Licensed Daycare in Tulsa, Oklahoma
56 licensed daycares in Tulsa, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Oklahoma licensing records.
Tulsa listings updated May 2026 from official Oklahoma records.
Daycare in Tulsa: what parents should know
Our directory lists 56 licensed childcare providers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Every provider here holds a current Oklahoma license at indexing time, sourced from Oklahoma DHS — Child Care Services.
For age coverage, 6 centers in Tulsa report infant care (roughly 11% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 8 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 6 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Tulsa spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 14% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Together, licensed providers in Tulsa report capacity for roughly 3,464 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Tulsa childcare by the numbers
The Tulsa childcare landscape
Oklahoma pioneered universal pre-K — free for every 4-year-old since the late 1990s — and Tulsa's program is studied internationally. Combined with one of the country's most respected community early-childhood organizations and very low costs, Tulsa is an unusually strong market for families.
Universal free pre-K
Oklahoma offers free public-school pre-K to all 4-year-olds regardless of income — one of the first universal programs in the nation — delivered through Tulsa Public Schools and surrounding districts. For younger children, CAP Tulsa (Community Action Project) runs a nationally recognized Early Head Start and Head Start network.
Subsidies and quality
Oklahoma's childcare subsidy runs through the Department of Human Services (OKDHS) for eligible working families. Check a provider's Reaching for the Stars rating — Oklahoma's star quality system — alongside any NAEYC accreditation.
How licensing works
Child care in Oklahoma is licensed and inspected by OKDHS Child Care Services. Licensing status and star ratings are public — confirm a provider is licensed and in good standing before enrolling.
Neighborhoods and cost
Tulsa is among the most affordable major markets in the country — full-time infant care commonly runs $800–$1,100/month. Midtown and south Tulsa are family-dense and competitive; with universal pre-K, the 4-year-old year is essentially free citywide.
When to start looking
Enroll in Tulsa Public Schools pre-K ahead of the fall. For infant care, CAP Tulsa and private infant rooms carry waitlists, so tour and list early.
Childcare costs in Tulsa
ChildCare Aware reports the Oklahoma average full-time cost at $820/month for infant care and $660/month for preschool. City-level prices in Tulsa vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Oklahoma families may also qualify for Oklahoma Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (405) 521-3561).
Full Oklahoma licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Oklahoma DHS — Child Care Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:8
- Preschool ratio
- 1:12
- Avg capacity
- 61 kids
Largest licensed centers in Tulsa
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Tulsa licensed centers
Page 2 of 4Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
What's the average daycare cost in Tulsa?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Tulsa daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Tulsa?
How do I verify a Tulsa daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Tulsa
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programOklahoma Child Care Subsidy Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(405) 521-3561 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Oklahoma DHS — Child Care Services.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Tulsa
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Tulsa, Oklahoma are compiled from official Oklahoma DHS — Child Care Services licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 56 Licensed Centers in Tulsa
Free, no signup, verified directly with Oklahoma DHS — Child Care Services.