The Best Daycare Centers in Afton, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Afton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Afton
The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play areas. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and focus on hands-on learning experiences. The center is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent communication system, with regular progress updates and family involvement opportunities.
Daycare Services:
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Grove
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids offers a nationally accredited STEAM-focused curriculum with advanced security features including electronic keypad entry and live streaming classroom viewing. Their Brain Development curriculum integrates technology with traditional learning methods. The facility includes state-of-the-art classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. Staff members undergo extensive training in child development and safety protocols. The center provides nutritious meals and emphasizes character development alongside academic preparation, with strong emphasis on literacy and mathematics readiness.
Daycare Services:
Tiny Tots Learning Center
Independent
Tiny Tots Learning Center provides a balanced approach to early childhood education with focus on developmental milestones and individualized attention. Their curriculum combines structured learning with creative expression through art, music, and movement. The center features secure, clean facilities with dedicated nap rooms and age-specific learning environments. Qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and implement ongoing assessment tracking. The program emphasizes social skills development, language acquisition, and early literacy. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and family-friendly atmosphere that makes children feel secure and engaged in learning.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Afton, OK
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Afton, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Afton, Oklahoma, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). This includes family childcare homes, group homes, and child care centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online. You can search by provider name, city (Afton), or zip code to see their current license type, any history of non-compliance, and their star rating within Oklahoma's Reaching for the Stars quality rating system. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider for your child's safety and your peace of mind.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Afton, OK?
Childcare costs in Afton and the surrounding Ottawa County area are generally more affordable than in larger Oklahoma cities, but prices vary based on the type of care and the provider's quality rating. On average, you can expect to pay between $120 and $180 per week for full-time care at a licensed family childcare home. Licensed childcare centers may range from $140 to $220 per week. Infant care is typically at the higher end of this scale due to lower staff-to-child ratios. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum). For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers subsidy programs through OKDHS for qualifying families.
Are there any licensed childcare centers in Afton itself, or will I need to look in neighboring towns?
Afton is a small, rural community, so licensed childcare options within the immediate city limits are limited, primarily consisting of licensed family childcare homes. For center-based care, parents often look to nearby larger towns such as Miami (OK), which is about a 15-minute drive north, or Vinita, which offers more choices. Many working parents in Afton commute to these neighboring towns for childcare. When searching, use the OKDHS locator with a broader search radius (e.g., 10-15 miles) to find all available licensed options in the area. Planning for potential travel time is a key consideration for Afton families.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare programs in the Afton area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers serving Afton and Ottawa County, waitlists for highly-rated programs (especially those with a 2 or 3-star rating in the Reaching for the Stars system) can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular family homes or centers in Miami to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months, particularly for infant spots. We recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist policy, any fees to be placed on it, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some local resources or organizations in Ottawa County that can help me find and evaluate childcare?
A key local resource is the **Ottawa County Health Department**, which can provide information on licensed providers and health requirements. The primary resource, however, is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Northeast Oklahoma**, which is a program of the Oklahoma Child Care Resource & Referral Association. They serve Ottawa County and offer free, personalized referrals to licensed childcare, help understanding quality indicators, and information on financial assistance programs. You can contact them via their statewide website or hotline. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community groups or social media can provide valuable firsthand insights into area providers.