The Best Daycare Centers in Amber, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Amber. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Amber
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Amber area from nearby Mustang. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones with age-appropriate learning activities. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a security-coded entry system. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy development, and outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong educational foundation provided. The center serves children from 6 weeks through school age with flexible scheduling options.
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Kiddie Academy of Yukon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Yukon provides high-quality educational childcare serving families in the Amber area. Their Life Essentials curriculum focuses on character development, social skills, and academic readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, nutritious meal programs, and highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The academy emphasizes technology integration, literacy development, and physical activity. Parents report excellent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, with many noting significant developmental progress in their children.
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Mustang Early Childhood Center
Mustang Public Schools
Mustang Early Childhood Center is part of the Mustang Public School District and serves the Amber community with a strong focus on school readiness. The center employs certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education and developmentally appropriate practices. Their comprehensive curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies aligned with Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, secure entry systems, and specialized play areas. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, communication skills, and foundational academic concepts, with many graduates demonstrating strong kindergarten readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Amber, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Amber, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Oklahoma, all childcare facilities, including those in Amber, must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain small in-home operations). Licensed facilities must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and nutrition. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or contact the OKDHS Child Care Services office directly. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Amber, OK?
In Amber and the surrounding Grady County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major Oklahoma metros like OKC or Tulsa, but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family childcare homes may range from $100 to $150 per week. These are estimates, and prices can differ based on specific programs, hours, and included amenities like meals or curriculum. Always inquire about what the weekly fee includes and if there are additional costs for registration, supplies, or late pick-up.
Are there any state or local programs in Amber that help with childcare costs for qualifying families?
Yes, the primary program is Oklahoma's Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by OKDHS. This program provides financial assistance to low-income families who are working, attending school, or in job training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Families in Amber apply through their local OKDHS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. It's also worth checking with employers in the area, such as those in Chickasha or Tuttle, as some may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or other benefits.
How common are waitlists for daycare centers in Amber, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the smaller number of dedicated daycare facilities in a town like Amber, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms can be common, especially at highly-regarded centers. It's not unusual for a wait to be several months. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 3-6 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers, get on their waitlists (which may require a small fee), and follow up periodically. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Chickasha, Tuttle, or Blanchard, which may have more options. Being flexible on your start date can also help.
What types of childcare settings are most available in Amber, and what are the key differences?
In Amber, the most common options are licensed family childcare homes and smaller daycare centers. Family homes offer a home-like environment with mixed-age groups and often more flexible hours, which can be ideal for shift workers common in the area's agricultural and industrial sectors. Daycare centers typically offer a more structured preschool-like environment with dedicated classrooms by age. Due to Amber's rural setting, larger corporate chains are less common. Another option to explore is faith-based programs often associated with local churches, which may offer part-day preschool programs in addition to full-time care. The key differences lie in environment, group size, structure, and often, cost.