The Best Daycare Centers in Preston, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Preston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Preston
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare provides a comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Their programs include age-appropriate activities and low teacher-to-child ratios to ensure personalized attention. Safety is emphasized through secure entry systems, regular drills, and trained staff. Teachers hold early childhood credentials, and parents value the consistent communication and progress tracking. The center features indoor and outdoor play areas, nutritious meals, and enrichment programs, making it a trusted choice for families in the Preston area.
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Primrose School of South Tulsa
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of South Tulsa offers a Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends teacher-guided and child-directed activities to foster academic readiness, character development, and creativity. Their approach includes literacy, STEM, and arts, with a focus on building independence and social skills. The facility maintains high safety standards with secure access, clean environments, and outdoor learning spaces. Staff are highly qualified with ongoing training, and parents report excellent communication and satisfaction with their child's developmental milestones. It serves as a top-rated option for Preston families seeking a structured yet nurturing environment.
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The Goddard School of Broken Arrow
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School utilizes a play-based F.L.EX.® Learning Program that encourages exploration and development in cognitive, social, and physical domains. Their curriculum includes language arts, math, and science activities tailored to each age group, with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Safety protocols include secured entrances, background-checked staff, and hygiene practices. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education, and the school promotes parent involvement through regular updates and events. With spacious classrooms and outdoor play areas, it provides a reliable childcare solution for the Preston community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Preston, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Preston, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Oklahoma, all child care facilities, including those in Preston, 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. For Preston, which is a smaller community, many options may be licensed family child care homes (serving up to 7 children) or child care centers. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious non-compliance issues by using the free "Child Care Locator" tool on the OKDHS website. It's crucial to verify this, as unlicensed care is not monitored for state standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Preston area?
Childcare costs in Preston and the surrounding rural areas of Okmulgee County are generally lower than in major Oklahoma cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City. For a licensed family child care home, you might expect to pay between $100-$150 per week for full-time infant care. A licensed center, if available locally, may range from $120-$180 per week. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and included services like meals. It's important to ask what the weekly fee includes (diapers, wipes, formula, food) as this impacts the overall value. Many providers in this area offer more competitive rates than urban centers.
Are there any state or local programs in Oklahoma that can help me pay for childcare while living in Preston?
Yes, Oklahoma offers the Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "child care assistance") through OKDHS. This program helps eligible low-income families, those participating in work or training programs, or families in certain protective service cases pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Given Preston's rural setting, accessing this subsidy can be vital for working parents. You can apply online through the OKDHS website or contact the Okmulgee County OKDHS office directly. Additionally, some providers may offer private sliding-scale fees, so it's always worth asking.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or popular in-home providers in Preston, and when should I start looking?
In smaller communities like Preston, the number of licensed providers is limited, which can lead to longer waitlists, especially for infant spots which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's not uncommon for a sought-after family home or the nearest center to have a waitlist of 3 to 6 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on their lists, and check in periodically. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Okmulgee or Henryetta for more options, though this adds commute time for drop-off and pick-up.
What are some key questions I should ask when touring a daycare in a rural community like Preston?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, in Preston's context, ask: 1) **Transportation & Field Trips:** Do they transport children for school pick-up/drop-off or activities, and what vehicle safety protocols are in place? 2) **Backup Care:** What is their plan if the primary caregiver in a home setting is sick? 3) **Communication:** How do they communicate with parents given potentially limited cell service in some rural areas? 4) **Emergency Preparedness:** What is their specific plan for severe weather (common in Oklahoma) and medical emergencies, considering distance to a hospital? 5) **Local Network:** Do they have relationships with other providers for resource sharing? These questions address the unique logistical aspects of rural childcare.