About Us

The University of Southern Mississippi Center for Child Development (CCD) provides high quality education and care services to children 8 weeks to 5 years old, and serves as academic teaching and research facility for students and faculty across the university.

At the center, you will find a philosophy that is based on providing opportunities and experiences for the optimal development of each child and family served. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are offered a play-based curriculum that promotes optimal development in all domains through developmentally appropriate and meaningful hands-on activities. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to observe and participate in day to day activities, as well as special events. The center believes that guidance is best done through positive guidance techniques and embraces concepts of Conscious Discipline.

The CCD recognizes the importance of helping children belong to the global community. Curriculum and practice at the CCD reflect a commitment to an anti-bias, multicultural education. The CCD embraces the social differences that enrich our community and enrolls children regardless of race, ethnicity, or special needs.

The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  This status is afforded to approximately 10% of childcare facilities in the United States and reflect standardized care that is considered best practice in the early childhood profession.

 

 

Interested parents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as space availability can be limited. We keep a waiting list application on file so as to fill vacancies as they come open. Please complete the Waiting List Application. You will be required to send a $25 application fee to the Center for Child Development prior to being placed on the waiting list. It can be mailed to: 118 College Drive, Box 5192 Hattiesburg, MS 39406 

Are you currently a USM student?

CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents In School) is a grant through the U.S. Department of Education that helps parents meet their goal of securing a postsecondary education by providing campus-based child care services at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Child Development (CCD). Each month, CCAMPIS families receive subsidies towards their children’s tuition. The amount awarded to each family depends on income, enrollment status, and parental stress levels. The goal of CCAMPIS is for families to receive high quality childcare from the CCD at a greatly reduced rate, allowing them to better focus on their education and complete their degree in a timely manner. For more information concerning the CCD contact Crystal Rutland at Crystal.RutlandFREEMississippi.

CCAMPIS Application

Please complete the Child Care Access Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) application if the guardian and/or parent is currently a degree-seeking student at The University of Southern Mississippi instead of a waiting list application. You will be required to send a $25 application fee to the Center for Child Development prior to being placed on the waiting list. Child care is also available for our Gulf Park parents at our partner childcare center, Pass Christian Academy.