The Best Preschools in Altus AFB, OK
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Altus AFB. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
Altus AFB Child Development Center
Air Force Child and Youth Programs
The official Child Development Center at Altus Air Force Base provides high-quality early childhood education specifically designed for military families. This facility offers NAEYC-accredited programs with developmentally appropriate curriculum, trained early childhood professionals, and comprehensive safety protocols. The center features age-appropriate learning environments, nutritious meals, and programs that support military family readiness. With extensive experience serving military children, they understand the unique needs of military families, including deployment support and flexible scheduling options.
Programs Offered:
The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree is a highly-rated private preschool located just minutes from Altus AFB, serving many military families from the base. They offer a comprehensive early childhood program focusing on school readiness through structured learning activities, creative play, and social development. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and experienced teachers with early childhood education credentials. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math readiness, and social skills development in a nurturing environment that many military families appreciate for its consistency and quality.
Programs Offered:
Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings is a well-established childcare and learning center serving the Altus community, including many families from Altus AFB. They provide a Christian-based educational environment with structured preschool curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. The center features age-separated classrooms, secure facilities, and qualified teaching staff. Their program includes academic preparation, Bible stories, music, and physical activities. Parents consistently praise the center's caring staff, clean facilities, and the educational foundation their children receive, making it a popular choice for military and civilian families alike.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Altus AFB, OK:
What are the primary preschool options available for military families stationed at Altus AFB?
Military families at Altus AFB have access to the on-base Child Development Center (CDC), which offers full-day preschool programs accredited by the Department of Defense. Additionally, there are several licensed home-based childcare providers on base through the Family Child Care (FCC) program. Off-base, options include local church-affiliated preschools and private early learning centers in the city of Altus.
How does the cost of preschool at the Altus AFB CDC compare to off-base options in the city?
The CDC uses a sliding fee scale based on the family's total income, making it a cost-effective option for many service members. Off-base preschools in Altus, OK, typically have fixed weekly or monthly tuition rates, which can vary but are often competitive. It's important to factor in the CDC's extended hours and included meals when comparing overall value.
What should I know about the enrollment process and waitlists for preschools at Altus AFB?
Enrollment for the CDC is managed through MilitaryChildCare.com, and due to high demand, it is crucial to register as early as possible to secure a spot on the waitlist. For off-base preschools in Altus, you should contact providers directly, as their enrollment periods and waitlist procedures vary. Many programs prioritize availability for the upcoming school year starting in the spring.
Are there preschool programs in Altus that offer flexible or part-time schedules to accommodate shifting military duties?
The on-base CDC is designed to support military readiness and offers full-time, hourly, and drop-in care options to accommodate changing schedules and temporary duty assignments. Some off-base preschools in Altus may offer traditional part-time schedules (e.g., half-days, 2-3 days a week), but flexible drop-in care is less common in the civilian community.
How can I assess the quality and safety of a preschool, both on and off Altus AFB?
For on-base care, the CDC undergoes rigorous DoD certification and national accreditation reviews. For any Oklahoma-licensed off-base provider, you can check compliance records and inspection reports through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services website. Always schedule an in-person tour to observe the environment, ask about staff-to-child ratios, and inquire about their emergency procedures.
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