The Best Daycare Centers in Depew, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Depew. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Depew
KinderCare Learning Center at 71st Street
KinderCare Education LLC
This center is part of the nationally recognized KinderCare network, offering a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Staff members are highly qualified with CPR and First Aid certifications, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise its structured learning environment and consistent communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences. Its proximity to Highway 75 makes it accessible for families in Depew and surrounding areas.
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Primrose School of South Tulsa
Primrose Schools Franchising Company
Primrose School of South Tulsa follows a balanced learning approach that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities, focusing on character development and academic readiness. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, with educators trained in early childhood development. Safety protocols include keypad entry, regular drills, and sanitization procedures. The facility offers immersive learning spaces, outdoor play areas, and a farm-to-table meal program. High parent satisfaction stems from its engaging curriculum and strong community involvement, serving families across the Tulsa metro area, including Depew.
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The Goddard School of Tulsa (South)
Goddard Systems, LLC
The Goddard School in South Tulsa provides a play-based learning curriculum that fosters cognitive, physical, and social growth through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center emphasizes safety with secured perimeters, health screenings, and low student-to-teacher ratios. Features include modern classrooms, outdoor exploration zones, and a focus on individualized learning plans. Parents value the school's transparent communication and flexibility, making it a preferred choice for commuters from Depew and nearby communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Depew, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Depew, OK, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Depew, Oklahoma, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). This includes family childcare homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health protocols, and facility requirements. To verify the license of any provider in Depew or Creek County, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online. It's crucial to check this status, as it provides a baseline of regulatory compliance. You can also contact the local OKDHS Child Care Services office for the Tulsa region, which oversees this area, to ask about a specific provider's history or any recent inspections.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Depew, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In Depew and the surrounding rural areas of Creek County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major Oklahoma cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $120-$160 per week, while toddler care might range from $100-$140 per week. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center) and included services. For financial assistance, Oklahoma's Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "welfare daycare") is available for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You can apply through the OKDHS website or your local OKDHS office in Sapulpa or Bristow, which serve Creek County residents.
Given Depew's rural location, what are my options if there are no immediate openings at licensed facilities in town?
Due to Depew's small size, licensed childcare options within the town limits are limited. If local providers have waitlists, parents often look to neighboring communities. The towns of Bristow (about 15 minutes east) and Stroud (about 20 minutes west) along I-44 offer more childcare centers and licensed home providers. Additionally, forming or joining a local cooperative playgroup with other parents can be a temporary solution. It's also worth inquiring with home-based providers about potential "drop-in" or part-time arrangements. Being proactive and getting on multiple waitlists early, even before your child is born, is a common strategy for parents in rural Oklahoma communities like Depew.
Are there any daycare facilities in Depew that offer preschool or early learning curriculum for 3- and 4-year-olds?
While dedicated preschools are rare in Depew itself, several licensed home daycares and any potential local centers often integrate early learning into their programs for preschoolers. Oklahoma has a strong focus on early childhood education through the state's "Reach for the Stars" quality rating system. You should ask providers specifically about their curriculum for 3- and 4-year-olds, looking for those that include activities for literacy, math, science, and social skills. For a more structured preschool program, many Depew families utilize options in Bristow, which may have facilities affiliated with the public school system or private preschools that offer partial-day programs alongside daycare services.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a potential daycare in Depew, considering the specific setting of a small town?
When visiting a daycare in a small community like Depew, beyond standard checks for cleanliness and safety, pay close attention to local factors. Ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Oklahoma (tornadoes) and their protocol for power outages. Inquire about outdoor play areas and how they handle the rural environment (e.g., proximity to fields, country roads). A significant advantage in a small town is community connection; ask if the provider has relationships with local elementary schools to ease the transition to kindergarten. Also, talk to other local parents at the post office or community events for their firsthand experiences and recommendations, as word-of-mouth is incredibly valuable in tight-knit areas.