• Provider chosen and verified “Accepts MDHS Subsidy Children” (have the provider’s name and site ID). (mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov)
• Proof of work/school/training (25 hours/week): recent pay stubs, schedule, enrollment letter. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Proof of household income for everyone in the household (pay stubs, child support, other income). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Photo ID and proof of Mississippi residency.
• Child documents: birth certificate, immunization form if requested, and any special‑needs documentation (if applicable).
• If in an exception category: supporting documents (e.g., foster care letter, homelessness verification, SSI letter, deployment orders). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Online application submitted; documents uploaded/faxed/mailed with case number on each page. (mdhs.ms.gov)

---

Diverse Communities: tailored pointers

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask R&R staff for inclusive providers in your area and centers with explicit non‑discrimination policies. You can use any licensed provider that completes CCPP steps. Use the provider search and MSDH inspection history to compare. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with a child with disabilities: Families with special‑needs children are an exception category; income can be served up to 85% SMI and co‑pays may be capped at $10 in some cases. Have your SSI or specialist documentation ready. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Veteran and deployed military families: Deployed families are an exception category; the non‑deployed, non‑custodial guardian’s income is not counted. Keep deployment orders handy. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: Many early learning programs (like Head Start/EHS) base eligibility on age and income; reach out to local programs about documentation requirements and language assistance. Use the MDHS provider search and R&R centers; ask for language support on calls. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Tribal-specific resources: The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians runs Early Head Start, Head Start, and daycare centers across tribal communities. Main office 601‑650‑1680. (choctaw.org)
• Rural families: Expect longer drives and fewer slots. Contact your regional R&R by phone first (see numbers above) and ask about licensed family homes and non‑traditional hours. Mississippi is the 4th most rural state; 60% of rural Mississippi children live in child care deserts. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Single fathers: CCPP serves eligible single dads on the same terms. The parent applying must meet work/school and income rules and choose an approved provider. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Language access: The MDE ELC page offers multi‑language toggles; when calling MDHS, ask for an interpreter if needed. (mdek12.org)

---

Resources by region (quick picks)

• Delta: Cleveland R&R 662‑719‑6019; Friends of Children of MS operates multiple HS/EHS sites in Delta counties. (mdhs.ms.gov, fcmi-ms.org)
• Golden Triangle & NE MS: MSU Extension R&R (Mayhew) 662‑243‑2684; Tupelo 662‑620‑5370. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• East MS: Decatur R&R 601‑635‑6136; check ELCs via MDE map for district offerings. (mdhs.ms.gov, mdek12.org)
• Gulf Coast: MECIC R&R (Gulfport) 601‑270‑4745; United Way PreK4Ward (seasonal registration). (mdhs.ms.gov, unitedwaysm.org)
• Jackson Metro/Central MS: Use the provider search and R&R lookup; many HS/EHS centers operate in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin. (mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov, mdhs.ms.gov)

---

Quick numbers you can trust (2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines)

For free programs like Head Start/EHS, here are 2025 FPL amounts for the 48 contiguous states:

• Family of 2: $21,150\ast \ast •Familyof3:\ast \ast$26,650 • Family of 4: $32,150\ast \ast (add\ast \ast$5,500 per person over 8). (aspe.hhs.gov)

---

FAQs (Mississippi‑specific)

• How long does CCPP last?
  Certificates are issued for 12 months from the approval date. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Are CCPP applications open to everyone right now?
  As of August 1, 2025, MDHS resumed inviting families from the waitlist (starting with those added April 1, 2025 and after). Exception categories can apply anytime. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• How fast do I have to act when I get the invite?
  You have 10 calendar days to complete the online application using your unique link/code. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Do I have to choose a provider before I apply?
  Yes. You must select a provider and list them in your application; use the search tool and check “Accepts MDHS Subsidy Children.” (mdhs.ms.gov, mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov)
• How much will I pay each month?
  Check the official co‑payment fee scale. Many families pay $0–$285+/mo depending on income and household size; some groups pay $0\ast \ast ora\ast \ast maximum$10. You also pay the difference between subsidy and the provider’s price. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• What income counts?
  Gross household income (wages and other countable income) is reviewed against SMI thresholds (up to 85% SMI for most new applicants). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• I’m a teen parent. Can I apply on my own?
  Yes. Teen parents can apply as their own family unit. If living with your parent(s), your parent(s) must meet work/school requirements, but their income is not counted toward your eligibility. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Are foster children eligible?
  Yes. Children in MDCPS foster care are an exception category and can apply anytime; co‑pay is capped at $10. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Who do I call for help or to check status?
  CCPP help line 800‑877‑7882; use “Check Application Status” on the MDHS apply page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• How do I report a bad experience with a daycare?
  Call the MSDH Child Care Facility Complaint Hotline 1‑866‑489‑8734 or file online; you can also view inspection histories in the state provider search. (mdhs.ms.gov)

