The Best Daycare Centers in Perry, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perry
Little Ducklings Daycare
Independent
Little Ducklings Daycare is Perry's highest-rated local childcare facility, known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive early childhood education program. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Montessori-inspired activities alongside structured educational components. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized attention with low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure indoor learning spaces, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, safety protocols, and the developmental progress children demonstrate across cognitive, social, and emotional domains.
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Bright Horizons at Stillwater
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this Stillwater location serves families throughout Noble County including Perry residents. The center implements the World at Their Fingers curriculum, emphasizing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) learning through hands-on exploration. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, degreed early childhood educators, and purpose-built learning environments. The facility offers enrichment programs in music, movement, and literacy development. With comprehensive health and safety protocols and flexible scheduling options, this center provides premium childcare services for commuting families.
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The Learning Tree Child Development Center
Independent
The Learning Tree Child Development Center has served Perry families for over a decade with a balanced approach to early childhood education. The center's curriculum blends academic preparation with social-emotional development, utilizing Creative Curriculum frameworks alongside Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines. Qualified teaching staff maintain small class sizes and personalized learning plans. The facility features secure access controls, modern learning materials, and outdoor nature exploration areas. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent partnership model, regular progress reporting, and inclusive environment that celebrates cultural diversity within the community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perry, OK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Perry, Oklahoma?
In Perry, Oklahoma, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $120 and $180 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes often range from $100 to $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state average for larger cities like Oklahoma City or Tulsa. It's important to note that costs may be slightly higher for infants due to required lower staff-to-child ratios. Many providers in Perry include meals and basic supplies in their weekly rate, but always confirm what is included. Financial assistance may be available through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Subsidy program for qualifying families.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Perry is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Perry must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the Oklahoma Child Care Locator website or by contacting the DHS Child Care Services office directly. This public record will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any non-compliance citations from routine inspections over the past few years. When evaluating a provider in Perry, look for their license certificate displayed onsite. You can also ask the director for their DHS-issued license number. It's a good practice to specifically ask about any citations noted in their file and how they were corrected to ensure ongoing safety and quality.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Perry, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists in Perry are common, especially for infant care slots due to strict staff-to-child ratios. For the most sought-after centers and highly-regarded in-home providers, it is advisable to start your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and even earlier if you are expecting a new baby. For toddler or preschool-age care, 3-6 months lead time is more typical. Availability can be tighter at the beginning of the school year (August) and after the new year. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family homes, increases your chances of securing a spot.
What are some local resources or organizations in Perry that can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the **Oklahoma Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency**, which serves Noble County. You can contact them for a personalized referral list of licensed providers in Perry that match your needs (like hours, ages, and location). They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and understanding quality indicators. Additionally, the **Perry Public Library** may have community bulletin boards with local provider information, and connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Perry, OK Community" or parenting groups) can provide personal recommendations and insights into current availability and experiences with specific daycares.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care in Perry, OK?
Part-time and flexible childcare options in Perry are more limited than full-time care but do exist. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer part-day or part-week schedules. For drop-in care, it is very rare to find a dedicated facility; your best bet is to arrange informal care with a licensed home provider who has occasional openings. For after-school care, the **Perry Elementary School** may offer or be affiliated with a program for school-age children. The **Perry Parks and Recreation Department** also sometimes runs seasonal camps and programs during school breaks. For consistent after-school care, you would likely need to contract with a family childcare home that provides transportation from the local schools. Always confirm that any provider you use for these services is properly licensed by OK DHS.