Oklahoma expands support for childcare workers with new law

Parents across Oklahoma continue to face challenges in finding reliable, affordable childcare. According to Tina Feltman, board member for the Licensed Childcare Association of Oklahoma (LCA) and member of Seesaw Learning Center in Durant, two key things families want are consistency and safety.

"Dependability, that is huge for parents," Feltman said. "They need to know that every day they can report to work or wherever they need to go, and that we’re going to be there."

Feltman added that parents are looking for engaging environments where their children are not only cared for but also learning and thriving.

New Law Supports Childcare Worker Recruitment

One recent change in state law could provide relief for childcare operators struggling to find staff. House Bill 2778, which was vetoed by the governor but later overridden by lawmakers, allows childcare workers to receive state-funded care for their own children while working at licensed facilities.

Related Story: Lawmakers override majority of Gov. Stitt's vetoes, as legislative session ends

"It's a huge recruitment tool," Feltman said. She explained that without the new law, employees bringing their children to work could cost centers money if their child occupied a spot that would otherwise bring in tuition.

The new provision ensures workers who meet certain income requirements can qualify for subsidized childcare for their own kids, removing a significant barrier for hiring and retaining staff.

Certification Deadline Poses New Challenge

While the law change brings relief, another looming deadline is creating pressure. Oklahoma childcare providers hoping to maintain a five-star rating must soon meet new accreditation requirements, after a previous alternate pathway was removed.

Related Story: Oklahoma child care providers must meet new national accreditation rules

Feltman said the timeline is tough. "Self-study generally takes at least a year," she said, noting that many providers were given just months to meet the new standards.

The deadline was recently extended from September 1 to December 31, but many in the industry still say that is not enough time.

Push To Ease Education Requirements For Early Ed Teachers

Feltman said LCA is also advocating for changes to teacher education requirements, which can be more demanding than what’s required for emergency-certified public school teachers. A bill to ease these requirements did not pass this session but may be revisited.

"Very few people understand the education requirements," Feltman said. "It’s sometimes even easier to be a public school teacher with emergency certification than to be a master teacher in our early ed programs."

The staffing issue has real consequences. Without enough certified staff to meet student-to-teacher ratios, centers are forced to close classrooms or turn families away.

The LCA continues to meet with providers and lawmakers to push for practical solutions that benefit both childcare workers and the families who rely on them.

For more information, visit the Licensed Child Care Association's website. To find licensed child care in Oklahoma, visit ChildCareFind.OKDHS.org.