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Page 10 Table 2. Current Child Care Payment Program Rates for Registered Providers Standard Market Rate Full-time Metro Non-metro Infant $115 $94 Toddler $120 $98 Preschool $120 $106 School Age $95 $79 Special Needs (All Ages) $125 $125 Part-time Infant $68 $60 Toddler $75 $61 Preschool $60 $60 School Age $58 $53 Special Needs (All Ages) $63 $63 The survey was administered to directors/owners of licensed, center-based child care facilities in Mississippi. The 2024 Mississippi Center-based Child Care Market Rate Survey (MRS) instrument (Appendix B) used for center-based child care is an adaptation of the 2021 survey instrument developed with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Minor changes were made to the 2021 MRS questions, including the removal of questions related to the impact of COVID-19 and the addition of questions about the cost of providing care. The final 2024 center-based MRS instrument gathered information on the following topics covered in this report: • Child care rates and fees o Full- and part-time rates by age and special needs o Registration, enrollment, transportation, and other fees charged • Child Care Payment Program o Participation in program o Barriers to accepting children with tuition subsidies METHODS: CENTER-BASED PROVIDER SURVEY METHODS: CENTER-BASED PROVIDER SURVEY Center-based Survey Instrument