The Best Daycare Centers in Marland, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marland
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
The Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Marland area from nearby Ponca City. They offer a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on early childhood development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their program includes daily academic instruction, arts and crafts, music education, and outdoor play in age-appropriate playgrounds. The center is known for its nurturing environment, strong parent communication through daily reports and a dedicated app, and emphasis on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Ponca City provides premium early childhood education serving families in the Marland region. Operating under the nationally recognized Goddard franchise system, they implement the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, modern security systems including secured entry, and purpose-built classrooms with advanced learning materials. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM concepts, and character development in a safe, nurturing environment. Parents appreciate the regular communication, detailed progress reports, and the school's commitment to preparing children for elementary school success.
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Kiddie Korral Child Development Center
Kiddie Korral
Kiddie Korral Child Development Center has been serving the Marland area from Ponca City for nearly two decades with a reputation for quality care and educational excellence. The center offers a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation with social development through hands-on learning activities. Features include certified early childhood educators, developmentally appropriate learning centers, nutritious meal programs, and secure facilities with surveillance systems. Their program focuses on building foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and social interaction while maintaining small class sizes for individualized attention. The center is particularly noted for its experienced staff, many of whom have been with the center for over 10 years, providing consistency and stability for developing children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marland, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Marland, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Marland, 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 larger centers, licenses are issued after an inspection and background checks. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or by contacting the OKDHS Child Care Services office directly. It's a critical first step for any parent in the Marland area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under state oversight.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marland, OK, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Marland and the surrounding Pawnee County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may cost between $100 and $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Oklahoma cities but can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Oklahoma's Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "welfare daycare") helps eligible low-income families. Applications are processed through the OKDHS office in Pawnee County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Marland, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a small community like Marland, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots. It's not unusual for a waitlist to be 3 to 6 months long, or even longer for highly sought-after providers. We strongly recommend parents in Marland begin their search at least 6-9 months before they need care to secure a spot. Many families also expand their search to nearby towns like Pawnee or Stillwater for more options, though this adds commute time. Contacting providers early, getting on multiple lists, and following up periodically is the best strategy.
Are there any unique childcare options in Marland that cater to families with non-traditional work hours, like shift workers or farmers?
Given Marland's rural setting and the presence of families in agriculture and shift work, finding care outside standard 6 AM-6 PM hours can be challenging. There are very few licensed providers in Marland itself that offer evening, overnight, or weekend care. Your best options are to seek out licensed family childcare homes that may offer more flexible hours by individual arrangement or to consider a nanny share with another local family. Networking through community groups, churches, or the Marland community Facebook page can sometimes connect parents with trusted in-home caregivers who accommodate irregular schedules, though they may not be state-licensed.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare home or center in Marland?
When touring a facility in Marland, go beyond the basics. First, confirm their OKDHS license is current and posted. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the space, including secure outdoor play areas. Notice how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff tenure and turnover; consistency is valuable in a small town. Inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Oklahoma, like tornadoes, and their policy on sick children. Finally, ask for references from other Marland-area parents. A good provider will be transparent and welcome your questions, understanding that trust is paramount in a close-knit community.