The Best Daycare Centers in Hastings, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hastings. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hastings
Hastings Head Start Center
Community Action Development Corporation
Hastings Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in the Hastings area. The center follows the Head Start curriculum framework focusing on school readiness, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. All teachers meet Head Start qualification standards with ongoing professional development. The program includes health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support services. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas designed specifically for early childhood development.
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Kiddie Korner Child Development Center
Independent
Located in nearby Hollis (serving the Hastings area), Kiddie Korner Child Development Center offers a structured educational program with age-appropriate curriculum for infants through pre-K. The center emphasizes early literacy, math readiness, and social skills development through play-based learning. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing early childhood education training. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with educational materials, and fenced outdoor play areas. The center is known for its small teacher-to-child ratios and individualized attention.
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Little Eagles Learning Center
Independent
Serving families throughout Jackson County including Hastings, Little Eagles Learning Center in Altus provides comprehensive childcare with a focus on school readiness and character development. The center uses a balanced curriculum incorporating Creative Curriculum elements with STEM activities and literacy development. Qualified early childhood educators maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure monitoring systems, modern learning environments, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The center offers flexible scheduling and is praised for its communication with parents and nutritious meal program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hastings, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hastings, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Oklahoma, all childcare facilities, including those in Hastings, 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. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or by contacting the OKDHS Child Care Services office directly. It's crucial to choose a licensed provider, as this is your primary assurance of regulated care standards. Unlicensed care, except for very small in-home operations that are legally exempt, is not recommended.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hastings, OK, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Hastings and the surrounding rural areas of Oklahoma, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $160 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Oklahoma cities but can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through OKDHS for qualifying families based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, you can inquire with local providers about any private scholarships or sliding scale fees they may offer.
Are there many daycare options in Hastings, OK, and is it common to encounter waitlists?
Hastings is a small, rural community, so daycare options are more limited compared to larger cities. You will typically find a mix of licensed family childcare homes and possibly a smaller childcare center. Due to this limited supply, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Expanding your search to nearby towns like Hollis or Mangum may provide additional options, though this will involve a longer commute.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare facility in a small town like Hastings?
When touring a daycare in Hastings, pay close attention to both the state-required basics and the unique aspects of a rural setting. First, confirm their OKDHS license is visibly posted. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, both indoors and outdoors. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Oklahoma (like tornadoes) and their protocol for medical emergencies, considering the distance to the nearest hospital. Inquire about the daily schedule, educational philosophy, and how they facilitate play and socialization in a potentially smaller group setting. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents, as community reputation is very strong in small towns.
How do daycare programs in Hastings incorporate early learning and prepare children for school, given the rural setting?
Many licensed daycare providers in Hastings follow the Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Even in a rural setting, quality programs focus on school readiness through structured play, reading, basic math concepts, and social skill development. Some providers may participate in state-funded programs like Reach for the Stars, a quality rating system, which indicates a higher standard of curriculum and teacher interaction. It's important to ask specific questions about their daily learning activities, how they track developmental milestones, and their communication with parents about progress. Some facilities may also partner with the local public school district for transition programs as children approach kindergarten age.