The Best Daycare Centers in Hillsdale, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hillsdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hillsdale
Primrose School of Enid
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Enid offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor learning environments. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills. All teachers are Early Childhood Education certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents praise the structured yet nurturing environment and strong communication through their parent app.
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YMCA of Enid Child Development Center
YMCA of Enid
The YMCA Child Development Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on whole-child development. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, cognitive development, and physical growth through play-based activities. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, large indoor play areas, and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds. All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and participate in ongoing child development training. The YMCA's values-based approach incorporates character development while meeting Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines. Parents appreciate the inclusive environment and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Kiddie Korner Child Development Center
Independent
Kiddie Korner provides a structured educational environment with a comprehensive curriculum that includes phonics, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, separate age-appropriate playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and focuses on individualized learning plans. The curriculum aligns with Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines and prepares children for kindergarten success. Additional features include nutritious meal programs, regular parent-teacher conferences, and developmental assessments. Parents consistently praise the caring staff and academic preparation children receive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hillsdale, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hillsdale, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Hillsdale, Oklahoma, all childcare facilities 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. For family childcare homes (caring for up to 7 children) and childcare centers, licensing includes background checks, facility inspections, and required training in areas like CPR and First Aid. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or contact the OKDHS Child Care Services licensing office directly. It's crucial to confirm this, as it's your primary assurance of regulated care standards in our community.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hillsdale, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Hillsdale area, average costs for full-time infant care typically range from $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $120 to $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through OKDHS for eligible families based on income, employment, or education requirements. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Garfield County OKDHS office for detailed subsidy information and to ask individual daycare centers about their specific pricing and discount policies.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Hillsdale, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Hillsdale, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For toddler and preschool-aged children, wait times may be shorter but can still be several months. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Contacting multiple providers to get on several lists increases your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
Are there any unique childcare options in Hillsdale, such as faith-based programs, part-time care, or preschools embedded within local schools?
Hillsdale offers a mix of childcare options. There are faith-based daycare programs associated with local churches, which often incorporate religious teachings into their curriculum. Part-time or drop-in care can be harder to find but may be available through some licensed family childcare homes. For preschool-aged children, you might explore options in nearby larger towns like Enid, but some local home-based providers offer structured preschool programs. Currently, Hillsdale itself does not have a public school district-operated pre-K program, so most early childhood education is provided through private daycare centers or licensed homes in the immediate area.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Hillsdale, and are there any local resources to help me compare options?
When touring a daycare in Hillsdale, look beyond the basics. Observe how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Check for cleanliness, safe outdoor play areas, and ask about their daily schedule and educational philosophy. Specifically inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Oklahoma. Ask for references from other local parents. To compare options, use the OKDHS Child Care Locator, which includes inspection reports and licensing details. Also, consider joining local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Hillsdale, OK Community") to ask for firsthand parent recommendations and experiences, which are invaluable in a small town.