Oklahoma Launches Strong Start Program to Bolster Child Care Workforce
The state of Oklahoma has announced the launch of the Oklahoma Strong Start Program, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the recruitment and retention of child care professionals. This program will enable licensed child care facilities to provide no-cost child care for their employees’ children, facilitated through the state’s existing subsidy program. The initiative addresses a pressing need for support in a sector that plays a critical role in the state’s early childhood development landscape.
Established under House Bill 2778, authored by Rep. Trey Caldwell (R-Faxon) and Sen. Chuck Hall (R-Perry), the program emerges as a three-year pilot effort that seeks to expand access to Oklahoma’s child care subsidy framework specifically for employees of child care facilities. Originally conceptualized by Rep. Suzanne Schreiber (D-Tulsa) in House Bill 1849, this program underscores the growing recognition of the importance of a stable workforce within the state’s child care system.
The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, which functions as the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, will administer the program in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). Initial funding for the program was sourced from federal Preschool Development Grant resources, with the state expected to assume full financial responsibility starting in January 2024. This transition highlights Oklahoma’s commitment to supporting its child care workforce sustainably.
Eligible employees must work a minimum of 20 hours per week at licensed facilities that participate in the DHS subsidy program. To qualify for no-cost child care, household income limits are set at 0,000 for two-parent households and ,000 for single-parent households. Notably, these income limits may be waived for employees whose children are enrolled in facilities already participating in the subsidy program.
The rollout of the Strong Start Program occurs in two phases. Initially, licensed child care facilities will be encouraged to enroll, which will facilitate a smooth transition for eligible employees to apply for benefits. The partnership has emphasized that timely enrollment of child care providers is essential for ensuring rapid processing of employee applications, with potential benefits available within four weeks of submission.
Licensing for involvement entails providing a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), a 12-character code mandated for entities engaging in governmental contracts. This measure is designed to uphold the integrity of the program by ensuring that funds are not directed toward ineligible entities. Child care providers can secure their UEI at no cost by registering on the designated federal website.
As the program unfolds, stakeholders are optimistic that the Oklahoma Strong Start Program will make substantial strides in strengthening the child care workforce, ultimately benefitting families and communities throughout the state. The initiative represents a proactive response to the growing need for reliable child care solutions, thereby fostering a more robust foundation for future generations.
