What is the average cost of daycare in Oklahoma?
What is the average cost of daycare in Oklahoma?
$700 – $1,400 average cost per month (infant)
$600 – $1,200 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Oklahoma
The average cost of childcare in Oklahoma is $600 to $1,400 per month or $7,200 to $16,800 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of provider you choose, and where you live in the state. Daycare costs are higher in metropolitan areas like Tulsa and Oklahoma City compared to smaller cities and rural communities.
| Child’s age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $700 – $1,400 | $8,400 – $16,800 |
| Toddler | $600 – $1,200 | $7,200 – $14,400 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Cost of center vs. in-home daycare in Oklahoma
The type of childcare you select impacts both the cost and the experience your child receives. Daycare centers offer structured educational programs, staff with early childhood development training, and larger facilities designed for learning and play. In-home daycare offers a more personal, family-style environment with smaller group sizes and individualized attention.
The table below shows the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Oklahoma.
| Child’s age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $950 – $1,400 | $700 – $1,100 |
| Toddler | $850 – $1,200 | $600 – $950 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Infant daycare cost in Oklahoma
Daycare for infants in Oklahoma costs $700 to $1,400 per month for full-time care five days per week, with lower rates for part-time care. Infant daycare costs the most because it requires a higher staff-to-child ratio and more specialized attention, including frequent diaper changes, bottle feeding, and one-on-one interaction to support early development milestones.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time infant daycare in Oklahoma.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $700 – $1,400 |
| Part-time | $600 – $1,200 |
Toddler daycare cost in Oklahoma
The average cost of daycare for toddlers in Oklahoma is $600 to $1,200 per month for five days per week of full-time care, with lower rates for half-day care or fewer days per week. Toddler programs focus on developing language skills, motor coordination, social interaction, and independence through age-appropriate activities and structured play.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in Oklahoma.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $600 – $1,200 |
| Part-time | $500 – $900 |
What affects Oklahoma daycare rates?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Oklahoma:
Child's age: Infant care costs more than toddler care due to higher staff-to-child requirements and more intensive care needed.
Center vs. in-home daycare: Childcare centers charge more but have comprehensive programs, certified staff, and extensive facilities including playgrounds, learning materials, and specialized equipment. In-home family daycare providers have more affordable rates but may not offer the same learning experience or amenities.
Program quality: Daycare centers with enhanced educational curricula, enrichment programs like music or art instruction, and specialized learning activities charge premium rates for their advanced services.
Staff qualifications: Childcare programs that employ teachers with early childhood education degrees and specialized certifications charge higher tuition rates.
Supplies included: Some daycare centers include diapers, meals, snacks, and educational materials in their base rate, while others charge separately for these items or require parents to provide their own supplies.
Additional services: Programs that offer transportation, extended hours, summer camps, or specialized services like language immersion or STEM programs charge additional fees for these premium offerings.
Location within Oklahoma: Daycare costs vary across the state. Providers in urban areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa have higher rates than those in smaller towns and rural communities.
Many childcare providers offer discounts for enrolling siblings together, active-duty military personnel, or families that pay monthly in advance instead of weekly.
Regional differences in Oklahoma daycare costs
Childcare costs vary significantly across different regions of Oklahoma:
Oklahoma City metro area: The state capital region has the highest childcare costs in Oklahoma.
Tulsa metro area: Daycare providers in and around Tulsa charge moderate-to-high rates.
Lawton and southwestern Oklahoma: Daycares in this military-focused region charge more affordable rates while serving families stationed at Fort Sill and surrounding communities.
Northeastern Oklahoma: Childcare providers in areas around Bartlesville and Claremore charge moderate rates.
Rural Oklahoma: Small towns and agricultural communities throughout the state have the most affordable childcare rates, though there may be fewer providers for families to choose from.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
These other childcare options cost more than daycare but may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule:
A nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,400 to $2,100 per month.
Childcare assistance in Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Oklahoma's Child Care Subsidy program provides financial assistance to low-income working families, students, and job training participants to help cover costs at licensed providers throughout the state.
Oklahoma's Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve low-income families with children from birth to age 5, providing early childhood education, health services, nutrition programs, and family support services at no cost to eligible families.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to eligible families with children. Parents can use this assistance toward childcare expenses while working or participating in approved education and training programs.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps eligible childcare providers serve nutritious meals and snacks to children in their care, reducing food costs for families and ensuring children receive proper nutrition throughout the day.
FAQs about childcare in Oklahoma
Do Oklahoma daycare rates include meals?
Most Oklahoma daycare centers include meals and snacks in their base tuition rate, though specific offerings vary by provider. Many centers provide breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks prepared on-site or delivered by approved vendors. Always confirm the meal policies and any associated fees during your initial consultation.
How far in advance should I apply for daycare in Oklahoma?
Start your daycare search 3 to 6 months before you need care to secure a spot at your preferred provider. Popular centers and programs may have waiting lists, particularly for infant care. Applying early gives you time to visit multiple facilities, compare programs, and complete the enrollment paperwork without feeling rushed.
What happens if my child gets sick at daycare?
Oklahoma daycare centers follow strict health policies to protect all children and staff. Most providers require parents to pick up sick children within one hour of notification. Children must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to daycare.
Do daycares in Oklahoma need to be licensed?
Oklahoma requires licensing for all childcare providers who care for children unrelated to the provider. Licensed providers must meet comprehensive health and safety standards, pass regular inspections, maintain required child-to-staff ratios, and complete ongoing training requirements.
Always verify a provider's current license status before enrolling your child.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycares in Oklahoma, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Read reviews of daycare providers near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit daycares in person to evaluate the facility and staff.
Confirm the daycare is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Meet with directors and teachers to discuss their qualifications and approach to early childhood education.
Ask about staff-to-child ratios, operating hours, and supplies and services included.
Review the center's curriculum, schedule, and enrichment activities to ensure they align with your child's needs and your family's values.
Confirm the provider has a current childcare license.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare providers:
How long has your daycare been open?
What is the staff-to-child ratio for my child's age group?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
What qualifications and certifications do your staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
What educational curriculum do you offer?
What enrichment programs and activities do you offer?
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Which supplies and services are included in your base tuition rate?
How much outdoor playtime do the children get?
Do you provide regular progress reports or parent-teacher conferences?
How often do your staff members send pictures or updates?
What is your sick child policy?
What is your approach to discipline?
What security measures do you have in place for pickup and drop-off?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.