The Best Daycare Centers in Nowata, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Nowata. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Nowata
The Goddard School of Bartlesville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bartlesville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and character building. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness training.
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Little People's World
Independent
Little People's World provides comprehensive childcare services with a strong emphasis on developmental appropriateness and individualized care. Their curriculum balances structured learning with play-based activities, focusing on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-segregated classrooms, and safe outdoor play spaces. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. They offer flexible scheduling, nutritious meal programs, and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences. The center is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere and experienced long-term staff.
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Bartlesville KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Bartlesville KinderCare offers a nationally-recognized early childhood education program with research-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Their approach includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, science exploration, and social studies. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated learning centers, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and maintain required certifications. The program includes healthy meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnership through family conferences and communication apps. KinderCare's comprehensive safety protocols and experienced management team provide reliable care for Nowata area families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Nowata, OK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Nowata, Oklahoma?
In Nowata, the cost of full-time daycare is generally more affordable compared to larger Oklahoma cities like Tulsa. For infants and toddlers, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for a licensed in-home daycare provider. Larger daycare centers in the area or those in nearby communities may range from $140 to $220 per week. It's important to note that costs can vary based on the provider's credentials, the age of your child (infant care is often the most expensive), and whether meals are included. Given the rural nature of Nowata County, options are limited, so securing a spot at a preferred rate may require joining a waitlist. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current pricing.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Nowata is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Nowata must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any non-compliance citations from state inspections over the past three years. For a more personal touch, you can also contact the OKDHS Child Care Services office that serves Nowata County. When visiting a potential daycare, don't hesitate to ask the director to see their current license, which should be posted in a visible location. This due diligence is crucial in a smaller community where word-of-mouth is common but official records provide essential safety information.
Are there any state or local programs in Nowata that help with childcare costs for low to middle-income families?
Yes, the primary program is Oklahoma's Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by OKDHS. This program provides financial assistance to eligible working families, parents in job training, or those pursuing education. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Given the economic profile of Nowata County, many families may qualify. You can apply online through the OKDHS website or in person at the local Human Services Center. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees based on income, so it's always worth asking. For families with children who have special needs, additional resources and referral services may be available through Oklahoma's SoonerStart early intervention program.
What is the availability of daycare for non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight) in Nowata?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours in a small town like Nowata can be very challenging. Most licensed daycare centers and in-home providers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Options for evenings, weekends, or overnight care are extremely limited and typically rely on private, unlicensed babysitting arrangements. Your best course of action is to network within local community groups, churches, or on community social media pages to find a trusted individual who provides this type of care. Some families in the area may also form small, informal co-ops to share childcare responsibilities during off-hours. For reliable, licensed care during these times, you may need to look toward providers in larger neighboring towns like Bartlesville, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
What are the key questions I should ask when touring a daycare facility in Nowata?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and daily routines, ask specific questions relevant to the local context. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness for severe weather common to Oklahoma, such as tornadoes—where is their safe room, and how do they practice drills? Second, ask about their staff's longevity and training, as turnover can be higher in rural areas; a stable team is a good sign. Third, clarify their policies on school closures (e.g., for snow) and whether they provide care when Nowata Public Schools are closed. Fourth, discuss their sick policy and how they handle common childhood illnesses to avoid unexpected gaps in care. Finally, ask about their waitlist procedure and typical wait time, as openings in Nowata can be infrequent. Observing how staff interact with children in a small-group setting will also give you invaluable insight.