Ponca City Public Schools Announces Major Step Forward in Early Childhood Education and Childcare Solutions
Ponca City Public Schools (PCPS) is proud to announce a transformative initiative that brings Washington Pre-K classes back to neighborhood schools while creating at least 40 new childcare spots across the community. This bold move, in partnership with the Child Development Center (CDC), aims to tackle two critical challenges facing Ponca City families: early education access and the growing childcare shortage.
This opportunity has rapidly evolved since Spring Break, but its roots go deeper. While the district explored reintroducing neighborhood Pre-K last year, logistical and financial hurdles delayed action. In the meantime, PCPS tested new strategies to boost Pre-K enrollment. Parent surveys reinforced what was suspected: 67.5% of over 500 respondents preferred their children to attend Pre-K in their neighborhood school, and 46.3% cited transportation as a major barrier. An additional 40% indicated a preference for walking their child to school with older siblings, while 85 families chose other programs specifically due to the unique configuration of Pre-K within PCPS.
At the same time, the district also investigated staff childcare solutions. While larger districts often provide childcare, a PCPS led program was not financially feasible. Still, survey data from PCPS staff revealed urgent needs: Nearly 50 staff members require childcare, 45% of surveyed staff said childcare access would influence future family planning, 68 staff members expressed interest in care from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM for newborns to age 3, and 14 respondents were considering a career change due to lack of childcare access.
It was through ongoing community conversations with Ponca City Development Authority, the Lt. Governor of Oklahoma, and local employers that the pieces began to align. Around Spring Break, PCPS and the Child Development Center began discussing a potential partnership. Although the CDC currently serves around 70 children, their facility limitations prevent further growth.
This led to a visionary proposal: allow the CDC to expand its operations into the Washington Pre-K building, providing space and support for increased childcare capacity while restoring Pre-K to neighborhood schools. State law prohibits schools from leasing their properties to for profit childcare centers, which makes the CDC such a valuable player. As a nonprofit center that’s been in business for over 58 years, the CDC has served as a cornerstone for early childhood education, providing high-quality, affordable care for the community’s youngest learners. They are also a 5-STAR rated facility with a clear mission: to offer nurturing, developmentally appropriate childcare that builds the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
"As we look to the future, we challenged our administration to explore partnerships that bring quality child care options to Ponca City families and businesses. By working to repurpose our Washington Pre-k building for early childhood care with the Child Development Center, we’re aligning our resources with the needs of our community and investing in the kind of support systems that help families and businesses thrive. We want to build on the Ponca City community good will that’s been extended to us and help meet a growing need in our community,” said Robin Riley, President, Ponca City Board of Education.
Mary Beth Hunt, Executive Director, Child Development Center, said, “The potential relocation of the Child Development Center is not simply a physical move. It represents a significant step forward in our commitment to accessible, affordable, high-quality early childhood education. This new facility and partnership with PCPS allows us to better serve families, support our dedicated staff, and most importantly, invest in the future of Ponca City’s children.”
This innovative model is already garnering widespread support.
Major employers have voiced their endorsement, calling this expansion a game-changing workforce development strategy. Some, like The Greenwood Group, are already contributing to childcare efforts, and others are exploring similar investments. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Legislature is working to pass tax credits for businesses that support employee childcare, further reinforcing the district’s forward-thinking investment.
"As Superintendent, every decision I make comes down to what’s best for our students, families, and staff. Returning Pre-K to neighborhood schools and partnering with a trusted childcare provider wasn’t just a facilities decision, it was a community decision. The data was clear, and our families spoke. We listened. This innovative partnership reflects our commitment to meeting real needs with creative, sustainable solutions. I’m proud of our team for thinking boldly and doing what’s right for Ponca City." Adam Leaming, Superintendent, Ponca City Public Schools.
“This move brings learning closer to home and strengthens the connection between families and their neighborhood schools from day one. It allows our youngest learners to grow in the same building as older siblings, build early relationships with school staff, and feel a sense of belonging right where they live. This move helps remove a barrier to accessing phenomenal early childhood teachers and programming. It’s a step that prioritizes students and reflects our belief in the long-term strength and the robust history of Ponca City’s neighborhood schools,” said Leaming.
"Our Board of Education believes in the power of community, and that begins with bringing our youngest learners closer to home. Returning Pre-K students to their neighborhood schools strengthens family engagement, builds early relationships with teachers and principals, and creates a more connected learning experience for every child. Our community has made their opinion known and this Board’s decision reflects our continued commitment to doing what’s best for students and families across our district,” said Riley.
This initiative reflects a deep commitment to listening to the community, leveraging public assets creatively, and supporting the families who are the backbone of Ponca City’s workforce.