Hattiesburg residents explore 24-hour child care amid shortages

A proposal to establish a 24-hour child care center in Hattiesburg is prompting community discussion amid ongoing child care shortages in Mississippi.

Myra Hawthorne, a local resident and municipal court clerk, said she started exploring the idea after facing difficulties finding care that aligned with her work schedule. She believes a round-the-clock facility could assist parents working overnight, with multiple jobs, or on irregular shifts.

Hawthorne’s suggestion comes as the Mississippi Department of Human Services announced in April 2025 that it would reduce child care vouchers for low-income families. The decision has led to closures and long waiting lists statewide. U.S. News & World Report reported that nearly 16,000 Mississippi families were seeking child care assistance in 2025.

State regulations require additional accommodations for overnight operations, including beds and shower facilities. Hawthorne has begun researching what would be needed to meet these requirements but has not yet launched an official plan.

Local providers cite staffing and costs as major hurdles. Erin Hensley, director of Panther’s Den, said recruiting staff for expanded hours would be difficult, especially since competition with public schools and Head Start programs makes hiring challenging. Similarly, Cheryl Hodge, assistant director of Angel Academy Learning Center, noted that utility and operational costs would significantly increase with 24-hour operations.

While some community members support the idea, the concept remains in the early, exploratory phase. Hawthorne said the discussion highlights a broader need for flexible child care options as work schedules evolve in the region.

Source: Original Article