DURANT, Okla. — Parents in Oklahoma are wrestling with the ongoing difficulties of securing dependable and affordable childcare. Tina Feltman, a board member of the Licensed Childcare Association of Oklahoma and a representative of Seesaw Learning Center, highlighted that families prioritize consistency and safety in their childcare options.
“Dependability is essential for parents,” Feltman emphasized, noting that they need reassurance that their childcare providers will consistently be available while they go to work or attend to other responsibilities. She also pointed out that parents are looking for stimulating environments where their children can not only be cared for but also learn and grow.
A recent legislative change aims to alleviate some of the staffing challenges faced by childcare centers. House Bill 2778, which was initially vetoed by the governor but later passed by lawmakers, allows childcare employees to receive state-funded childcare for their own children while working at licensed facilities. This law is seen as a pivotal recruitment strategy. Without such support, childcare providers would face financial losses when staff brought their children to work, as those slots typically generate tuition revenue.
The new law helps remove a significant barrier related to staffing, as employees who meet certain income criteria can now receive subsidized care for their own kids. However, while this change offers some relief, childcare providers are facing another pressing issue: the looming deadline for meeting new accreditation requirements.
In order to maintain a five-star rating, Oklahoma childcare centers must comply with new standards after a previous alternate pathway was discontinued. Feltman noted that the timeline for meeting these requirements is particularly challenging, as many providers are accustomed to a self-study process that can take a year or more. Although the deadline has been extended from September 1 to December 31, many in the industry still feel the timeframe is insufficient.
Moreover, the Licensed Childcare Association is advocating for modifications to the educational requirements for early education teachers, which they argue are often more demanding than those for emergency-certified public school educators. A proposed bill aimed at easing these educational prerequisites did not pass during the latest legislative session but may be reconsidered in the future.
Feltman explained, “Very few people comprehend the educational demands in our sector. It’s sometimes simpler to become a public school teacher with emergency certification than to be a master teacher in early childhood education.” The staffing shortages resulting from stringent requirements have significant ramifications; many centers are compelled to close classrooms or reject enrollments due to insufficient certified staff to maintain required student-to-teacher ratios.
With these ongoing challenges, the Licensed Childcare Association continues to engage with providers and lawmakers to seek viable solutions that will benefit childcare workers and the families who rely on their services.
For those looking for licensed childcare options in Oklahoma, additional information is available through ChildCareFind.OKDHS.org.
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