Learning Tree OKC Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
The Learning Tree, in partnership with other organizations, is a valuable resource for learning materials and activities for children from birth through age 14. Understanding the landscape of early childhood education and care in Oklahoma City requires considering various programs and resources available to families. This article delves into the offerings of Learning Tree and related childcare facilities, accreditation programs, and individuals contributing to environmental education within the state.
Childcare Programs in Oklahoma City: An Overview
Oklahoma City offers a variety of childcare programs catering to different age groups and needs. These programs are monitored by the Oklahoma Human Services Licensing Specialist, who ensures compliance with regulations and provides resources to both parents and childcare providers. Parents are encouraged to contact licensing specialists with any concerns regarding their child's program.
Learning Tree OKC: Program Details
One program operates with the following schedule:
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
- Ages Accepted: Infants (0-11 months), Toddlers (12-23 months), Preschool (24-48 months), School-age (5 years and older).
- Total Capacity: 68 children.
Licensing Monitoring:
The program has undergone several licensing monitoring visits in the past three years. According to available information, recent visits have shown a high level of compliance:
- August 22, 2025: Full visit, periodic purpose, 39 of 39 areas in compliance.
- April 09, 2025: Full visit, periodic purpose, 39 of 39 areas in compliance.
- December 18, 2024: Full visit, periodic purpose, 39 of 39 areas in compliance.
- September 05, 2024: Partial visit, complaint purpose, 10 of 10 areas in compliance.
- August 28, 2024: Full visit, periodic purpose, 39 of 39 areas in compliance.
- April 18, 2024: Full visit, periodic purpose, 38 of 38 areas in compliance.
- March 15, 2024: Partial visit, STARS purpose, 6 of 6 areas in compliance.
- December 14, 2023: Full visit, periodic purpose, 39 of 39 areas in compliance.
- August 18, 2023: Full visit, periodic purpose, 39 of 39 areas in compliance.
- February 16, 2023: Full visit, periodic purpose, 39 of 39 areas in compliance.
Brittany Shults is the Oklahoma Human Services Licensing Specialist for this program and can be reached at (405) 613-6352.
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Additional Childcare Option
Another program exhibits the following features:
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
- Ages Accepted: Toddlers (12-23 months), Preschool (24-48 months), School-age (5 years and older).
- Total Capacity: 12 children.
Licensing Monitoring:
This program's licensing history reveals a few non-compliance issues observed during visits:
- August 13, 2025: Full visit, periodic purpose, 17 of 17 areas in compliance.
- April 15, 2025: Full visit, periodic purpose, 16 of 17 areas in compliance. One non-compliance was observed: Three visiting dogs do not have documentation of having rabies vaccinations on premises.
- December 09, 2024: Full visit, periodic purpose, 15 of 18 areas in compliance. Non-compliances observed: Assistant Caregiver has an expired PDL certificate; Assistant Caregiver obtained 4 of 12 hours of professional development; Infant walker present in room used by daycare children today.
- August 16, 2024: Full visit, periodic purpose, 16 of 18 areas in compliance. Non-compliances observed: Assistant caregiver has an expired PDL certificate; Assistant caregiver obtained zero hours of annual professional development.
- April 24, 2024: Partial visit, follow-up purpose, 5 of 6 areas in compliance. Non-compliance observed: Primary Caregiver obtained 12 out of 15 hours of training within PDL certification period.
- April 23, 2024: Full visit, periodic purpose, 0 of 0 areas in compliance. Non-compliances observed: Primary Caregiver obtained 12 out of 15 hours of training within PDL certification period; Two children transported this morning did not have written parent permission; Fire extinguisher expired 12/2023.
- April 23, 2024: Attempted visit, periodic purpose, 0 of 0 areas in compliance.
- December 12, 2023: Full visit, periodic purpose, 15 of 17 areas in compliance. Non-compliances observed: Primary caregiver received 8 hours of annual professional development within her PDL certification period; Primary Caregiver has an expired PDL certificate as of 10/2023.
