The Best Daycare Centers in Calera, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Calera. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Calera
Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a Christian-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones. The center features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler areas, and preschool classrooms. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and are trained in CPR and early childhood development. The facility includes secure indoor learning spaces and safe outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. Parents praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and focus on both academic and social development.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage provides a structured educational program that balances academic preparation with play-based learning. The center uses Creative Curriculum with daily lesson plans focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills. Certified early childhood educators lead small group activities, and the facility includes dedicated art, music, and motor skills areas. Security features include keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center is noted for its clean, organized environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Durant Early Learning Center
Independent
Durant Early Learning Center offers a research-based curriculum that emphasizes school readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The center features Montessori-inspired learning stations and developmentally appropriate materials. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes separate playgrounds for different age groups, nutritious meal programs, and comprehensive security systems. Parents consistently praise the center's experienced staff, engaging curriculum, and excellent communication about child progress and daily activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Calera, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Calera, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Calera, Oklahoma, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Child Care Services. This licensing ensures they meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and facility safety. For family childcare homes, a license is required if they care for more than 5 children. You can verify a provider's license status, view their latest monitoring reports, and check for any serious non-compliance issues by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the OKDHS website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider in Calera to ensure a baseline of safety and quality for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Calera, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Calera and the surrounding Bryan County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week. For toddlers, costs may be slightly lower, around $110 to $160 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Oklahoma cities. For financial assistance, Oklahoma's Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "welfare daycare") helps eligible low-income families. You apply through the local OKDHS office in Durant, which serves Bryan County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many options for drop-in or part-time childcare in Calera, or is full-time enrollment typically required?
Options for drop-in or part-time care in Calera are limited compared to full-time programs. Most licensed home-based providers and the primary daycare centers in town primarily structure their business around full-time weekly contracts to ensure stable enrollment and income. However, some in-home providers may offer part-time slots (e.g., 2-3 days a week) if space is available. For true drop-in or occasional care, your best bet is to inquire with individual registered family homes or look into providers in the nearby city of Durant, which may have more flexible options. Planning and securing a spot well in advance is crucial in this smaller community.
What are the typical waitlist times for daycare centers in Calera, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare facilities in Calera, waitlists can be common, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's not unusual for a waitlist to be 3 to 6 months long, or even longer for highly sought-after providers. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 4-6 months before they need the care to start. Contacting providers directly to ask about their current enrollment and waitlist policy is the most effective strategy.
Beyond basic daycare, are there any preschool or early learning programs integrated into childcare options in Calera?
Yes, several childcare providers in Calera incorporate early learning curricula into their programs. Some licensed family homes and centers participate in Oklahoma's Early Childhood Program (ECP) or use structured curricula like Creative Curriculum. For a more formal preschool experience, Calera Public Schools offers a state-funded Pre-K program for 4-year-olds, but it follows the school calendar and hours, which may not cover full working days. Some local daycare providers may offer a "wrap-around" service for school-age Pre-K children. It's important to ask potential providers specifically about their daily educational structure, lesson plans, and how they prepare children for kindergarten to find the best fit for your child's developmental needs.