The Best Daycare Centers in Avant, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Avant. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Avant
Kiddie Academy of Sand Springs
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Sand Springs provides comprehensive educational childcare with a proprietary Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Located approximately 15 minutes from Avant, serving families throughout the region with structured educational programs from infants through school-age children.
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Primrose School of South Tulsa
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of South Tulsa offers balanced learning through their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and extensive playgrounds. All teachers meet state qualifications plus Primrose's additional training requirements. The program emphasizes character development, literacy, mathematics, and creative arts with a strong focus on building independence and problem-solving skills. Located about 20 minutes from Avant, this nationally accredited facility provides transportation services and serves as a premier early education option for families in the greater Tulsa area.
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Little Lighthouse Christian Preschool & Childcare
Little Lighthouse
Little Lighthouse Christian Preschool & Childcare provides faith-based early education in a nurturing environment. The curriculum integrates biblical principles with academic readiness skills, focusing on social development, literacy, and cognitive growth. The facility features secure access, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. Teachers are state-certified with additional training in child development and safety protocols. The center emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong family partnerships through regular communication and parent involvement opportunities. Located approximately 18 minutes from Avant, this established childcare center serves families throughout the Tulsa metropolitan area with comprehensive programs from infancy through school-age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Avant, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Avant, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Avant, Oklahoma, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Child Care Services. This includes family child care homes, child care centers, and part-day programs. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff training. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the free "Child Care Locator" tool on the OKDHS website, which shows the license type, capacity, and any recent compliance history. You can also ask the provider directly to see their current license certificate, which must be posted in a visible location. Given Avant's smaller size, most options will be licensed family homes or smaller centers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Avant, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Avant and the surrounding Osage County area, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in larger Oklahoma cities like Tulsa. For infants, you can expect to pay approximately $120-$180 per week at a licensed family home, and $150-$220 per week at a center. For toddlers, rates are slightly lower, typically $110-$160 per week. Financial assistance is available through the Oklahoma Child Care Subsidy Program (soon to be "Soonercare Child Care"), which helps eligible low-income families pay for care. You apply through OKDHS. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Avant, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to Avant's rural nature and limited number of providers, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for popular licensed family homes or the nearest centers in nearby towns like Barnsdall or Skiatook to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend starting your search at least 6-12 months before you need care. The best practice is to contact providers as soon as you know you're expecting or relocating to the area. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and pay a small deposit to hold your spot.
Are there any unique childcare options in Avant, such as faith-based preschools or programs that incorporate outdoor/agricultural activities?
Yes, Avant's community character influences its childcare options. Several licensed family child care homes and small centers may incorporate faith-based learning. Given the area's rural setting, some providers emphasize outdoor play and nature-based activities, taking advantage of larger yards and open spaces. While not a formal "farm preschool," it's common for local providers to have gardens, animals like chickens, or structured outdoor exploration time. For more structured preschool curriculum, parents often look to programs in nearby Barnsdall or Pawhuska. Always ask providers about their daily schedule and educational philosophy to find the right fit.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Avant, considering the specific setting of a small town?
When touring a facility in Avant, pay close attention to factors that are crucial in a smaller community. First, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, including secure outdoor play areas away from rural road traffic. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Oklahoma and their proximity to local emergency services. Inquire about staff longevity and local reputation—in a small town, providers are often well-known community members. Check for OKDHS licensing and inspection reports. Finally, notice how children interact with caregivers; a low staff turnover often indicates a stable, nurturing environment, which is a significant advantage in a tight-knit area like Avant.