The Best Daycare Centers in Pittsburg, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Pittsburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Pittsburg
Little Blessings Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings Daycare & Learning Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving Pittsburg families for over 15 years. The center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with age-appropriate curriculum including phonics, mathematics readiness, and social development activities. Their experienced staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, with lead teachers holding Early Childhood Education credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, modern learning environments, and structured outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and developmental milestone tracking. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.
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Pittsburg Head Start
Community Action Agency
Pittsburg Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family services to the Pittsburg community. As part of the federally-funded Head Start program, they offer evidence-based curriculum focused on school readiness, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. The center employs qualified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Services include health screenings, dental care, nutritious meals, and family support programming. The facility features modern classrooms, safe play areas, and learning materials designed to support developmental milestones. Parents appreciate the comprehensive approach that addresses both educational and family needs.
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Kiddie Korner Child Development Center
Independent
Located in nearby McAlester (approximately 15 minutes from Pittsburg), Kiddie Korner Child Development Center serves families throughout Pittsburg County with exceptional early childhood programming. The center features a research-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. Their qualified teaching staff includes professionals with degrees in Early Childhood Education and ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure access controls, age-appropriate learning environments, and expansive outdoor play spaces with modern equipment. The center is known for its strong parent-teacher communication, individualized learning plans, and commitment to creating a safe, stimulating environment that promotes both academic and social growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Pittsburg, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Pittsburg, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Pittsburg, Oklahoma, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff training. There are different license types: Family Child Care Homes (for smaller, home-based care) and Child Care Centers. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or by contacting the OKDHS Child Care Services office for the McAlesster region, which oversees Pittsburg County. It's a critical first step to ensure you're considering a legally operating and monitored program.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Pittsburg, OK?
The cost of childcare in Pittsburg, OK, is generally more affordable than in larger Oklahoma cities but varies by type of care. For a licensed Child Care Center, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $160 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed Family Child Care Homes may range from $90 to $130 per week. These are estimates, and prices can differ based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., diapers, wipes, meals). For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers a subsidy program through OKDHS for eligible families.
Are there any daycare centers in Pittsburg that offer specialized programs, like preschool curriculum or care for children with special needs?
Yes, several daycare centers in Pittsburg integrate early learning curricula. Some are licensed as "DHS 3-Star" or higher programs, indicating they exceed minimum licensing standards in areas like education and family engagement, often incorporating structured preschool activities. For children with special needs, it's essential to inquire directly with providers about their experience, staff training, and ability to accommodate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). You can also contact the **Pittsburg County SoonerStart** program (Oklahoma's early intervention service for infants and toddlers) for guidance and referrals to inclusive childcare settings in the area.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Pittsburg, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlist times in Pittsburg can vary significantly. For popular centers or infant rooms (which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios), waitlists of 3 to 6 months are not uncommon. Family childcare homes may have shorter or more immediate availability. To secure a spot, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee in some cases. Follow up periodically to express your continued interest. Being flexible on your start date can also improve your chances.
What local resources or organizations in Pittsburg County can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in Pittsburg have several valuable local resources. The primary tool is the **OKDHS Child Care Locator**, which filters by zip code (74560 for Pittsburg) and license type. For personalized referral and quality information, contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Pittsburg County, often through the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD). They can provide lists of licensed providers, explain quality indicators like the Reaching for the Stars quality rating system, and discuss financial assistance options. Additionally, local Facebook community groups for Pittsburg parents are often used for personal recommendations and experiences.