BAPS employee-only daycare looks to be affordable, benefit staff and act as incentive

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BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) is hoping to provide an extra benefit to staff and incentivize future employees with its new, staff-only daycare program.

Like for many parents, BAPS teacher and first-time mom Kelsee Arnold said it was nerve-wracking sending her daughter to daycare for the first time this school year.

Choosing the Tiny Tigers Learning Center, however, she told FOX23, “I have piece of mind all day long, I’m able to focus on serving the students and the teachers within my building knowing that she is in a loving, nurturing environment.”

The program launched in August for all staff and follows the same schedule as the district. Care is available for children age 6 weeks to 3 years and is taken care of by 9 staff members.

Out of 60 spots, 35 are filled as of mid-January. Tiny Tigers Learning Center Director David Sutton said affordability was a goal in creating the program.

Tuition ranges from $650-$800 a month depending on age. He also hopes the program acts as an incentive for future staff.

Arnold told FOX23 she really likes the sense of community the program provides as it ties together work and family life. More than anything, however, as both an educator and mom, she appreciates the quality of care.

“I know each day that Nora’s made a ton of growth developmentally and I attribute that to the intentional work that they’re doing to not only take care of our kids, but give them that early intervention so they can be successful learners in the future.”

Spots for infants are currently full, but here is room for 2 and 3-year-olds.