The Best Daycare Centers in Fanshawe, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fanshawe. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fanshawe
Kiddin' Around Learning Center
Independent
Kiddin' Around Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located approximately 15 miles from Fanshawe in Poteau. They offer a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants through preschool. The center features certified early childhood educators, low teacher-to-child ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their program emphasizes developmental milestones, social-emotional learning, and school readiness with structured learning centers, outdoor play areas, and enrichment activities. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains excellent health and safety protocols with regular staff training.
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Little Hands Learning Center
Independent
Little Hands Learning Center serves the Le Flore County area including Fanshawe residents, located about 12 miles away in Poteau. This center offers a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development, math concepts, and social skills through hands-on activities and learning centers. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated infant care areas with separate sleeping spaces. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with emphasis on individualized attention and developmental tracking.
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Heavener Head Start
Community Action Agency
Heavener Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education services to families in the Fanshawe area, located approximately 8 miles away. As part of the federally-funded Head Start program, they offer comprehensive early childhood services with emphasis on school readiness, health, and family support. The program employs degreed early childhood educators and follows research-based curriculum aligned with Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines. Services include health screenings, nutritious meals, family engagement activities, and special needs support. The facility maintains excellent safety standards with secure environments, trained staff in CPR/first aid, and regular developmental assessments to track each child's progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fanshawe, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fanshawe, OK, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Fanshawe and throughout Oklahoma, 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 centers and family childcare homes must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or contact the OKDHS Licensing Services unit directly. It's crucial to confirm this, as licensed providers in Fanshawe are subject to regular inspections and must comply with state-mandated protections for your child.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Fanshawe area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in a smaller community like Fanshawe, waitlists can vary but often range from several months to over a year, especially for infant care. To improve your chances, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Contact all local options, including licensed family childcare homes in the surrounding Le Flore County area. Be proactive: get on multiple waitlists, ask about their specific process (some require a deposit), and follow up politely every few months. Also, explore alternatives like registered in-home providers or shared nanny arrangements with other local families, which may have more immediate availability.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fanshawe, OK?
While costs are generally lower than in major Oklahoma cities, full-time daycare in Fanshawe and rural Le Flore County typically ranges from **$120 to $180 per week** for one child, depending on the age of the child (infants cost more) and the type of provider (centers are often at the higher end). Licensed family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (meals, snacks, supplies). For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers subsidy programs through OKDHS for eligible families; you can apply through the local OKDHS office in Poteau or nearby.
Are there any state or local programs in Oklahoma that help with daycare costs for families in Fanshawe?
Yes, the primary program is the Oklahoma Child Care Subsidy, administered by OKDHS. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or attending school). Families in Fanshawe would apply through the Le Flore County OKDHS office. Additionally, some providers may participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, which helps ensure nutritious meals. For local resources, you can contact the **Le Flore County Children's Coalition** or the **Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD)** Area Agency on Aging, which sometimes has information on childcare resources and support for the broader region.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Fanshawe, and are there any local red flags?
When touring a daycare in Fanshawe, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment (secured exits, covered outlets, safe outdoor play areas). Notice how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about their daily schedule, discipline policy, and emergency procedures for severe weather common in Oklahoma. Specifically for this area, a major red flag is a provider being unable or unwilling to show you their current OKDHS license. Also, be wary of providers who don't require immunization records, as Oklahoma has specific requirements. Ask for references from other local parents. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth and the overall feeling of the setting.