- August 02, 2023: Full visit, periodic purpose, 16 of 17 areas in compliance. Non-compliance observed: Assistant Caregiver employed prior to 6/1/22 has not obtained a PDL certificate.
- April 24, 2023: Full visit, periodic purpose, 17 of 17 areas in compliance.
- December 14, 2022: Full visit, periodic purpose, 17 of 17 areas in compliance.
Serena Shoemaker is the Oklahoma Human Services Licensing Specialist for this program and can be reached at (405) 694-1339.
Complaint Investigations
It's important to note that any complaint investigation that rises to the level of abuse/neglect is referred to Oklahoma Human Services Child Welfare Services. All other complaint allegations are investigated by Oklahoma Child Care Services.
Montessori Education in Oklahoma City
For parents seeking an alternative educational approach, the Montessori method offers a child-centered, self-paced learning environment. Oklahoma City University (OCU) has a long-standing history of training Montessori educators.
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OCU Montessori Teacher Certification Program
OCU's Montessori Teacher Certification Program has received full accreditation at the Early Childhood level from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society. This accreditation signifies a high standard of quality and alignment with Montessori principles.
Program Highlights:
- Accreditation: MACTE accredited and American Montessori Society affiliated.
- History: Over 50 years of training Montessori educators, starting in 1963-64.
- Curriculum: Integrates contemporary thinking in early childhood education with Montessori methodologies.
- Flexibility: A 24-month program designed for working professionals, offered through summer intensive classes and fall/spring evening and weekend classes.
- Instructional Diversity: Educators come from various schools around the Oklahoma City community, bringing unique approaches to teaching.
- University Affiliation: One of the few programs in the nation attached to a university education department.
Jennifer Bush, co-director of the program, emphasizes the dedication of faculty and staff in meeting MACTE criteria and ensuring that the program aligns with Montessori principles. The program has been redesigned into two pathways to nurture aspiring educators.
The Montessori Method: A Closer Look
The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, focuses on fostering rigorous, self-motivated growth in children across all areas of development - cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. Key characteristics include:
- Student-Led Learning: Children work independently and in groups, using specially designed learning materials.
- Self-Paced Learning: Students progress at their own pace, taking the time they need to fully understand each concept.
- Multi-Sensory Materials: Learning through concrete, hands-on materials provides a foundation for abstract thinking.
- Multi-Age Groupings: More experienced children share their knowledge, reinforcing their own learning.
- Prepared Environment: A nurturing environment guided by knowledgeable and caring teachers.
The primary goal of Montessori education is to help each child reach their full potential in all areas of life.
Community Partnerships
OCU's Montessori program emphasizes community engagement, partnering with various organizations in the OKC area, including:
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- Wesley Church United Methodist: Plans to create a full lab school.
- PAMBE Ghana: A Ghanaian Montessori collective teaching students in their native languages.
- Learning Tree: A store run by Montessori teachers and parents for learning materials and activities for children birth through age 14.
- The Floating Bookshop: A local independent bookstore.
- Rainbow Fleet: A non-profit offering a lending library of toys, games, and activities for childcare centers and home daycares.
- Casady School, Westminster School, Heartland Montessori OKC: Schools where adult learners and future teachers are sent for hands-on learning experiences.
Individuals Contributing to Education in Oklahoma
Beyond specific programs, dedicated individuals contribute significantly to education and environmental awareness in Oklahoma.
Sara Ivey
Sara Ivey is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma GreenSchools Program, which is part of the Department of Environmental Quality’s education efforts. With over 115 registered schools, the program aims to educate youth on complex environmental topics. Sara has developed partnerships with various organizations to secure financial support and provide technical expertise, supplies, and professional development trainings. She also serves as President of the Oklahoma Association for Environmental Education and sits on the Oklahoma PLT Steering Committee.
Kurtis Koll
Kurtis Koll, a professor of physical sciences at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, demonstrates a deep appreciation for nature and the importance of connecting with it. He created a series of environmental education short courses for pre-service science teachers and conducts workshops for teachers from local school districts. Kurtis also conducts "natural experience" programs with youth in the Comanche Nation Youth Program and the Wichita-Caddo Tribal Youth Program.
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