HATTIESBURG — A proposal to create a 24-hour child care facility in Hattiesburg is gaining attention as families face long waitlists, limited hours and fewer state child care subsidies.
Hattiesburg resident Myra Hawthorne said the idea emerged after she struggled to find care that matched her work schedule. She and other residents say a round-the-clock option could help parents who work overnight, multiple jobs or irregular shifts.
The conversation comes as Mississippi faces ongoing child care shortages. In April 2025, the Mississippi Department of Human Services announced it would reduce child care vouchers that subsidize costs for low-income families. The decision led some centers across the state to close and left thousands of families on waiting lists.
U.S. News & World Report reported that nearly 16,000 Mississippi families were waiting for child care assistance in 2025.
Child care shortages fuel discussion
Hawthorne, who works as a municipal court clerk, said she sees the effects locally.
“I was told that I need to start calling at least six months before my baby actually started school because everyone’s waiting list was so long,” Hawthorne said.
She said limited operating hours at many centers create additional challenges for residents who do not work traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedules.
“I’m aware of accommodation issues. I know a lot of people who are having to work two jobs,” Hawthorne said.
Hawthorne said she believes a 24-hour facility could support single parents, overnight workers and families seeking short-term care outside standard hours. She has begun researching what would be required but has not formally started the process.
A Nextdoor post by Hattiesburg resident Myra Hawthorne asks community members whether starting a 24-hour daycare in the city would be worth the investment. sparked discussion about child care access and nontraditional work schedules. Credit: RHCJC NewsState regulations require additional accommodations for overnight operations.
“Additional things you have to have are beds and a place to shower. It’s not a huge difference,” Hawthorne said. “But I have skimmed over it as far as what the building and what I would physically need.”
Providers cite staffing, cost barriers
While some families support expanded hours, local providers say the challenges are significant.
Erin Hensley, director of Panther’s Den, said a 24-hour center could serve families with overnight shifts. However, staffing remains the primary obstacle.
Erin Hensley, director of Panther’s Den, discusses staffing challenges and operational considerations tied to expanding child care hours in Hattiesburg. Credit: (RHCJC News“It’s hard enough to find staff for during the day, working regular hours,” Hensley said. “It can be a daunting task to add more hours to that, requiring more staff.”
Hensley said private centers also compete with public schools and Head Start programs that offer state-backed benefits, which can make recruiting and retaining qualified teachers more difficult.
Cheryl Hodge, assistant director of Angel Academy Learning Center, said operational costs would also increase substantially.
“Well, a lot of supplies and a lot of — well, all the bills that come up that people don’t think about, like trash service. Services that go throughout the center,” Hodge said. “Electricity is quite expensive. But stuff like that and food cost is very big.”
Hodge said overnight staffing and increased utility usage could significantly raise expenses for centers already operating on tight margins.
Broader workforce implications
Mississippi has few child care facilities that operate 24 hours a day. As businesses expand in Forrest County and more residents work nontraditional schedules, access to reliable child care remains a workforce concern.
Hawthorne said she has spoken with community members interested in supporting the concept. Whether the idea moves forward through a new facility or collaboration with existing providers, she said the discussion reflects a broader need.
For now, the proposal remains in the exploratory phase.
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