The Best Daycare Centers in Hulbert, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hulbert. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hulbert
Kiddie Kollege Child Development Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Hulbert area from nearby Tahlequah. They offer a comprehensive developmental program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants through pre-K. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and school readiness skills. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas, and they provide nutritional meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the caring staff and structured learning environment.
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Little Lighthouse Learning Center
Independent
Little Lighthouse Learning Center provides quality childcare services to families in Hulbert and surrounding communities. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on developmental milestones. The center employs qualified early childhood professionals and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Safety features include secure access control, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The facility offers spacious classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs.
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Cherokee Nation Child Development Center - Tahlequah
Cherokee Nation
Operated by the Cherokee Nation, this state-of-the-art child development center serves Hulbert families with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center implements HighScope curriculum with cultural integration of Cherokee language and traditions. Features include highly qualified teaching staff with early childhood certifications, modern security systems, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. The program emphasizes school readiness, cultural awareness, and family engagement. Facilities include dedicated infant and toddler rooms, preschool classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and nutritional services. The center maintains DHS licensing and participates in quality rating improvement systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hulbert, OK
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Hulbert, OK, and how do I find them?
In Hulbert, Oklahoma, licensed childcare options primarily include family childcare homes (in-home providers) and childcare centers. Due to Hulbert's smaller, rural nature, family childcare homes are more common than large centers. To find licensed providers, you should use the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Child Care Locator tool online. This official resource allows you to search by zip code (74441) and filter by type, hours, and accepted subsidies. You can also contact the Cherokee County Health Department or ask for local recommendations at places like the Hulbert Public Library or Hulbert School. Always verify a provider's license status directly with OKDHS to ensure they meet state health, safety, and training standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hulbert, and are there financial assistance programs?
In the Hulbert area, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in larger Oklahoma cities like Tulsa but can vary. For an infant or toddler, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week at a licensed family childcare home. A childcare center, if available nearby, might be slightly higher. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the Oklahoma Child Care Subsidy Program (soon to be "Launch"), administered by OKDHS. Eligibility is based on income, work, school, or training requirements. You can apply online or through the local OKDHS office in Tahlequah. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Hulbert, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given Hulbert's limited number of providers, waitlists for quality, licensed daycare can be common, especially for infants and toddlers. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. For popular providers, you may even need to get on a list as soon as you know you are pregnant. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current capacity and waitlist policy. Be prepared to put down a small deposit to hold a spot. Expanding your search to nearby communities like Tahlequah (about 15 minutes away) can provide more options and potentially shorter wait times, though this adds commuting considerations.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Hulbert?
Oklahoma has specific licensing rules all providers must follow. Key requirements to verify include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For infants (0-12 months), it's 1:4; for toddlers (12-24 months), it's 1:6. 2) **Background Checks:** All staff must have cleared OSBI criminal history and DHS background checks. 3) **Health and Safety Training:** Providers must have current CPR/First Aid certification and complete annual professional development. 4) **Facility Standards:** The home or center must pass health, fire, and sanitation inspections. You can ask the provider for their most recent OKDHS licensing report, which details compliance. Don't hesitate to ask about their sick policy, discipline philosophy, and daily schedule to ensure it aligns with your family's needs.
Are there any childcare programs in Hulbert that incorporate Cherokee language or cultural elements?
Yes, given Hulbert's location within the Cherokee Nation, there are childcare options that incorporate cultural elements. The Cherokee Nation itself operates several Early Childhood Unit programs, though the closest may be in Tahlequah. Some licensed family childcare homes in the Hulbert area may be run by Cherokee citizens who integrate language, stories, and traditions into daily activities. When interviewing providers, ask specifically about cultural programming. You can also contact the Cherokee Nation's Child Care Resource & Referral service for guidance on finding culturally relevant care. Additionally, the Hulbert Public School system may have information on pre-K or early childhood programs with cultural components for older toddlers and preschoolers.