Poteau • Heavener • LeFlore County
Is There Affordable Daycare for a Toddler Around Poteau?
Short answer: Onward Daycare and Where the Wild Things Grow Part 2 are licensed Poteau centers that take toddlers and accept Oklahoma child care subsidy, which can bring the cost way down.
Daycare in Poteau
The short answer
Yes. Two licensed child care centers in Poteau take toddlers and accept Oklahoma child care subsidy: Onward Daycare Center at 505 N McKenna, run by LeFlore County Youth Services, and Where the Wild Things Grow Daycare Part 2 at 903 S McKenna. Call to ask about openings and weekly rates.
To make it more affordable, apply for Oklahoma Human Services child care subsidy. If you work, go to school or are in training and meet the income limits, the state pays the daycare directly and you pay a copay based on your income. Apply at okdhslive.org or call (405) 522-5050.
Want more choices, including licensed in-home daycares? Search the state's Child Care Locator by your zip code.
- Onward Daycare Center: 505 N McKenna, Poteau, (918) 647-4196, Mon to Fri 7 AM to 5:30 PM
- Where the Wild Things Grow Part 2: 903 S McKenna, Poteau, (918) 564-8319, Mon to Fri 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Child care subsidy: okdhslive.org or (405) 522-5050
- Head Start: Choctaw Nation, 101 Kerr Ave, Poteau, ages 3 to 4
🧸 Daycares
Licensed daycares in Poteau that take toddlers
Onward Daycare Center, 505 N McKenna, is run by LeFlore County Youth Services. The state lists it as a 3-star program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age kids, open year-round Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 5:30 PM, and it accepts subsidy. Call (918) 647-4196.
Where the Wild Things Grow Daycare Part 2, 903 S McKenna, is a 4-star program for infants through school age, open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and it accepts subsidy. Call (918) 564-8319. Its first location is at 201 E Avenue F in Heavener.
🧸 Toddlers, accepts subsidyOnward Daycare is a child care center in Poteau, Oklahoma, run by LeFlore County Youth Services.
See hours, photos & directions →
🧸 Heavener and PoteauWhere the Wild Things Grow Daycare is a licensed child care center with locations in Heavener and Poteau.
See hours, photos & directions →💵 Help paying
Oklahoma child care subsidy
Oklahoma Human Services helps parents who meet the income limits pay for licensed child care while they work, go to school or are in training. The money goes straight to the daycare, and you pay a copay based on your income and family size.
The easiest way to apply is online at okdhslive.org. You can also call (405) 522-5050 or go by your local Oklahoma Human Services office. Not every daycare takes subsidy, so ask when you call. Both Poteau centers above do.
🔎 More options
In-home daycares and Head Start
The state's Child Care Locator lists every licensed center and in-home daycare in Oklahoma, with hours, ages, star level, whether they take subsidy and their inspection history. Search it by your zip code to find more openings around Poteau.
When your toddler turns 3, the Choctaw Nation's Head Start at the Poteau Child Development Center, 101 Kerr Avenue, is free preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. Native American and income-eligible children get first preference. Poteau's hours are 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM on weekdays, and you apply online through the Choctaw Nation.
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💡 Before you go
Choosing a daycare
Call early
Toddler spots fill up. Ask to be put on a waiting list if they're full.
Ask about subsidy
If you're applying for state help, make sure the daycare accepts it.
Check the license
The Child Care Locator shows every licensed provider's inspection visits.
Visit first
Stop by, meet the teachers and see the toddler room before you sign up.
Babysitters
For a sitter in your home, ask for references and check Joshua's List, the state child care restricted registry.
❓ Good to know
Common questions
Is there affordable daycare for a toddler around Poteau?
Onward Daycare and Where the Wild Things Grow Part 2 take toddlers and accept Oklahoma child care subsidy, which can lower what you pay to a small copay.
How do I get help paying for daycare in Oklahoma?
Apply for child care subsidy at okdhslive.org or call (405) 522-5050. You need to be working, in school or in training and meet the income limits.
What daycares in Poteau take toddlers?
Onward Daycare Center, 505 N McKenna, (918) 647-4196, and Where the Wild Things Grow Part 2, 903 S McKenna, (918) 564-8319.
How do I find licensed in-home daycare near Poteau?
Search the Oklahoma Human Services Child Care Locator by zip code. It lists centers and licensed homes.
Is there Head Start in Poteau?
Yes. The Choctaw Nation runs Head Start at 101 Kerr Avenue for children 3 and 4 years old.
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