One Step At a Time Child Care in Oklahoma City: Infant and Toddler Focus with Flexible Hours

One Step At a Time Child Care is a licensed Oklahoma City day care specializing in infants and toddlers up to age three, operating with extended weekday hours that accommodate working parents who need care beyond the standard nine-to-five window.

What One Step At a Time actually is

A small-scale, state-licensed child care facility, One Step At a Time focuses on the youngest children rather than offering a mixed-age environment. The program emphasizes routines and developmental milestones appropriate for non-walkers through early toddlers. It operates as an independent provider rather than a chain or corporate center, which shapes staffing, curriculum design, and parent communication at a more intimate scale than larger regional operators.

Services and pricing

One Step At a Time offers full-time enrollment (typically five days per week) and accepts part-time arrangements. Tuition for infant care runs higher than toddler rates, reflecting the labor intensity of one-on-one attention required. Full-time infant care costs approximately $1,100 to $1,200 per week; toddler full-time runs near $950 to $1,050 per week. Part-time options are available at daily rates or weekly blocks of three or four days, though parents should contact the facility directly to confirm current pricing, as rates adjust periodically. The facility does not participate in the Oklahoma Child Care Assistance Program subsidy system, meaning families pay out-of-pocket or must verify whether their employer offers dependent care FSA benefits. Registration and supplies fees (diapers, wipes, formula if not provided by parents) are separate and should be clarified during enrollment conversations.

How One Step At a Time compares to other Oklahoma City options

Oklahoma City has three broad categories of infant and toddler care: licensed independent providers like One Step At a Time, small licensed chains (typically three to five locations), and large corporate centers such as Bright Horizons or local franchises. One Step At a Time's advantage lies in flexibility and direct owner communication. Independent providers typically adjust pick-up times more leniently and modify routines for individual children faster than centers operating standardized policies across multiple rooms. The trade-off is limited backup care; if the owner or a staff member is ill, hours may close or reduce. Corporate centers offer guaranteed coverage, more structured curriculum documentation, and sometimes subsidized rates through employer partnerships, but charge $100 to $200 more per week for the same age group and enforce stricter scheduling. Mid-size local chains fall between these poles, offering some consistency without the corporate rigidity, though they are often fully enrolled months in advance. For parents prioritizing cost and owner accessibility, One Step At a Time suits the need. For those whose employers offer dependent care benefits or who need assurance of continuous availability, a larger center warrants comparison.

Who One Step At a Time suits and who it does not

This facility works best for families with infants or very young toddlers who value small-group continuity and can absorb modest scheduling changes. Parents who work flexible hours or hybrid schedules, or who have backup care available if the facility closes unexpectedly, are good fits. It does not suit families who require guaranteed extended-hours backup care, who have toddlers age three or older, or who need a facility accepting state child care subsidy. Families new to Oklahoma City and unfamiliar with local providers also sometimes prefer the institutional safety net that larger chains offer.

What the first visit involves

Parents typically call or email to inquire about current openings; One Step At a Time often has a waiting list during peak seasons (fall and early spring). A tour includes the infant and toddler rooms, observation of daily routines, and discussion of the facility's discipline approach, illness policy, and communication methods (many small providers now use apps like Brightwheel to share photos and updates). Parents should ask about staff turnover, the owner's credentials and background, and whether the facility has experienced any licensing violations or complaints; this information is public through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services child care licensing database. A trial period or observation visit is standard before enrollment begins.

Hours, parking, and logistics

One Step At aTime opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM weekdays, accommodating the Oklahoma City commute better than centers closing at 5:30 PM. Confirm current hours directly, as extended-care providers sometimes adjust seasonally or in response to enrollment shifts. The facility is located in a residential neighborhood on the city's northwest side, with private parking in a small lot; drop-off and pick-up happen at a single entrance, reducing traffic confusion. Parents should expect a five-to-ten-minute arrival window to prevent bottlenecks during busy hours.

One Step At a Time fills a legitimate gap in Oklahoma City child care for parents of infants and toddlers who prioritize personal relationships with their provider over corporate scale, and whose work schedules demand morning and evening flexibility.