The Best Daycare Centers in Temple, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Temple. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Temple
Kiddie Academy of Lawton
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lawton provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with modern learning materials, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-teacher ratios. The academy emphasizes health and safety protocols including rigorous cleaning procedures and staff background checks. Parents appreciate the regular communication through mobile apps and detailed progress reports tracking developmental milestones.
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The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy offers a structured educational program that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and creative expression through art and music. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern classroom technology, and age-appropriate playground equipment. Qualified early childhood educators maintain small class sizes and individualized attention. The academy provides nutritious meals and snacks while promoting healthy habits. Parents consistently praise the caring staff and the visible progress in their children's learning and social skills.
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Primrose School of Lawton
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Lawton delivers the Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. The curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies. The facility features secure entry systems, bright and engaging classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and dedicated art and music spaces. All lead teachers have early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains strict health and safety protocols including comprehensive background checks and emergency preparedness training. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's communication and their children's enthusiastic engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Temple, OK
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Temple, Oklahoma, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Temple, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) unless they are legally exempt (such as certain small in-home operations). Licensed centers and family homes must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff training (including CPR/First Aid and background checks), health and safety protocols, and facility inspections. To verify the license and compliance history of any provider in Temple, you can use the free "Child Care Locator" tool on the OKDHS website. This tool shows the license type, capacity, any recent non-compliance reports, and the facility's star rating (1 to 3 stars) under Oklahoma's Reaching for the Stars quality rating system. It's a crucial first step for parents to ensure a provider meets state-mandated safety standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Temple, OK, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In Temple and the surrounding rural areas of Cotton County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in Oklahoma's major cities but can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $100 to $150 per week. These rates are for licensed centers and family homes. Several financial assistance options are available for eligible families. The primary program is the Oklahoma Child Care Subsidy through OKDHS, which helps low-income working families, those in job training, or students. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the OKDHS office in Walters (the county seat) for detailed subsidy eligibility information and a list of participating providers in the Temple area.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Temple, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Temple, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed centers can be significant, sometimes ranging from 3 to 9 months. Family childcare homes may have shorter or more flexible wait times. To improve your chances of securing a spot, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact all licensed providers in Temple and nearby towns like Walters or Faxon. Get on multiple waitlists, even if a center isn't your first choice. Be proactive: follow up with providers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Some providers may prioritize families who have taken a tour or completed a pre-registration form, so in-person visits are highly recommended.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Temple area?
For school-age children attending Temple Public Schools, structured before and after-school programs are limited within the town itself due to its size. However, the Temple School may offer or facilitate an on-site program. The most common solutions for parents in rural communities like Temple include: 1) Family childcare homes that are licensed to care for school-age children and provide transportation to/from school, 2) Care provided by registered family, friends, or neighbors (FFN), which is a common and legal arrangement in Oklahoma, though not licensed, and 3) Coordinating with other parents for shared care or nanny-shares. For organized programs, parents often look to the larger nearby district in Walters. It's essential to inquire directly with the school superintendent's office and check the OKDHS locator for licensed homes that list "school-age" as a service.
Are there any daycare facilities in Temple that offer specialized care, such as for children with disabilities or that provide non-traditional hours for shift workers?
Specialized care options in a small town like Temple are limited. While most licensed providers are trained in inclusive practices, a dedicated facility specializing in disabilities is unlikely to be located in Temple itself. For these needs, parents typically seek services and referrals through the SoonerStart program (Oklahoma's early intervention system) or look to larger regional centers in Lawton or even Oklahoma City, which may involve a significant commute. Regarding non-traditional hours, very few standard daycare centers in rural Oklahoma offer evening, overnight, or weekend care. Your best bet is to seek a licensed family childcare home whose operator may be more flexible with hours to accommodate agricultural, medical, or shift workers common in the area. Be prepared to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront and potentially pay a premium for care outside standard 6 AM-6 PM weekday hours. Networking within local community groups or churches can sometimes help identify in-home providers willing to accommodate unique schedules.