The Best Daycare Centers in Oxford, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oxford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oxford
First Baptist Church Oxford Child Development Center
First Baptist Church Oxford
This church-affiliated center provides a comprehensive Christian-based educational program with a strong focus on early childhood development. They employ certified early childhood educators who implement age-appropriate curriculum including ABC Jesus Loves Me for biblical foundation and Creative Curriculum for academic development. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms, and large outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers nutritional meal programs.
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Anniston First United Methodist Church Preschool
First United Methodist Church of Anniston
Located just 10 minutes from Oxford, this highly-regarded preschool offers a play-based learning environment with structured academic preparation. The program focuses on social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and Christian values. Certified teachers with early childhood degrees implement developmentally appropriate practices in bright, well-equipped classrooms. The center features secure entry systems, regularly sanitized facilities, and a fenced outdoor playground. Parents consistently report excellent preparation for kindergarten and caring, qualified staff who maintain strong parent-teacher communication.
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Jacksonville Christian Academy
Jacksonville Christian Academy
Serving the Oxford-Anniston-Jacksonville area, this accredited Christian academy provides a comprehensive early childhood program from infants through pre-K. The curriculum blends Abeka academic foundations with hands-on learning experiences and biblical integration. The facility includes age-specific classrooms, secure playgrounds, and modern safety systems. Staff members hold early childhood certifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The academy maintains small class sizes, offers extended hours, and provides transportation services. Parents highlight the strong academic preparation, safe environment, and dedicated teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oxford, AL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Oxford, AL, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Oxford, Alabama, the cost of full-time daycare can vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $125 to $175 per week at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates often range from $110 to $150. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can change. For financial assistance, Alabama offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of East Central Alabama may provide resources or referrals for support. Always inquire directly with providers about any available sibling discounts or scholarship opportunities.
How can I verify if a daycare in Oxford is properly licensed and what are Alabama's key regulations for child-to-staff ratios?
Verifying a daycare's license in Oxford is crucial for safety. You can check the official status of any licensed child care facility through the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) Child Care Services Division website or by calling their office. Alabama has strict staff-to-child ratios that Oxford providers must follow. For infants (0-18 months), the ratio is 1 staff member for every 4 infants. For toddlers (18-36 months), it's 1:6. For 3-year-olds, it's 1:12, and for 4-year-olds and older, it's 1:15. Licensed facilities also require background checks for all staff, specific health and safety training, and regular inspections. Always ask to see the facility's current license during your tour.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Oxford, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care, many reputable daycare centers in Oxford do maintain waitlists. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. Popular centers near major employers or in growing neighborhoods may have even longer waits. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring a mix of larger centers, church-affiliated preschools, and licensed in-home providers in Oxford can increase your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Oxford, AL?
While full-time care is most common, Oxford does offer some part-time and flexible options. Several daycare centers offer part-week schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week), though these spots can be limited and may not be cheaper on a per-day basis. For true drop-in or occasional care, your best bets are typically licensed family childcare homes that have more flexible policies or specialized drop-in centers, though these are less prevalent in Oxford itself. You may need to look at neighboring cities like Anniston for more consistent drop-in facilities. Another option is to use reputable online caregiver marketplaces to find local, vetted babysitters for occasional needs. Always ensure any occasional caregiver is properly vetted and insured.
Beyond basic care, what educational or enrichment programs are commonly offered by Oxford daycares for preschool-aged children?
Many daycare centers in Oxford incorporate structured preschool curricula to prepare children for kindergarten. Common programs include Alabama's "First Class Pre-K" standards, which may be adopted by state-funded voluntary pre-K programs within some centers. You'll often find a focus on early literacy (like the DIBELS assessment), basic math concepts, science exploration, and social-emotional learning. Enrichment activities vary but can include weekly music and movement, introductory Spanish, outdoor play on secured playgrounds, and faith-based learning at church-affiliated centers. When touring, ask about their daily schedule, curriculum name (like Creative Curriculum or HighScope), and how they track and communicate your child's developmental progress. Some centers also offer summer "camp" programs for school-age children.