The Best Daycare Centers in OKC, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in OKC. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in OKC
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a research-based curriculum that focuses on school readiness. Their STEAM-based approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) encourages hands-on learning and critical thinking. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and classrooms designed for optimal learning. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains low student-teacher ratios to ensure individual attention. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences to track developmental milestones.
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Kiddie Academy of Oklahoma City
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy utilizes their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic readiness. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy, and STEM activities through purposeful play and structured learning. The facility includes secure keypad entry, indoor gymnasium, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. All lead teachers have early childhood education degrees or certifications, and staff receive continuous training in child development and safety protocols. The academy offers technology-enhanced learning tools and maintains an open-door policy for parent involvement, with regular progress updates and family engagement events.
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The Goddard School of Edmond
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located in nearby Edmond serving the OKC metro, The Goddard School implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative expression and social development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and arts while emphasizing life skills and character education. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, age-specific playgrounds, and bright, organized classrooms. All teachers have early childhood education backgrounds and participate in ongoing professional development. The program includes yoga, music, and foreign language exposure, with comprehensive safety protocols and regular health screenings. Parent communication includes daily activity reports and digital portfolio updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in OKC, OK
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oklahoma City, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Oklahoma City, the average cost for full-time infant daycare ranges from $700 to $1,100 per month, while toddler care typically costs between $600 and $950 per month. Costs vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), location within the metro, and the program's amenities. For financial assistance, Oklahoma's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families based on income, work, or education requirements. Additionally, some OKC centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the OKDHS office or use their online resources to check subsidy eligibility and apply.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center or home in Oklahoma City?
All childcare providers in Oklahoma must be licensed or registered with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you can use the free online "Child Care Locator" tool on the OKDHS website. This tool allows you to search by provider name, location, or type, and view detailed reports including their license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited non-compliance issues from recent inspections. For the most thorough vetting, parents are also encouraged to visit the facility in person, ask for references from current families, and check with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department for any relevant public health reports.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in OKC, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms and highly-rated centers in popular OKC neighborhoods like Edmond, Nichols Hills, and the downtown/midtown areas. For infant care, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before you need the spot. For toddler and preschool-age children, 3 to 6 months of lead time is more typical but can vary. Many centers allow you to join a waitlist for a small or refundable fee. When touring, be sure to ask about the average wait time, how the list is prioritized, and how often you should check in to maintain your position.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in OKC, and how do I decide which is right for my child?
Licensed Centers in OKC are typically larger facilities with multiple staff, structured classrooms, and often offer extended hours and preschool curricula. They are regulated for child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 4:1 for infants). Licensed Family Childcare Homes are operated in the provider's residence, usually caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 7 children (including the provider's own). They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment and may be more affordable. Your choice depends on your child's needs: a center may offer more social interaction with peers and structured learning, while a home may provide a more intimate, family-style setting. Always verify the specific license and inspection history for either option through OKDHS.
Does Oklahoma City offer any public or tuition-based preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds, and how do they differ from traditional daycare?
Yes, Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and many surrounding districts offer free public pre-K programs for eligible 4-year-olds, and some for 3-year-olds, based on factors like income or developmental needs. These are typically part-day programs (e.g., 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM) and follow the academic calendar. In contrast, traditional daycare centers provide full-day, year-round care with broader age ranges and focus more on custodial care alongside early learning. For a full-day option that includes a preschool curriculum, many private daycare centers in OKC offer "preschool prep" or accredited preschool programs within their longer operational hours. It's important to check specific enrollment deadlines and eligibility requirements for the public programs directly with your local school district.