---

Realistic timelines, warnings, and tips

• Budget for the “difference.” Mississippi’s base subsidy rates don’t always match market tuition, especially for infants and in urban areas. Confirm the full monthly out‑of‑pocket before enrolling. (law.cornell.edu, casetext.com)
• Stay on top of email. During waitlist reopenings, MDHS will contact you by email only; missed emails = missed deadlines. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Keep documents clean and complete. Slowed decisions often trace back to missing pages, mismatched names, or unreadable uploads. Use the official upload form; label each file with your case number. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Keep receipts every month. Get a co‑pay receipt from your provider and keep it in a folder with your certificate. (mdhs.ms.gov)

---

Local organizations that actually help

• Mississippi Low‑Income Child Care Initiative (MLICCI): Advocacy and navigation help for child care access; runs employment equity projects focused on single moms. Website has updates on CCPP pauses and policy changes. (mschildcare.org)
• Moore Community House – Women in Construction (Biloxi): Free pre‑apprenticeship job training with wraparound supports (including potential childcare help while in training). Contact 228‑207‑5265. (moorecommunityhouse.org)
• United Way 2‑1‑1: 24/7 referral line for local assistance (childcare leads, transportation help, etc.). Dial 2‑1‑1. (unitedwaysm.org)
• Friends of Children of Mississippi (Head Start/Early Head Start): Multiple centers statewide; see location list for phone numbers. (fcmi-ms.org)
• Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians – Early Childhood Education: Tribal Early Head Start, Head Start, and daycare; main office 601‑650‑1680; center phones on the website. (choctaw.org)

---

Quick reference: How to find the right program for your situation

---

About reimbursement rates (why this affects your budget)

Mississippi sets provider payment ceilings using a Market Rate Survey; the base rates (before any quality add‑ons) are designed to approximate the 75th percentile but vary widely by age, provider type, and location. Because providers can charge more than the ceiling, families often owe the “difference” on top of co‑pays. This is normal in Mississippi’s system—plan for it and ask for itemized monthly statements. (law.cornell.edu, casetext.com)

---

What to do if none of this works (Plan B recap)

• Apply to Head Start/Early Head Start and your local ELC (age 4). Use R&R centers for help.
• Ask your employer about a childcare stipend benefit; Mississippi offers a business tax credit to employers who provide on‑site care or stipends (it’s underused—asking can help). (law.justia.com)
• Keep hunting for providers that accept subsidy and have openings (filter the state search).
• Call 2‑1‑1 for stop‑gap help in your county while you secure a slot. (unitedwaysm.org)

---

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi State Department of Health, and established nonprofits (e.g., Mississippi Low‑Income Child Care Initiative, Moore Community House, Friends of Children of Mississippi). It follows our Editorial Standards and links directly to official forms, portals, and phone numbers. We are not a government agency and do not guarantee outcomes.

Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Spotted an error or outdated figure? Email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll investigate within 48 hours.

---

Disclaimer

Program rules, funding levels, and application windows change. Always verify key details (income limits, co‑pay amounts, application status, provider participation) with the relevant agency before you make decisions that affect your family or employment.

---

Sources (selected)

• MDHS Division of Early Childhood Care & Development main portal and parents’ hub; application steps, document upload, and provider search; program updates; certificate length. (mdhs.ms.gov, mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov)
• CCPP waitlist reopening and 10‑day invite rule (Aug. 1, 2025); FAQs and exception categories. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Income thresholds (SMI table) and priority rules (85%/50% SMI). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Co‑payment policy and fee scale; $0for\le FPL;capped$10 for certain groups; fee‑scale examples. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Provider payment methodology (market rate survey approach and regulatory references). (law.cornell.edu)
• Head Start/Early Head Start coverage notes; provider finder includes HS/EHS; 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL). (mdhs.ms.gov, aspe.hhs.gov)
• Early Learning Collaboratives (ELCs): MDE directory/map and 2024 expansion updates. (mdek12.org)
• R&R directory with phones. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• MSDH complaint hotline and online complaint form; inspection histories accessible via provider search. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Rural access and childcare desert data point (48% overall; 60% in rural areas). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Local organizations: Friends of Children of Mississippi (HS/EHS), Moore Community House/WinC program, MLICCI, United Way 2‑1‑1. (fcmi-ms.org, moorecommunityhouse.org, mschildcare.org, unitedwaysm.org)

---

🏛️More Mississippi Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Mississippi

You may also need: Education Grants WIC Benefits

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery