The Best Daycare Centers in Salina, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Salina. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Salina
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving Salina and surrounding communities. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and a structured preschool program preparing children for kindergarten. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a safe, nurturing environment with both indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Their program includes nutritious meals, developmental milestone tracking, and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. The facility maintains excellent safety protocols with secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Kiddie Academy of Claremore
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Claremore serves families throughout Mayes County including Salina residents, offering a nationally-recognized educational childcare program. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The academy features state-certified teachers, modern security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and developmentally-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes technology integration, outdoor learning spaces, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Parents appreciate the structured daily routine, regular progress updates, and the center's commitment to preparing children for academic success.
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Pryor Head Start
Community Action Resource and Development, Inc.
Pryor Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education services to families throughout Mayes County, including Salina residents who qualify for the program. This comprehensive early intervention program offers evidence-based curriculum focusing on school readiness, social development, and cognitive skills. The center provides full-day services with certified early childhood teachers, small class sizes, and individualized learning plans. Their holistic approach includes health screenings, dental care, nutrition services, and extensive family support resources. The facility maintains excellent safety standards with regular inspections and highly trained staff who receive ongoing professional development in early childhood education best practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Salina, OK
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Salina, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Oklahoma, all childcare facilities, including those in Salina, must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain small in-home operations). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR, First Aid, and Safe Sleep for infants), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a specific daycare's license status, you can use the OKDHS Child Care Locator tool online or contact the OKDHS Child Care Services office directly. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed facilities to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Salina, OK?
Childcare costs in Salina are generally more affordable than in larger Oklahoma cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City, but they vary by provider type. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family childcare homes may range from $100 to $150 per week. These rates are estimates, and factors like the facility's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions can affect the price. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., diapers, wipes, meals). For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers a subsidy program through OKDHS for qualifying families.
Are there any childcare centers in Salina that offer extended hours for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding extended-hour care in a smaller town like Salina can be challenging, but options do exist. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend care, by individual arrangement. It is less common for larger centers to offer hours beyond the typical 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM window. Your best strategy is to call providers directly and inquire about their hours and flexibility. Additionally, you might explore in-home nanny shares with other local families or seek recommendations through local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Salina, OK Community") for caregivers who accommodate shift work.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Salina, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed facilities in a small community like Salina, waitlists for infant and toddler spots, in particular, can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as soon as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often you should check in, and if they offer priority for siblings of current enrollees.
What local resources or programs in Salina can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary resource for finding licensed care is the OKDHS Child Care Locator, which you can filter for Salina. For local, personalized assistance, you can contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Mayes County (which includes Salina). They can provide referrals, information on quality indicators, and guidance on financial assistance programs. Locally, connecting with other parents through community channels is invaluable. The Salina Public Library or community bulletin boards may have information, and online groups like "Salina, Oklahoma - What's Happening" on Facebook are often used by parents to share recommendations and experiences with local providers.