The Best Daycare Centers in Dougherty, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dougherty. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dougherty
The Goddard School of Ardmore
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ardmore offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development through play-based activities. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular updates, with particular emphasis on individualized attention and developmental milestone tracking.
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Primrose School of Ardmore
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Ardmore follows the Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and life skills. Their curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and creative arts integrated throughout the day. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios, secure monitoring systems, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Teachers are trained in early childhood development and CPR/first aid certified. Parents consistently praise the school's structured environment, engaging learning activities, and the staff's dedication to each child's emotional and academic growth.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a curriculum that balances academic preparation and social-emotional development. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers in each classroom. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. The center is particularly noted for its family-like atmosphere, flexible scheduling options, and strong emphasis on building foundational skills through individualized learning plans and regular progress assessments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dougherty, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Dougherty, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Oklahoma, all childcare facilities, including those in Dougherty, must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) unless they are legally exempt (like small family home care for a limited number of children). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff training in areas like CPR and First Aid. To verify a facility's license and compliance history, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or contact the OKDHS Child Care Services office directly. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or commendations before enrolling your child.
Given Dougherty's rural location, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
Due to its small, rural community size, Dougherty primarily offers home-based childcare (licensed family child care homes) rather than large daycare centers. These in-home providers often offer more flexible hours, which can be beneficial for families with non-traditional work schedules common in agricultural or shift-work roles in the area. Because the number of providers is limited, waitlists are very common, especially for infants and toddlers. It's advisable to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care and to contact multiple providers to get on their waitlists.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Dougherty, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In rural areas like Dougherty, costs can vary but are generally lower than in Oklahoma's metropolitan areas. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay an average of $100-$150 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. However, prices are set by individual providers. 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 community action agencies or nonprofits may offer limited support; contacting the Murray County Health Department or local family resource centers can provide guidance on available aid.
Are there any daycare or preschool programs in Dougherty that incorporate outdoor or nature-based learning, considering the local environment?
While structured nature-based preschools are rare in small towns, many local home-based providers in Dougherty naturally incorporate the rural environment into daily activities. It's common for providers to have safe outdoor play areas and to take children on walks, engage in gardening, or incorporate local wildlife and plant life into learning. When touring a potential childcare home, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time, play space safety, and how they use the natural surroundings for education. This hands-on, outdoor experience is often a valued benefit of childcare in a community like Dougherty.
What should I look for when evaluating the safety and preparedness of a daycare provider in Dougherty for severe weather, which is common in Oklahoma?
This is a critical consideration for Oklahoma parents. A reputable provider in Dougherty should have a clear, written emergency plan for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and extreme heat/cold. During your visit, ask to see their designated safe room (like a storm shelter or interior bathroom without windows) and inquire how often they practice tornado drills with the children. Also, verify they have emergency supplies (water, first aid kit, weather radio) and a communication plan to notify parents during and after an event. Their licensing through OKDHS requires an emergency preparedness plan, so you can ask to review it as part of your evaluation.