The Best Daycare Centers in Ramona, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ramona. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ramona
Little Lighthouse Child Care Center
Independent
Little Lighthouse Child Care Center is a highly-regarded facility located approximately 15 miles from Ramona, serving families throughout the region. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with coded entry systems. Their curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and outdoor play in age-appropriate playgrounds. The center is known for its nurturing environment, experienced staff with low turnover, and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center, located about 10 miles from Ramona in Nowata, provides high-quality childcare with a focus on developmental milestones and kindergarten preparation. The center uses Creative Curriculum supplemented with phonics instruction, math readiness activities, and hands-on science exploration. Their staff includes experienced early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certification, and they maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios that exceed state requirements. The facility features secure classrooms, nutritious meal programs, and age-appropriate learning centers. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and the individualized attention given to each child's developmental needs.
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First Christian Church Child Development Center
First Christian Church
First Christian Church Child Development Center in Claremore (approximately 15 miles from Ramona) offers a faith-based educational program that integrates Christian values with comprehensive early childhood development. The center features a structured academic curriculum that includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social studies, while also emphasizing character development and social skills. Their qualified teaching staff maintains ongoing professional development in early childhood education best practices. The facility includes secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas with safety surfaces, and a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and commitment to creating a safe, nurturing learning environment that prepares children for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ramona, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ramona, OK, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Ramona, 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 part-time programs). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and nutritional guidelines. To verify a facility's license and compliance history, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or contact the OKDHS Child Care Services office directly. It's highly recommended to check for any recent non-compliance reports before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ramona, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ramona and the surrounding Washington County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $110 to $160 per week. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, hours, and whether it's a home-based or center-based program. For financial assistance, Oklahoma's Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "welfare daycare") helps eligible low-income families. You can apply through the OKDHS office in Bartlesville, which serves Washington County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
Are there many licensed daycare options in Ramona, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns?
As a small town, Ramona itself has a limited number of licensed daycare providers, primarily home-based programs. It is common for parents in Ramona to expand their search to nearby larger communities such as Bartlesville (about 15 miles away) or Nowata (about 10 miles away) for more options, including larger childcare centers and preschools. When considering providers in neighboring towns, factor in your daily commute and whether they offer flexible hours that align with your schedule. Many families in Ramona successfully use a combination of local in-home care and programs in Bartlesville.
What should I know about waitlists for daycare in the Ramona area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers, quality daycare spots in Ramona and the immediate area can be competitive. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care, especially for infant slots, which are the most limited. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist, the estimated wait time, and if there is a fee to be placed on the list. Being flexible with your start date and considering both home-based providers in Ramona and centers in Bartlesville can improve your chances of securing a spot in a timely manner.
What are some local resources or methods for finding and evaluating daycare providers in Ramona, OK?
Beyond a basic online search, the most reliable resource is the official **OKDHS Child Care Locator**, which allows you to search by zip code (74061) and filter by license type, hours, and ages served. For personal recommendations, connect with other parents through local community pages on Facebook (e.g., "Ramona, OK Community") or at places like the Ramona Public Library. When evaluating a provider, schedule an in-person visit, ask for references from current parents, and observe the interaction between staff and children. Also, inquire about their policies for emergencies, sick children, and their daily educational or activity structure to ensure it aligns with your family's needs.