The Best Daycare Centers in Norman, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Norman. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Norman
Primrose School of Norman
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Norman offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features highly qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure entry systems with coded access, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, character development, and STEM concepts through hands-on activities. The facility includes dedicated outdoor play areas, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, nutritious meal program, and the developmental progress children demonstrate.
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KinderCare Learning Center at West Norman
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development. The center features degreed teachers specializing in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their approach includes phonics-based literacy programs, math concepts through play, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. The center is accredited by national early childhood organizations and offers flexible scheduling with extended hours to accommodate working families.
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The Goddard School of Norman
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Norman implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play and social development. The school features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, modern security systems including electronic entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and foreign language exposure. The facility includes spacious classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and dedicated art and music areas. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong communication, individualized attention to children's needs, and the well-rounded developmental approach that prepares children for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Norman, OK
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Norman, OK, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Norman, the average cost for full-time infant care ranges from approximately $800 to $1,200 per month, while toddler care typically costs between $700 and $1,000 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (e.g., in-home daycare, church-affiliated center, or corporate chain). For financial assistance, Oklahoma's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, the University of Oklahoma (OU) often has subsidy programs or referral services for student and employee parents. It's recommended to contact the Norman DHS office or the OU Human Resources department to explore specific eligibility and application processes.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center or home in Norman?
All childcare providers in Norman must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, including any past violations, through the Oklahoma Child Care Search tool available on the OKDHS website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or type. It's crucial to check not just the license status but also the results of recent monitoring visits, which note any deficiencies in areas like staff-to-child ratios, safety standards, and training. You can also call the OKDHS Child Care Services office in Cleveland County for additional verification.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Norman, and what strategies can help secure a spot, especially for infants?
Yes, waitlists are very common, particularly for infant rooms (children under 12 months) at highly-rated centers in Norman, due to lower staff-to-child ratios required by state law. Some popular centers near the University of Oklahoma or in growing suburban neighborhoods can have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, get on multiple lists (even at places that are your second choice), and follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods, which may have more immediate availability and often provide a smaller setting.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Norman, and how do I decide which is right for my family?
Licensed centers in Norman are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They often have stricter schedules and may offer amenities like prepared meals and larger outdoor play areas. Licensed family childcare homes operate in a provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 7, with certain exceptions), which can offer a more home-like, flexible environment. Centers might provide more social interaction with peers of the same age, while homes can offer more personalized care and potentially more flexible hours. Your decision should factor in your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, location, and budget, as homes can sometimes be more affordable.
Does the City of Norman or local organizations offer any resources to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, a primary resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service provided by the Oklahoma Child Care Resource & Referral Association**. They serve Cleveland County and offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your location, schedule, and child's age. They can also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit and how to understand quality indicators. Additionally, the **Norman Public Library** and community centers sometimes host parent workshops or maintain resource lists. For parents affiliated with the University of Oklahoma, the **OU Child Care Connection** program is an invaluable internal resource for referrals and support.