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.

Licensed Childcare Centers 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, and #5 centers. These facilities serve children from infancy through after-school age and offer 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 focuses on early childhood education with an emphasis on developmental milestones and school readiness. The center offers age-specific classrooms and activities designed to transition children from infant care through pre-K.

Children of Joy Learning Academy

Children of Joy Learning Academy provides childcare and early education for young children in a structured learning environment. The academy emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-appropriate activities.

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 center 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.

Preschools and Faith-Based Programs

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. For information on school districts and kindergarten enrollment, check our school districts guide.

Fort Sill Child Development Centers

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. See our PCS Guide to Fort Sill for more military family resources.

Head Start and Early Head Start Programs

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.

Tips for Choosing 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.

Childcare Costs in Lawton

Childcare costs in Lawton are generally below the national average. Full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $600 to $900 per month, while care for a preschool-age child runs $500 to $750 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.