The Best Daycare Centers in T A F B, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in T A F B. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in T A F B
KinderCare at Midwest City
KinderCare Learning Companies
This NAEYC-accredited center serves military families from Tinker AFB with a comprehensive curriculum focused on early literacy, math, science, and social skills. Features include secure entry systems, dedicated infant rooms with low teacher-child ratios, and highly qualified early childhood educators. The center offers flexible scheduling to accommodate military family needs and provides nutritious meals. Their STEAM-focused approach includes hands-on learning activities and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Midwest City
Primrose Schools
Primrose School offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, certified early childhood teachers, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes character development, music, and foreign language exposure. The school maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and provides healthy meals prepared on-site. Their proximity to Tinker AFB makes them a popular choice for military families.
Daycare Services:
Tinker Air Force Base Child Development Center
Department of Defense Child Development Program
Located directly on base, this Department of Defense-operated facility provides exceptional care specifically designed for military families. The center follows a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with early learning standards and features highly trained staff with background checks and ongoing professional development. Security includes controlled base access and facility-specific safety measures. The program offers priority placement for military families, flexible care options, and comprehensive learning environments with age-appropriate materials and outdoor play spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in T A F B, OK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB), Oklahoma, and are there financial assistance programs for military families?
In the Tinker AFB and surrounding Midwest City/Del City area, full-time daycare costs typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month for an infant or toddler, with preschool programs for older children often slightly less. These costs are influenced by the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific curriculum offered. Crucially for military families, Tinker AFB offers the Child Development Center (CDC), which provides subsidized, high-quality care with fees based on Total Family Income (TFI). Additionally, families may be eligible for fee assistance through the Department of Defense’s Child Care in Your Home (CCYH) program or the off-base Child Care Aware of America subsidy program, which can help offset costs at participating local civilian childcare providers. It's essential to contact the Tinker AFB Family Child Care office or Military OneSource for the most current fee schedules and application processes.
How long are the waitlists for the Child Development Center (CDC) at Tinker AFB, and what are my alternative childcare options on or near base?
Waitlists for the Tinker AFB CDC can vary significantly by age group and time of year, often ranging from several weeks to several months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to get on the waitlist as soon as you have orders or know your arrival date. Excellent alternatives include the Tinker AFB Family Child Care (FCC) program, which consists of licensed home-based providers living in base housing, offering more flexible hours. Off-base, there are numerous state-licensed childcare centers and homes in Midwest City, Del City, and Oklahoma City. Many of these providers are familiar with military family needs and some participate in the Child Care Aware fee assistance program. Using the Military Child Care (MCC) website to search and manage your CDC/FCC requests is the best first step.
What are Oklahoma's licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare near Tinker AFB?
Oklahoma requires all childcare centers and family home providers caring for more than five children to be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). Licensing sets standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety, health, and staff training. To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, you can use the free **OKDHS Child Care Locator** tool online. This resource allows you to search by zip code (e.g., 73145 for Tinker AFB) and see detailed reports, including any licensing violations, complaint investigations, and the results of annual unannounced inspections. Always choose a licensed provider and review their history thoroughly. The Tinker AFB Family Advocacy Program can also offer guidance on evaluating local options.
Are there part-time or hourly "drop-in" childcare options available for military families at Tinker AFB for appointments, errands, or deployment-related tasks?
Yes, Tinker AFB understands the need for flexible care. The CDC may offer limited hourly care based on availability, but the more reliable option for drop-in care is typically the **Child Development Center's "Parents' Day Out" or similar short-term programs**. The best resource is the **Tinker AFB Parent Central Services**, which can provide current schedules and availability. Additionally, the Family Child Care (FCC) network may have individual home providers who offer flexible or respite care by the hour. For last-minute needs, some off-base centers in the community also offer drop-in services, though it's wise to call ahead. Planning is key, so register for these services in advance when possible.
What resources are available at Tinker AFB to help me find and evaluate quality childcare that accommodates non-traditional work shifts common in military roles?
Tinker AFB provides several key resources. Start with **Parent Central Services** (located at the Airman and Family Readiness Center), which is your single point of contact for all childcare referrals and requests, including for shift work. They manage access to the CDC, FCC, and can provide lists of off-base providers. The **Family Child Care (FCC) program** is specifically valuable for shift workers, as many home providers offer evening, overnight, and weekend care to match mission requirements. You can also use the national **Military Child Care (MCC)** website to search for and request care at Tinker facilities. For evaluation, the Family Advocacy Program offers checklists and guidance on what to look for in a quality program, focusing on safety, curriculum, and caregiver interaction.