Crossgates Methodist Children's Center

The Children's Center is known as the place to be for nurturing care for babies all the way through school age children. We have a wonderful learning environment where all the important things are taught at each stage of development. Our program is second to none, and in 2007, the Children’s Center was chosen to be a test site for establishing the Environment Rating Scales through the MSU Early Childhood Institute. During the assessment, CMCC’s program scored a near perfect score, acknowledging the efforts of the excellent staff over the prior 15 years to provide a premiere program for early education. The Quality Rating Systems program (QRS) is now offered throughout the state to help raise the standard of early care and education for all Mississippi’s children. A copy of the CMCC Mission Statement is at the bottom of this page.

Located at 21 Crossgates Drive in Brandon, The Children's Center opened in May 1992 as a ministry of Crossgates United Methodist Church to serve the Brandon community. With full-time programs for children age six weeks to age four and an after school program, the Children’s Center currently serves almost 200 families in the community. It is our mission to provide the highest quality of early childhood education for the children of Brandon, not only focusing on cognitive skills, but also physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual development. We provide a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to reach their fullest potential through learning activities and play. Hours of operation for The Children’s Center are 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Children’s Center is listed as a non-profit organization with the state of Mississippi.

We use Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) as our curriculum guidelines, as well as The Early Learning Guidelines (ELGs) and the Early Learning Standards (ELSs) for the state of Mississippi. Preschool classrooms use WEE Learn, which is a DAP bible-based curriculum. From infants up to school age children, we want all the children to know of God's love for them! DAP curriculum can also be known as learning center style, discovery or exploratory learning, and play-based learning. Whatever you call it, research has shown that it is the VERY BEST way for young children to learn!

We do have a waiting list in most age groups, so prospective parents are urged to plan a visit as soon as they know they will need a spot. Scroll down this page for waiting list information which includes answers to many parent questions. A visit to the Center is a must in order to get on the waiting list; at that time, CMCC Staff will be happy to extend a tour through the program. Call to set up a tour; walk-ins are always welcome, but tours are not given during rest time.