The Best Daycare Centers in Oakwood, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oakwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oakwood
Kiddie Academy of Palestine
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Palestine is a highly-rated educational childcare center located approximately 20 minutes from Oakwood. They follow the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated learning centers. The academy emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, structured learning environment, and excellent communication about child progress.
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Little Angels Learning Center
Little Angels Learning Center
Little Angels Learning Center serves families throughout Freestone County, including Oakwood residents. This established center offers a comprehensive early childhood program that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, and hands-on science activities. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The facility features modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and a dedicated infant care wing with separate nap and feeding areas.
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Buffalo Early Learning Center
Buffalo Independent School District
Buffalo Early Learning Center operates as part of Buffalo ISD and serves families throughout the region, including Oakwood. This public early childhood program offers high-quality pre-K education with certified teachers holding early childhood credentials. The center follows the Texas Pre-K Guidelines with a play-based learning approach that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Their program includes developmental assessments, individualized learning plans, and family engagement opportunities. The facility features purpose-built early childhood classrooms, safe outdoor play areas, and specialized learning materials. Parents appreciate the structured yet nurturing environment and the smooth transition to elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oakwood, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Oakwood, Texas, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Oakwood, as in all of Texas, daycare facilities are licensed and regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and curriculum. To verify a specific daycare's compliance, you can use the free, public "Child Care Search" tool on the HHSC website. This tool shows the facility's license status, any recent inspection reports, and details of any violations or deficiencies. For Oakwood specifically, you can also contact the local HHSC Child Care Licensing office that oversees the region for additional context.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oakwood, TX?
In Oakwood and the surrounding rural areas of Leon County, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in major Texas metros but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $450 to $650 per month for full-time infant or toddler care. Home-based family daycares may range from $350 to $500 per month. These rates are typically lower than state averages due to the lower cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials, as these can affect the overall value.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs available to help with childcare costs for families in Oakwood?
Yes, eligible families in Oakwood can apply for financial assistance through the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Child Care Services (CCS) program. This state-administered subsidy helps low-income families, those in workforce training, or parents attending school pay for childcare at participating licensed or registered providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online through YourTexasBenefits.com or contact the TWC office that serves Leon County. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the Oakwood area may offer limited scholarship assistance or sliding-scale fees.
How far in advance should I put my child on a daycare waitlist in Oakwood, and what factors affect availability?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Oakwood, planning ahead is crucial. For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, it is advisable to get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, 3 to 6 months of lead time is recommended. Availability is heavily influenced by Oakwood's small population; when one family moves away or a child ages out, a spot may open. Building a relationship with local providers, even before you need care, can be beneficial. Be sure to ask about the waitlist policy, including any fees and how often you should check in.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the Oakwood city limits?
Within Oakwood's city limits, parents typically have three primary options. First, **licensed family homes**, which are smaller, home-based settings often offering a more flexible, family-like environment. Second, **licensed childcare centers**, though there may only be one or two serving the immediate area, offering structured programs in a dedicated facility. Third, **registered or listed family homes**, which care for fewer children and have different regulations. Due to the rural setting, many Oakwood families also consider **in-home nannies or shared nanny arrangements** with neighbors, or they may look at providers in nearby towns like Buffalo or Centerville. Checking with the Oakwood Community Center or local churches can also reveal occasional mother's day out programs.