The Best Daycare Centers in Cushing, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cushing. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cushing
Cushing Early Head Start
Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City
Cushing Early Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for infants and toddlers from low-income families. The center follows the Head Start performance standards with a focus on school readiness, offering developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes health screenings, nutritious meals, and strong family engagement components with regular parent-teacher conferences and home visits. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes creating nurturing, safe learning environments.
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Kiddie Cottage
Independent
Kiddie Cottage is a well-established childcare center serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. The center provides a structured educational program that includes Creative Curriculum for younger children and age-appropriate academic preparation for preschoolers. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and focuses on individualized attention. The facility features secure access, age-specific classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and offers enrichment activities including music, art, and physical education. Kiddie Cottage is known for its warm, family-oriented environment and strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular updates.
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Small World Learning Center
Independent
Small World Learning Center offers comprehensive childcare services with an emphasis on early childhood development and school readiness. The center implements a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic components for preschool-aged children. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The facility maintains high safety standards with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing training. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks and maintains clean, well-organized classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials and outdoor play areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cushing, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cushing, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Cushing, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff training. There are different categories, including Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Homes, and Part-Day Programs. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious non-compliance issues by using the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or by contacting the OKDHS Child Care Services office directly. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider for your child's safety and your peace of mind.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cushing, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Cushing, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $110 to $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), the age of your child, and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers a subsidy program through OKDHS for qualifying families based on income, employment, or education status. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's best to contact providers directly for their exact rates and inquire with the Payne County OKDHS office about subsidy eligibility.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Cushing, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlist times in Cushing can vary significantly. For the most sought-after centers, especially those serving infants, waitlists can be 3 to 6 months long, or even longer. Smaller in-home daycares may have shorter or no waitlists but fill spots quickly. We strongly recommend starting your search at least 4-6 months before you need care to have the best selection of options. If you are expecting a baby, it's wise to begin touring facilities and getting on lists during your second trimester. Be sure to ask each provider about their specific waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot.
Are there any daycare facilities in Cushing that offer non-traditional hours for parents working in the local oil, gas, or manufacturing industries?
Yes, given Cushing's role as a major pipeline hub with shift work in energy and related industries, some childcare providers offer extended or non-traditional hours. While standard hours are typically 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, a few licensed family child care homes or centers may offer evening, overnight, or weekend care to accommodate rotating shifts. These spots are limited and in high demand. Your best approach is to call providers directly and explicitly ask about their hours of operation and flexibility. Networking with other local shift workers can also lead to recommendations for caregivers who cater to this specific need.
What resources are available in Cushing to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
The primary resource is the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). You can use their free **Child Care Locator** online to search for all licensed providers in Cushing (74023) by zip code, filter by age, and view inspection summaries. For personalized help, you can contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Payne County; they can provide referrals, quality information, and guidance on what to look for during a visit. Locally, talking to other parents at places like the Cushing Public Library children's section, city parks, or through community Facebook groups can provide invaluable firsthand reviews and recommendations.