Daycares and Childcare Options in Lawton Oklahoma (2026 Guide)

From accredited learning centers to Fort Sill Child Development Centers, here are the daycare and childcare options available to families in Lawton and Southwest Oklahoma. Finding the right childcare is one of the first priorities for any family relocating to a new area. Lawton has a range of licensed centers, preschools, and early childhood programs — here's a practical overview to help you start your search. For information on school-age options, visit our Lawton area schools guide.

What Childcare Centers Are in Lawton?

Lawton has several well-established licensed childcare centers serving infants through school-age children. Many are rated through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services quality rating system, and some hold national accreditation through organizations like NECPA (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation).

Playcare, Inc. (Smart Start Locations)

Playcare operates multiple locations in Lawton, including Smart Start #2, #4, #5, and #6 centers. The locally owned company has served Lawton families since 1989, holds NECPA national accreditation, and its centers carry OKDHS 5-Star quality ratings. Facilities serve children from infancy through after-school age (roughly 6 weeks to 12 years) with structured learning programs. With multiple locations across the city, they provide flexibility for parents who need coverage in different areas depending on school zones or work commutes.

Scissortail Children's School

Scissortail Children's School is a Reggio-inspired, nature-based program for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, with locations on SW Park Avenue and SW C Avenue. The school is rated 4-Star by OKDHS and accepts subsidy, and it offers age-specific classrooms and activities designed to support developmental milestones, school readiness, and a smooth transition from infant care through pre-K.

Children of Joy Learning Academy

Children of Joy Learning Academy at 1305 NW 73rd St has served Lawton families since 1984, providing childcare and early education for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The academy holds an OKDHS 5-Star rating and emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-appropriate activities in a structured, faith-informed learning environment.

Other Licensed Centers

• Nana's Little Stars — A licensed center offering childcare services for infants through preschoolers.
• Kae Dee Day Care Center — A long-established licensed center at 2206 SW E Ave with a reputation for structured early childhood programming.
• Lil Caterpillars East — A smaller licensed center providing childcare and developmental activities.
• MIGHT Technology & Learning Center — A center that combines technology-integrated learning with traditional childcare activities.

What Preschools Are Available in Lawton?

In addition to full-day daycare centers, Lawton has several faith-based preschool programs for children ages 3–5. St. John Lutheran Preschool is a well-known option offering a structured curriculum with a faith-based component. These programs typically run on a half-day or part-time schedule and focus on kindergarten readiness skills.

For families who prefer a secular, development-focused program, centers like Scissortail and Playcare offer pre-K programs that align with Oklahoma's early learning standards. Oklahoma also offers free, universal pre-K for four-year-olds through the public schools (children must turn four by September 1), so families in Lawton and the surrounding districts have a no-cost option the year before kindergarten. For information on school districts and kindergarten enrollment, check our school districts guide.

What Childcare Is Available at Fort Sill?

Military families stationed at Fort Sill have access to on-post childcare through the Installation's Child Development Centers (CDCs). The two main facilities are:

• Tincher Child Development Center — Serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years with full-day care and age-appropriate programming.
• Alice Grierson Child Development Center — Another on-post facility offering care for infants through preschoolers, with accreditation through national early childhood organizations.

CDC spots at Fort Sill are in high demand and often have waitlists. Military families are encouraged to register as early as possible — even before arrival — through the Fort Sill MWR Child, Youth & School Services office. Some families also use FCC (Family Child Care) providers on post, which offer home-based care with smaller group sizes. For more military family resources, see our PCSing to Fort Sill with kids guide and the Complete PCS Guide to Fort Sill.

What Head Start Programs Are in Lawton?

First Start Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers (ages 0–3) in the Lawton area, providing early education, health screenings, and parent involvement programming at no cost to eligible families. The federal Head Start program also operates preschool classrooms for qualifying 3–5 year olds, focusing on school readiness and comprehensive family support services.

How Do I Choose Childcare in Lawton?

• Start early. Quality childcare centers in Lawton fill up quickly. Begin touring and applying 2–3 months before your start date, especially if you're relocating.
• Check the Oklahoma DHS quality rating. Licensed centers are rated through the state's quality rating system, which evaluates staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and learning environments.
• Tour facilities in person. Schedule visits to see classrooms, outdoor play areas, and staff interactions firsthand. Most centers welcome prospective parents for tours.
• Ask about waitlists. Popular centers often have waitlists that can stretch several weeks. Get on the list early and ask if they notify openings by email or text.
• Verify licensing. You can check a center's licensing status through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services website.

How Much Does Childcare Cost in Lawton?

Childcare costs in Lawton are generally below the national average. Full-time daycare for an infant in the Lawton area typically ranges from $700 to $950 per month, in line with Oklahoma's statewide average of roughly $850 to $975 for center-based infant care, while care for a preschool-age child runs $550 to $800 per month depending on the center and program. Part-time and before/after-school programs are less expensive. Some employers in Lawton and at Fort Sill offer childcare assistance or flexible spending accounts — it's worth checking with your HR department.

Families who qualify for assistance can also apply through the Oklahoma Human Services Child Care Subsidy, which pays a portion of care directly to a licensed or contracted provider while a parent works, attends school, or is in training. Eligibility covers children from birth through age 13 (and up to 19 for children with disabilities), and income eligibility rules were updated July 1, 2026, so check the current requirements on the DHS website.