The Best Daycare Centers in Durham, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Durham. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Durham
Roger Mills Learning Center
Roger Mills County
Roger Mills Learning Center serves as the primary childcare facility for Roger Mills County, including the Durham area. This established center offers comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. The center is known for its strong safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication. Their preschool program prepares children for kindergarten with literacy, math, and social skills development.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center provides high-quality childcare services to families throughout Roger Mills County, including Durham residents. The center follows a structured educational approach that combines Montessori principles with traditional early learning methods. Features include certified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and individualized learning plans. The facility offers secure, age-appropriate environments with modern safety features, including secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents consistently praise the center's engaging curriculum, caring staff, and excellent communication about child development progress and daily activities.
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Cheyenne Head Start
Community Action Agency
Cheyenne Head Start serves as a vital early childhood education resource for Durham and surrounding Roger Mills County communities. This federally-funded program provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income families. The center employs qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness skills, social-emotional development, and cognitive growth. The program includes family support services, health screenings, and nutritious meals. Facilities feature developmentally appropriate learning spaces and outdoor play areas designed to support holistic child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Durham, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Durham, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Oklahoma, all childcare facilities, including those in Durham, must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain small in-home operations). Licensed facilities must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and nutritional guidelines. To verify a specific daycare's license status in the Durham area, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or contact the OKDHS Child Care Services licensing office directly. It's crucial to choose a licensed provider to ensure your child is in a regulated and monitored environment.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Durham, OK area?
Childcare costs in Durham and surrounding rural areas of Oklahoma are generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas, but prices vary by type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $600 to $800 per month for full-time infant care. In-home family childcare homes may range from $500 to $700 monthly. Costs for toddlers are typically slightly lower. It's important to note that Oklahoma offers subsidy programs for qualifying families through OKDHS, and some local providers may offer sibling discounts. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what's included (meals, supplies, etc.) when comparing costs.
Are there any state-funded pre-K or early childhood programs available for 4-year-olds in Durham?
Yes, Oklahoma is a national leader in public pre-K education. The Oklahoma Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program is available for all 4-year-olds at no cost to families. In Durham, this program is typically administered through the local public school district. Enrollment is handled by the district, and transportation may be provided. These programs are held to high educational standards and are taught by certified teachers. Spaces can fill quickly, so parents should contact their local elementary school or district administration office well in advance of the school year to inquire about registration timelines and any residency requirements.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Durham, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the rural nature of the area, licensed daycare options in Durham itself may be limited, which can lead to waitlists, especially for infant care. Wait times can range from a few weeks to several months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 3-4 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up with a polite phone call every 4-6 weeks. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Balko or Forgan. Building a relationship with a provider by visiting and expressing genuine interest can sometimes move you up the list.
What are the key health and safety questions I should ask when touring a daycare in Durham?
Beyond checking the OKDHS license, ask specific questions tailored to local concerns. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Oklahoma, like tornadoes—where is the safe room? Ask about their sick child policy and how they handle common illnesses. Verify that all staff are CPR and First Aid certified. For outdoor play, ask about sun protection and insect safety. Given the agricultural surroundings, ask about their policy on handwashing after outdoor play and how they ensure playground equipment is safe and clean. Finally, request to see their most recent OKDHS licensing report, which details any past violations.