The Best Daycare Centers in May, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in May. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in May
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility serving the May area from nearby Shattuck. They employ a comprehensive play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles, focusing on developmental milestones through hands-on activities. All lead teachers hold Early Childhood Education certifications and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The center features secure access controls, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Their indoor learning environments include dedicated STEAM stations, while their outdoor playground offers age-appropriate physical development opportunities. Parents consistently praise the center's communication and individualized attention to each child's needs.
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Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege serves families throughout Northwest Oklahoma, including the May community, with a research-based educational approach. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness through structured and unstructured play. The center maintains state-exceeding staff qualifications with ongoing professional development requirements. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, spacious preschool classrooms with learning centers, and a fenced outdoor play area with safety surfacing. Their transportation service provides before and after school care for school-aged children.
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Little Eagles Learning Center
Independent
Little Eagles Learning Center, located in nearby Shattuck, serves the May community with a child-centered approach that balances academic preparation and social development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum components with Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and science exploration through hands-on activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with specialized training in infant/toddler development and preschool education. Safety measures include keypad entry systems, comprehensive health and sanitation protocols, and regular safety drills. The facility offers age-appropriate learning environments, including sensory play areas, art studios, and outdoor nature exploration spaces. Parents appreciate the center's family engagement activities and consistent communication about child progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in May, OK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in May, Oklahoma, and are there any local assistance programs?
In May and the surrounding rural areas of Oklahoma, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while care for toddlers and preschoolers may cost between $100 and $150 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Oklahoma cities but can vary based on the provider's licensing level and program offerings. For financial assistance, parents can apply for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, local organizations like the Roger Mills County Health Department may have information on temporary assistance or sliding-scale options from smaller, home-based providers in the community.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in May is properly licensed and what are Oklahoma's key regulations for childcare?
All licensed childcare facilities in Oklahoma are regulated by DHS. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the "Child Care Locator" tool on the Oklahoma DHS website. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for 3-year-olds), required background checks for all staff, and annual health and safety inspections. In a small town like May, many providers are licensed family childcare homes, which care for fewer children but must meet the same health, safety, and training standards. Always ask to see their current license during your visit.
Given May's small size, how can I find available childcare options, and are waitlists common?
Due to May's limited population, formal childcare options are few. Your best approach is to check with the Roger Mills County DHS office for a list of licensed home providers in the area, inquire at local churches (which may host mother's day out programs), and ask for referrals within community networks like the May Public School. Waitlists are not typically long for ongoing care, but availability can be very tight, especially for infant spots, as providers have small capacities. Many families in rural areas like May rely on a mix of licensed home daycare and trusted, unlicensed family, friend, or neighbor (FFN) care, so starting your search early is crucial.
What should I look for when visiting a potential home-based daycare in a rural community like May?
When visiting a home-based daycare in May, prioritize safety and engagement. Specifically, ask about their emergency plan for severe weather (common in Oklahoma) and medical emergencies, given the distance to major hospitals. Check that the home has safe sleep areas for infants, secured cabinets, fenced outdoor play space, and working smoke detectors. Observe how the provider interacts with the children and ask about their daily routine and educational activities. Inquire about their transportation policies if school-age children are involved, as they may need to be driven to and from May Elementary. Also, ask for references from other local families to gauge their reputation in the close-knit community.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or after-school childcare options available for school-age children in May?
Structured part-time and after-school care options in May are extremely limited due to the town's size. May Elementary School does not currently host a formal after-school program. However, some licensed family childcare homes may offer before- and after-school care for a few children, including transportation to/from school. For drop-in or occasional care, your best bet is to network with other parents for shared babysitting or seek out responsible local teenagers or retirees. For more regular part-time care, you may need to look at providers in nearby larger towns like Cheyenne (approx. 20 miles away), though this adds a significant commute. Always ensure any caregiver you use meets your safety standards.