The Best Daycare Centers in Claremore, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Claremore. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Claremore
Kiddie Academy of Claremore
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Claremore offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their educational approach emphasizes hands-on learning through dedicated learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and age-appropriate technology integration. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and provides nutritious meals through their included meal program. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, structured daily routines, and the developmental progress they see in their children.
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The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy provides a play-based learning environment combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on early literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and social skills development through themed learning units. The center features degreed early childhood educators, secure facility access, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular emergency drills. Classrooms are organized into learning centers that encourage independent exploration, with outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. The academy emphasizes parent partnerships through daily communication logs, regular parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events. Their program includes enrichment activities like music, movement, and Spanish language exposure.
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Primrose School of Owasso
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Owasso, serving the Claremore area as part of the Tulsa metropolitan region, offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from master's-level curriculum developers. The school features accredited early childhood teachers, secure campus with limited access entry, and comprehensive safety systems. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, mathematics, and STEAM activities through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Primrose provides family communication through a proprietary app, regular developmental assessments, and nutritious chef-prepared meals. The school maintains high standards with ongoing teacher training and development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Claremore, OK
What are the typical costs for daycare in Claremore, OK, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Claremore, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants, full-time care typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week, while toddler care often falls between $130 and $200 per week. Preschool programs can range from $110 to $180 weekly. These rates are generally lower than in larger Oklahoma cities like Tulsa but have been rising. For financial assistance, parents can apply for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the Rogers County DHS office in Claremore for specific eligibility requirements and application guidance.
How do I verify a daycare is licensed and what are the key state regulations for childcare centers in Oklahoma?
All childcare facilities in Claremore must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a center's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the Oklahoma Child Care Locator website or by calling the DHS Child Care Services unit. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for 2-year-olds), background checks for all employees, and required health and safety training. Centers must also meet specific standards for facilities, nutrition, and programming. In Claremore, you can also ask the center directly for their license certificate, which should be prominently displayed.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Claremore, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Waitlists for daycare, especially for infants, are common in Claremore due to limited capacity and high demand for quality care. Popular centers and home-based providers often have waitlists ranging from 3 to 9 months. For infant care, it is highly recommended to start your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask about their specific waitlist policies, any fees to hold a spot, and how often they update availability. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes, can increase your chances of securing a spot when needed.
What types of childcare options are available in Claremore besides traditional daycare centers?
Claremore offers a variety of childcare options to suit different family needs. These include licensed childcare centers (often associated with churches or private organizations), licensed family childcare homes (smaller, home-based settings), preschools (typically for ages 3-5 with more educational focus), and part-time or Mother's Day Out programs offered by local churches. There are also in-home nanny services, though these are less regulated. For school-age children, the Claremore Public Schools district may offer before and after-school care programs at certain elementary schools. Exploring these alternatives can provide flexibility in schedule, cost, and educational approach.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Claremore, and are there any local resources to help compare options?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, check for secure entrances, and note if the staff is engaged and interacting positively with children. Ask about their daily schedule, curriculum, staff qualifications and turnover, discipline policies, and sick child protocols. Inquire about their outdoor play area and meal provisions. For local comparison, use the Oklahoma Child Care Locator tool online, which provides DHS quality ratings (1 to 3 stars) and inspection reports. You can also seek recommendations through local Facebook groups like "Claremore Moms" or contact the Rogers County Health Department for additional guidance on health and safety standards in childcare settings.
Childcare Insights for Claremore
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent, and if you’re searching for “daycare around me” in Claremore, Oklahoma, you’re likely seeking a place that feels like an extension of your own home. The good news is that Claremore offers a wonderful mix of nurturing environments, from established childcare centers to licensed in-home providers, all within the fabric of our friendly community. The key is knowing where to look and what to consider specifically for our area.
Start your search by tapping into the local networks that make Claremore special. Beyond a simple online search, consider asking for recommendations at places like the Will Rogers Memorial Museum’s community events or from other parents at the Claremore Aquatic Center. Local Facebook groups, such as those for Claremore parents, are often invaluable resources for honest, firsthand reviews of daycares. Many providers here build their reputations through word-of-mouth, a testament to the close-knit nature of our town. Once you have a few names, a crucial step is to verify their licensing with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). This public record confirms they meet state health, safety, and staff training standards, giving you essential peace of mind.
When visiting potential daycares in Claremore, pay close attention to factors that impact daily life here. Inquire about their policies for Oklahoma’s varied weather; a good provider will have safe outdoor play areas for sunny days and engaging indoor activities for when tornado watches or severe heat keep children inside. Ask about their daily structure and how they incorporate learning through play. You might find programs that include elements of local culture or history, which can be a special touch in our city. Don’t hesitate to ask about staff longevity—low turnover is often a sign of a happy, stable environment for your child.
Logistics are a practical reality for busy families. Consider the daycare’s location relative to major routes like Highway 66 or Highway 20, especially if your commute takes you towards Pryor, Catoosa, or Tulsa. Ask detailed questions about hours of operation to ensure they align with common work schedules in the area, and be clear on their policies for holidays, as some centers may follow the Claremore Public Schools calendar for closures. Finally, trust your instincts during a visit. The right place in Claremore will not only be clean and safe but will also have an atmosphere where you can easily picture your child laughing, learning, and thriving. Taking the time to find that perfect fit is an investment in your child’s happiness and your own confidence throughout the day.