D’LO, Miss. -- Carmen Grubbs Collins, a well-respected businesswoman in Simpson County who recently obtained her childcare license, is one of many Mississippians who are improving the quality of childcare they offer working parents.

Receiving licensure was a significant milestone for Collins, and one she achieved with the support of the Nurturing Homes Initiative, or NHI, program. The NHI program is offered through the Mississippi State University Extension Service and funded by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

After working with NHI for nearly a year, Collins found the motivation and resources needed to transition from home-based childcare to a fully licensed facility within her community. Felisha Hampton, NHI childcare training coordinator, provided education and mentorship.

“Even though I have worked in childcare for so long, NHI has been a huge help to me,” Collins said. “Ms. Felisha brought in different ideas and lessons. The kids are always so excited when they know she will be visiting.”

Collins has more than 20 years of experience in childcare, serving the parents of her community. She made it her mission to provide quality care, and through the years has been active in various community initiatives, including volunteering with the city and local schools.

“Licensure will significantly enhance Ms. Collins’ business by increasing her capacity to care for more children,” said Kelly Carmody, NHI project director.

Collins’ center, Happy Faces Village, served 21 children with the help of her staff. With the new license, she will be able to accommodate up to 90 children and operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“This expansion is crucial in a community where many parents work in healthcare facilities or factories, often with non-traditional hours,” Carmody said. “Her flexible operations alleviate the stress of finding childcare and contribute to the economic stability of local families.”

When a childcare provider begins the journey to licensure with NHI, they work closely with a childcare training coordinator who provides professional development. This person meets regularly with the childcare center operator to introduce new classroom ideas, teaching methods and lessons for the children.

Collins met Hampton at the Mississippi Child Care Resource & Referral Center at Co-Lin Community College in Simpson County. This center is one of 15 scattered across the state designed to make access to childcare licensure more attainable.

Hampton and other NHI childcare training coordinators help childcare facility owners with paperwork and other necessary steps toward licensure.

“Navigating the licensure process takes a long time and business owners can get discouraged along the way,” Carmody said. “Our training coordinators come alongside participating childcare providers to ensure they are able to complete the process.

“We also help with various projects to improve the business, such as developing daily schedules and revising handbooks,” Carmody said.

Collins’ story exemplifies the impact of dedicated community programs like NHI in empowering local entrepreneurs and addressing essential community needs.