The Best Daycare Centers in Bartlesville, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bartlesville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bartlesville
Kiddie Land Early Learning Center
Kiddie Land Early Learning Center
Kiddie Land Early Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play areas. Their program includes age-appropriate STEM activities, literacy development, and character education. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and the center's commitment to individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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First Presbyterian Church Weekday School
First Presbyterian Church of Bartlesville
First Presbyterian Church Weekday School offers a faith-based early childhood program that combines Christian values with developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center employs degreed early childhood professionals who implement Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning centers. Facilities include secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated art and music spaces. The program emphasizes whole-child development through structured activities, free play, and social interaction. Parents highlight the experienced teaching staff, safe and clean environment, and the school's strong community feel with excellent parent communication.
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Sunshine Early Learning Center
Sunshine Early Learning Center
Sunshine Early Learning Center provides a structured educational environment with a focus on kindergarten readiness through their proprietary curriculum that blends Montessori and traditional approaches. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facility with surveillance systems, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Their program includes daily literacy activities, math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. The center is noted for its spacious classrooms, outdoor learning gardens, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parent reviews consistently mention the attentive staff, engaging learning activities, and excellent communication about child development progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bartlesville, OK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Bartlesville, OK, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Bartlesville, the cost for full-time daycare or preschool varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants, you can expect to pay between $700 to $950 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $600 to $800 per month. Accredited centers or those with specialized curricula (like Montessori) tend to be at the higher end of this range, while licensed in-home daycares may be more affordable. For financial assistance, Oklahoma's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Child Care Subsidy Program for qualifying families based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, local organizations like the Bartlesville Regional United Way can provide guidance on available resources and scholarships. It's always recommended to inquire directly with the daycare about any sliding scale fees or sibling discounts they may offer.
How do I verify that a daycare in Bartlesville is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Bartlesville must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the Oklahoma Child Care Locator website. This public tool allows you to search by provider name or location and view their current license status, capacity, and any non-compliance citations from the past three years. You can also call the OKDHS Child Care Services office for the Northeast Region for assistance. When visiting a potential daycare, don't hesitate to ask the director to see their current license, which should be posted in a visible area. Checking this history is crucial, as it reveals how the facility has performed on health, safety, and program standards during state inspections.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Bartlesville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care and at highly regarded centers in Bartlesville. For infant spots (6 weeks to 12 months), it is not unusual to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For toddler and preschool programs, waitlists may be shorter, typically 2 to 6 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. Many parents in Bartlesville start researching and touring facilities 9-12 months before they need care. Be sure to ask each center about their specific waitlist policy, including whether a deposit is required to hold your spot and how often you need to check in to remain active on the list.
What are the main types of childcare options available to parents in Bartlesville, and what are the key differences?
Parents in Bartlesville generally have four main licensed options: 1. **Child Care Centers**: These are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. Examples include chains like Primrose School or local centers like Kiddie Park. They offer consistency and often have extended hours. 2. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes**: These are in-home providers licensed for a smaller number of children (typically 7-12), offering a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups. They can be more flexible and are often located in residential neighborhoods. 3. **Licensed Child Care Homes**: Similar to family homes but can be slightly larger. 4. **Part-Day Preschools**: Often affiliated with churches (e.g., First Presbyterian Weekday School) or community organizations, these typically offer programs for 3-5 year olds for a few hours a day, focusing on school readiness. The key differences involve environment, child-to-staff ratios, cost, flexibility, and educational approach. Touring each type is the best way to determine which setting fits your child's personality and your family's schedule.
Beyond basic licensing, what quality indicators or accreditations should I look for when choosing a daycare in Bartlesville?
While state licensing ensures minimum health and safety standards, looking for additional quality indicators can help you find exceptional care. In Bartlesville, seek out programs that are: * **Rated through Oklahoma's Reaching for the Stars (QRIS)**: This voluntary quality rating system gives programs a score from 1 to 3 Stars based on higher standards in learning environments, professional development, and family engagement. * **Nationally Accredited**: Look for accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). These require meeting rigorous standards. * **High Staff Retention**: Ask about teacher tenure. Low turnover creates stable, secure relationships for children. * **Engaged in Local Networks**: Centers that participate in the Bartlesville Early Childhood Coalition or the Washington County Smart Start Oklahoma initiative are often committed to community-wide quality improvement. Always observe the classroom interaction during a tour—warm, responsive, and engaging teachers are the most critical quality indicator of all.