The Best Daycare Centers in Crawford, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crawford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crawford
Crawford Head Start
Community Action Agency of Oklahoma
Crawford Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families. The center focuses on school readiness through evidence-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Certified teachers with early childhood credentials implement developmentally appropriate practices in small classroom settings. The program includes health screenings, nutritious meals, and family engagement services. As part of the federal Head Start network, they maintain rigorous safety standards and regular quality assessments.
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Kiddin' Around Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Poteau (approximately 15 minutes from Crawford), Kiddin' Around Learning Center offers a structured educational environment with age-appropriate curriculum for all developmental stages. The center features state-certified early childhood educators who implement Creative Curriculum with STEAM integration. Facilities include secure indoor learning centers, monitored outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated infant rooms with low child-to-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes safety with keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Parents appreciate the daily communication through Brightwheel app and focus on individualized learning plans.
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Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center in Poteau serves the Crawford area with a faith-based approach to early childhood education. The center offers a balanced curriculum combining academic preparation with character development. Certified teachers provide individualized attention in small classroom settings, focusing on literacy development, early math concepts, and social skills. The facility includes age-separated playgrounds, secure entry systems, and modern learning materials. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and offers flexible scheduling options including part-time care. Nutrition programs include USDA-approved meals and snacks with accommodation for dietary restrictions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crawford, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Crawford, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Crawford, Oklahoma, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain small in-home operations). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), facility safety, and nutritional guidelines. To verify a provider's license status, 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 Crawford, OK, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Crawford and the surrounding rural areas of LeFlore County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $100 to $150 per week. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and whether it is a center or a home-based provider. For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through OKDHS for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Crawford, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare options in a small community like Crawford, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care, and may range from a few weeks to several months. It's advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their position. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Poteau or Heavener for more options.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Crawford, OK, and what are the pros and cons of each?
In Crawford, parents typically find two main types of licensed childcare: licensed family childcare homes and licensed childcare centers (though centers may be in nearby larger towns). Family childcare homes are smaller, home-based settings often offering a more flexible, family-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be great for siblings. Childcare centers, often found in Poteau, provide a more structured educational setting with multiple staff and dedicated classrooms. The choice depends on your preference for environment, schedule flexibility, and educational philosophy. Given Crawford's size, family childcare homes are often the most locally accessible option.
Are there any daycare facilities in Crawford that offer specialized care, such as for children with special needs or programs for school-age children during summer?
While specialized resources are more limited in small rural communities, some providers in Crawford and the surrounding LeFlore County area may accommodate children with mild special needs, depending on staff training and facility capabilities. It's crucial to have open discussions with providers about your child's specific requirements. For school-age summer care, options are sparse in Crawford itself, but some local family daycare homes or programs in Poteau (like the Boys & Girls Club or summer camps through the school district) may offer solutions. Planning ahead and exploring partnerships between local organizations is key for school-age care during breaks.