The Best Daycare Centers in Oakhurst, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oakhurst. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oakhurst
The Learning Experience - Huntsville
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Huntsville serves the Oakhurst area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center emphasizes both academic and social development through structured learning activities, play-based exploration, and character development programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Staff members are trained in early childhood development and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The center offers nutritious meals and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and digital updates.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Huntsville
KinderCare Learning Companies
This KinderCare location provides comprehensive childcare services to families in the Oakhurst area with a research-based curriculum focused on literacy, math, science, and social skills. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, and age-specific learning environments. Qualified teachers develop lesson plans aligned with Texas early learning standards and maintain ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes safety with regular drills, health screenings, and maintained staff-to-child ratios that exceed state requirements.
Daycare Services:
Little Blessings Child Development Center
Little Blessings CDC
Little Blessings is a highly-regarded local childcare center serving Oakhurst families with a Christian-based educational approach combined with comprehensive early learning curriculum. The center features structured academic programs, hands-on learning activities, and character development integrated throughout the day. Facilities include secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing training. The center maintains excellent safety records with secure check-in systems, regular facility inspections, and comprehensive emergency protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oakhurst, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Oakhurst, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Oakhurst, Texas, all licensed daycare centers and registered family homes must comply with the strict standards set by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This includes background checks for all staff, specific child-to-caregiver ratios based on age, health and safety inspections, and required training in topics like CPR and first aid. To verify a facility's compliance and view its latest inspection reports, you can use the DFPS "Child Care Search" tool online. Simply enter "Oakhurst, TX" or the provider's name to access their licensing status, any deficiencies, and the history of complaints. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oakhurst, TX?
While costs can vary based on the type of care and specific program, parents in Oakhurst and the surrounding rural East Texas area can expect to pay an average of $450 to $650 per month for full-time care in a licensed family home. Center-based daycare programs are less common in small communities like Oakhurst but may range from $550 to $750 monthly. These rates are generally lower than in major Texas metros but are significant for local family budgets. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum) and to inquire about any available financial assistance through programs like Texas Workforce Commission's Child Care Services, which provides subsidies to eligible families.
Are there any licensed daycare centers or preschools in Oakhurst, or will I need to look in nearby towns?
Oakhurst is a very small, unincorporated community, so licensed daycare center options within the immediate area are extremely limited. Most families in Oakhurst utilize licensed or registered family home daycares operated out of a caregiver's residence. For center-based preschool or daycare programs, parents typically look in nearby larger towns such as Livingston (approx. 15-20 minutes away) or Corrigan. Many providers in these neighboring towns are accustomed to serving families from surrounding rural communities. When searching, be sure to factor commute time into your daily routine and ask about early drop-off or late pick-up policies if needed.
How long are waitlists for quality childcare in the Oakhurst area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a rural community like Oakhurst, waitlists for well-regarded licensed family homes can be long, often several months to a year, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before care is needed. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a common strategy for local parents.
What should I look for when visiting a family home daycare in a rural area like Oakhurst?
When visiting a family home daycare in Oakhurst, beyond checking their DFPS license, pay close attention to factors unique to a rural setting. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan, including protocols for severe weather common to East Texas and the response time for local EMS. Assess the outdoor play area for safety and fencing, especially given the potential proximity to rural roads or undeveloped land. Ask about their policy on pets and livestock if applicable. Also, discuss their plan for age-appropriate learning activities, as some home-based programs may have a more informal structure. Trust your instincts on the caregiver's warmth and the home's cleanliness and safety.