OKLAHOMA CITY –
Oklahoma child care providers are facing rising operating costs and changes to the state’s child care subsidy program that could make it harder for some families to afford care. Providers say the changes also raise concerns about their ability to keep classrooms open and maintain quality programs.
Beginning Feb. 1, household income eligibility for Oklahoma’s child care subsidy program is set to drop from 70% to 55% of the state’s median income. Oklahoma Human Services says families currently receiving assistance will keep their existing eligibility and co-payments through their next renewal, provided they continue to meet program guidelines.
Providers say the delay gives families more time to prepare, but they remain concerned about the financial strain on families and child care centers.
“Every child that walks through the door deserves to have a quality program to go to, but the providers have to be able to keep their doors open to offer that to the children,” said Tina Feltman, a board member of the Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma.
Child care providers across the state face financial pressure as overhead costs rise. Feltman said child care facilities generally operate with profit margins between 0 and 10 percent.
“We’ve had child care workers that are just telling us they’re like, sometimes they’re not taking a paycheck,” said Tracy Newson, senior program director and data analyst at the Avitus Foundation.
Providers say they are trying to keep quality care available to families while navigating changes in state policy.
April Gatlin, director of Noah’s Ark Childcare, said policymakers need to consider the children and families affected by the decisions.
“At the capital, they have to do what they got to do. But if they could just understand that it’s just not numbers. These are kids lives that we’re talking about,” Gatlin said.
To qualify for the Oklahoma childcare subsidy program, household income must be 70 percent of the state’s median income. With the new changes coming February 1st, household income must be at or below 55 percent of the state’s median income. Oklahoma families and childcare providers are facing changes that date back to pre-pandemic years.
If you currently qualify for the program providers say do not panic, subsidy changes will not immediately take effect in February but might during your renewal process.
Gatlin expressed concern about how the changes could affect families who depend on assistance.
“Now it’s at 70%, the ones that are already in, they’re going to take the income down to 55%. And so that just means it’s going to knock more people off of the program or the ones that need it,” Gatlin said.
To qualify for the Oklahoma childcare subsidy program, household income must be 70 percent of the state’s median income. With the new changes coming February 1st, household income must be at or below 55 percent of the state’s median income. Oklahoma families and childcare providers are facing changes that date back to pre-pandemic years.
If you currently qualify for the program providers say do not panic, subsidy changes will not immediately take effect in February but might during your renewal process.
“I’m really hoping that DHS is going to be communicating a lot with the parents, because again, to the example, a $300 versus getting hit with an 11, 15, $1,600, that’s a big adjustment for a family to make,” Feltman said.
