Yukon, Mustang teachers get help balancing work and parenthood

YUKON, Okla. (KFOR) — On Monday, children of Yukon and Mustang Public Schools teachers will start at a new childcare center, specifically designed for their families. It’s part of an effort to retain current staff, attract new hires, and ease the burden of competitive childcare waitlists.

“We love our old daycare, but we’re excited about this opportunity,” said Hannah Watkins.

Watkins is a first-grade teacher at Yukon Public Schools and a mother of three.

“I just gave birth two weeks ago from today, actually,” she said.

This year, her oldest son, Casey, is attending the new Young Minds Childcare, created for children of Mustang and Yukon Public Schools teachers.

The seven classrooms are housed inside the Together We Church, located between the two school districts.

The districts provided the furnishings and staff for the center.

Casey is already having fun.

“He thought the playground was cool,” Watkins said. “But he held onto my leg because he was a little nervous. As soon as he got into his classroom, he ran off to play.”

Watkins said the program is a great fit for her family financially.

“It’s like $400 cheaper a month compared to our old daycare,” she said.

It also allows her to stay in the classroom.

“I still want to teach. I still love my children, but I know I’m not called to be a stay-at-home mom,” she said.

Destinay Whisenhunt, the center’s director, said the idea has been in development for six years. Supporting teachers with their work-life balance is one of the main goals.

“Our cost is lower than any other center. We offer it at a discounted rate,” Whisenhunt said.

It also serves as a powerful recruiting tool.

“There’s been a lot of staff who either moved to other districts that offer childcare for teachers or had to stay home because they couldn’t afford traditional child care,” she said.

Watkins said it’s a win-win.

“Just knowing it’s teachers’ kids — that makes me feel at peace as well,” she said.

The center’s biggest point of pride? It offers infant care.

Teachers will pay tuition over a 12-month period.