The Best Daycare Centers in STW, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in STW. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in STW
Bright Horizons at Oklahoma State University
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Located on the OSU campus, this NAEYC-accredited center offers a research-based curriculum focused on early childhood development. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low child-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. The center emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills through play-based and project-based approaches. Offers nutritious meals and snacks, extensive outdoor play areas, and flexible scheduling for university and community families.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Stillwater
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This professionally managed early childhood education center features the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Staff includes degreed teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety measures. Focuses on school readiness through literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies integration. Offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Kiddie Academy of Stillwater
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Features the Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development and social skills. The center maintains state-mandated low teacher-to-child ratios with CPR/first-aid certified staff. Includes secure facility with electronic entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and structured daily schedules. Emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and hands-on learning experiences. Provides balanced meals and snacks, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and development milestone tracking. Known for strong parent satisfaction and consistent quality programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in STW, OK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in STW, Oklahoma, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In STW, Oklahoma, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $600 to $850 per month at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $500 to $700 per month. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can fluctuate. For financial assistance, Oklahoma offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. Additionally, some local centers in STW may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How do I verify that a daycare in STW is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Oklahoma must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Services. To verify a daycare's license and review its history, you can use the official "Child Care Locator" tool on the Oklahoma DHS website. This tool allows you to search for providers in STW by name or zip code and view their license status, capacity, and any non-compliance reports from recent inspections. We strongly recommend visiting any potential daycare in person and asking to see their current license, which should be posted. You can also ask the director about their most recent DHS monitoring visit and any corrective actions taken.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in STW, and how far in advance should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots in STW, which are in high demand due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. For infant care (children under 12 months), it is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Many popular centers in STW have waitlists that are 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool programs, starting your search 3-6 months before you need care is a good rule of thumb. When contacting centers, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy (if any) to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in STW?
The main differences lie in the setting, scale, and regulations. A **licensed daycare center** in STW operates in a commercial building, typically has multiple classrooms divided by age, employs several teachers, and follows strict DHS guidelines for curriculum, staff qualifications, and facility safety. They often have more structured daily schedules and may offer additional programs. A **licensed family childcare home** operates in the provider's residence, cares for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 7, or 12 with a second caregiver), and offers a more home-like environment. Regulations are similar but scaled for a home setting. Family homes can offer more flexibility in hours and may be a preferred option for parents seeking a smaller, family-oriented atmosphere. Both types are licensed and inspected by OK DHS.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare facility in STW, specifically regarding safety and engagement?
During a tour in STW, go beyond the basics. For **safety**, confirm that all exterior doors are secure and that the center has a sign-in/sign-out procedure. Check for clean and age-appropriate toys, covered electrical outlets, secured furniture (to prevent tipping), and clearly marked emergency exits. Ask about their sick child policy and how they handle medications. For **engagement**, observe if the children seem happy and busy. Look for evidence of a daily schedule, age-appropriate learning materials on the walls, and teachers who are interacting with children at their level (e.g., sitting on the floor). Ask about their educational philosophy (like play-based or Montessori-inspired) and how they communicate daily activities with parents (e.g., through an app like Brightwheel or daily sheets). Trust your instincts about the overall warmth and professionalism of the environment.