The Best Daycare Centers in Putnam, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Putnam. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Putnam
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center in nearby Seiling serves the Putnam area with a comprehensive early childhood education program. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Certified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, with all staff trained in CPR, first aid, and ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and safe outdoor play areas. Parents praise the center's consistent communication, nutritious meal program, and focus on individual child development milestones.
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Tiny Tots Daycare
Independent
Tiny Tots Daycare in Vici provides quality childcare services to families in Putnam and surrounding communities. The center emphasizes a balanced approach with structured learning activities and creative play. Their curriculum includes early literacy, mathematics readiness, and hands-on science exploration. The facility maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured premises, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The center is noted for its warm, family-like atmosphere and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Dewey County Daycare
Independent
Dewey County Daycare in Taloga serves the broader Putnam area with a focus on school readiness and whole-child development. The center implements a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social skills development. Features include structured learning centers, technology integration appropriate for young learners, and outdoor learning environments. The staff includes experienced early childhood professionals with specialized training in differentiated instruction and inclusive education practices. The facility maintains excellent health and safety standards with regular inspections and comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. Parents appreciate the center's transparent communication and commitment to meeting each child's unique needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Putnam, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Putnam, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Putnam, Oklahoma, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) unless they are legally exempt (such as certain relative care or small family home settings). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff training in areas like CPR and First Aid. To verify the license and compliance history of any daycare in Putnam, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or contact the OKDHS Child Care Services division directly. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider to ensure state-mandated health, safety, and educational standards are met.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Putnam, OK, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of childcare facilities in a smaller community like Putnam, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care and highly-rated centers. Wait times can range from a few weeks to several months. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 3-6 months before you need care. Contact all local providers to get on multiple lists, and be prepared to pay a small waitlist fee. Follow up politely every few weeks. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Gage or Shattuck, and explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate openings.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Putnam, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Putnam and the surrounding rural area of Oklahoma, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than state urban averages but vary by provider type. For a licensed center, you might expect to pay approximately $120-$180 per week for an infant/toddler. Licensed family homes may charge $100-$150 per week. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the Oklahoma Child Care Subsidy Program (soon to be known as SoonerCare Child Care), administered by OKDHS. Eligibility is based on income, work/training hours, and family size. You can apply online via the OKDHS website or contact your local OKDHS county office for guidance.
What types of childcare options are specifically available in Putnam, OK, for parents working non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight)?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours in a small town like Putnam can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on standard weekday business hours. Your best options are typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible scheduling by individual arrangement. Some in-home providers might accommodate shift workers. You can also explore options like sharing a nanny with another local family or seeking care from a trusted, licensed provider in a nearby larger town like Woodward, which may have more extended-hour facilities. Be sure to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront and get all agreements in writing.
Are there any local resources or organizations in Putnam that help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
While Putnam itself is a very small community, parents have access to regional resources. The primary resource is the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), which offers the online Child Care Locator with search filters for Putnam's zip code (73659). You can also contact the **Western Oklahoma Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)**, which serves the region and can provide referrals, quality information, and guidance on what to look for in a provider. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community groups, churches, or the Putnam Public School can yield personal recommendations and insights into local in-home providers.