The Best Daycare Centers in Mustang, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mustang. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mustang
Mustang Early Childhood Center
Mustang Public Schools
Mustang Early Childhood Center is a highly-regarded public school district-operated facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features state-certified early childhood educators with specialized training in child development. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness skills. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and structured learning environments with small teacher-to-student ratios. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, structured curriculum, and excellent communication about child progress and developmental milestones.
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Kiddie Academy of Yukon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Yukon serves the Mustang community with their comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that balances education and play. The facility features secure access controls, modern classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Their educational approach focuses on character development, STEM activities, and literacy through their proprietary curriculum. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center offers nutritious meal programs, real-time parent communication through mobile apps, and flexible scheduling options for working families in the Mustang area.
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The Learning Experience - Yukon
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Yukon provides premium childcare services to Mustang families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum. The center features bright, modern facilities with separate learning environments for each age group, including dedicated infant rooms with live video monitoring. Their program emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development through structured play and hands-on activities. The facility maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios with CPR/first-aid certified teachers. Parents appreciate the strong focus on communication, clean and safe environment, and the center's commitment to preparing children for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mustang, OK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mustang, OK?
In Mustang, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (6 weeks to 18 months), you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,100 per month at a licensed childcare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $700 to $950 per month. In-home daycare providers often charge slightly less, ranging from $600 to $850 monthly. These rates are generally competitive within the Oklahoma City metro area. It's important to note that many facilities in Mustang require an annual registration fee ($75-$150) and may have additional costs for meals, supplies, or extracurricular activities. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current pricing and to inquire about any available discounts for siblings, military families, or prepaid tuition.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Mustang is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare facilities in Mustang are regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online. During a tour, look for the current license certificate posted in a visible area. Key things to observe include: staff-to-child ratios (in Oklahoma, it's 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:12 for 3-year-olds), cleanliness and safety of the environment, secure entry/exit procedures, and the overall engagement and qualifications of the caregivers. Ask about staff background checks, ongoing training, their emergency preparedness plan, and their daily schedule. Many quality centers in Mustang also participate in Oklahoma's Reaching for the Stars quality rating system, which is a helpful indicator of program standards.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Mustang, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots at highly-rated centers in Mustang. Due to high demand and limited infant-to-staff ratios, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool-age programs, a 3-6 month lead time is often sufficient, but popular programs can fill up quickly. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for my child's age group? Some facilities may offer priority to siblings of current enrollees or employees of local businesses.
What are some of the unique childcare options or programs available specifically in the Mustang community?
Mustang offers several community-specific options beyond standard daycare centers. The **Mustang Public Schools** district operates a free, full-day Pre-K program for eligible 4-year-olds at several elementary schools, which is a tremendous local resource. The **City of Mustang Parks & Recreation Department** often hosts seasonal day camps, summer programs, and after-school care options at community centers. There are also faith-based preschools and daycares affiliated with local churches that incorporate educational curricula. For school-age children, many local daycare centers provide transportation to and from Mustang elementary schools for their before-and-after-school care programs. Exploring these integrated options can provide a seamless connection to the local school system and community activities.
What resources are available in Mustang for parents seeking financial assistance with childcare costs?
Several state and local resources can help eligible families in Mustang. The primary program is the **Oklahoma Child Care Subsidy Program** (often referred to as "welfare daycare"), administered by OKDHS, which provides financial assistance to low-income families, those in job training, or parents pursuing education. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online through the OKDHS website or at the local Canadian County OKDHS office. Additionally, some Mustang childcare providers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. It's also worth checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which allows you to use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses. For military families stationed at or near Tinker Air Force Base, there may be additional subsidy programs available.