Early Encounters

Early Encounters is the full-time preschool and daycare ministry of Parkway Heights.


Early Encounters' Mission: Early Encounters believes that all children begin learning at birth.  It is the role of the teacher to provide guidance and expectations for the child that gives them positive learning experiences. We believe learning should be fun, challenging and always age-appropriate.  It is our goal to instill a love for learning and the ability to make good choices in all children who enter our program.


Classes are available for students eight weeks old through Pre-K.

Early Encounters offers:

  • low staff to child ratios
  • high quality learning environments
  • use of Mississippi Early Learning Standards and Guidelines
  • highly qualified staff
  • inclusion certified teachers
  • kindergarten readiness
  • weekly lessons plans using Frogstreet curricula
  • weekly Bible verses and Chapel every Monday (for 2s-Pre-K) using Heartshaper by David C. Cook
  • nutritional meals following USDA regulations
  • field trip opportunities
  • volunteer opportunities
  • clean classrooms & safe playground/facility
  • breast feeding advocacy
  • open door policy

  • cameras throughout center

  • opportunities to enroll in Stretch-n-Grow programs (additional fee)



Early Encounters is an equal opportunity provider.

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.


Contact the director for more information and to inquire about class openings.


Check us out on Facebook!


2420 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS  39401

601.544.1591

Tuition Rates & Other Notes

Infants, Ones & Twos: $640/month
Threes, Fours & Pre-K: $600/month

The afterschool program has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.


Tuition payments are made by automatic draft.


Early Encounters accepts child care certificates from DECCD.


A non-refundable registration fee of $150 is due upon registration and once a year in August.


A decision about summer camp for 2021 has not been determined yet.