The Best Daycare Centers in Tulsa, OK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tulsa. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tulsa
The Learning Experience - Broken Arrow
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Broken Arrow serves the greater Tulsa metro area with a comprehensive early education curriculum that focuses on academic, social, and physical development. Their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and physical fitness. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, certified early childhood educators, and age-appropriate learning environments. Parents consistently praise the engaging activities, regular communication through their mobile app, and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten success.
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La Petite Academy of Tulsa
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy in South Tulsa provides a well-rounded educational experience with their Links to Learning curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs qualified early childhood professionals. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups and offers nutritious meals. Parents highlight the caring staff, structured learning environment, and excellent communication about child development progress.
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Primrose School of South Tulsa
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of South Tulsa serves the greater Tulsa area with their Balanced Learning approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, STEM concepts, and creative expression. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, highly qualified teachers with early childhood credentials, and spacious classrooms with modern learning materials. The outdoor environment includes age-appropriate playgrounds and nature exploration areas. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its educational quality, safe environment, and the genuine care shown by staff members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tulsa, OK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Tulsa, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Tulsa, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of care and the child's age. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 per month at a licensed center, while toddler care typically ranges from $700 to $1,000 monthly. In-home family childcare is often more affordable, averaging $600-$850 per month. Oklahoma offers several financial assistance programs. The Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Child Care Subsidy Program for qualifying families based on income and need. Additionally, Tulsa organizations like the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) can help navigate subsidy applications and may offer sliding-scale fee referrals. It's also worth checking if your employer participates in the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program.
How do I verify a daycare's license and inspection history in Oklahoma, and what are the key state regulations for Tulsa providers?
All childcare facilities in Tulsa must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, including any citations, through the Oklahoma Child Care Locator online tool. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for 2-year-olds), required background checks for all employees, and annual health and safety inspections. Tulsa providers must also meet specific training requirements in areas like CPR, First Aid, and Safe Sleep practices for infants. The City of Tulsa may have additional local ordinances, so it's wise to ask the provider directly about compliance with both state and city requirements.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Tulsa, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care and at highly-rated centers in popular Tulsa neighborhoods like Brookside, Midtown, and South Tulsa. It's not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infants. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Get on multiple waitlists, even at your second-choice centers. Follow up with a polite phone call or email every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in your area, which may have shorter wait times. Utilizing the referral services of the Child Care Resource Center of Tulsa can also help identify availability.
What are the main differences between a daycare center and a licensed in-home family childcare provider in Tulsa?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. Daycare centers in Tulsa are typically larger facilities in commercial buildings, caring for larger groups of children divided by age. They often have multiple staff, structured curricula, and may offer amenities like commercial kitchens and playgrounds. Licensed family childcare providers operate out of their own homes, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group (typically up to 7-12 children, including their own). This setting often provides a more home-like, flexible environment and can be more affordable. Both are licensed by OK DHS, but centers generally have more rigid hours, while family providers may offer more personalized care and potentially more flexible hours, which can be beneficial for parents with non-traditional schedules.
Beyond basic licensing, what quality indicators should Tulsa parents look for when touring a potential daycare?
Look for signs of a high-quality program that go beyond the state minimums. Ask about staff qualifications and turnover; low turnover indicates a stable, positive environment. Observe interactions: caregivers should be engaged at the children's level, speaking warmly and responding to needs. Check for a clean, safe, and stimulating environment with age-appropriate toys and books. Inquire about their curriculum and philosophy—do they offer structured learning through play? For Tulsa specifically, ask about their severe weather safety plan (including access to a storm shelter) and outdoor play policies given our variable climate. Look for accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or a high rating in Oklahoma's voluntary Reaching for the Stars quality rating system. Finally, trust your gut feeling about the atmosphere and communication style.