OKLAHOMA STRONG START PROGRAM
The Oklahoma Strong Start Program provides free child care benefits to eligible employees working in licensed child care facilities.
Helping Child Care Professionals Access Child Care
The Oklahoma Strong Start Program provides free child care benefits to eligible employees working in licensed child care facilities.
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This innovative, three-year pilot program is administered by the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR) in partnership with Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS). It was made possible through federal Preschool Development Grant funding and authorized by House Bill 2778.
Why This Program Matters
Oklahoma is facing a serious shortage of early childhood educators. The Oklahoma Strong Start Program helps child care professionals stay in the workforce by easing the financial burden of paying for care—so they can focus on providing high-quality education to the children who need it most.
Who Benefits from Oklahoma Strong Start?
This program is designed to provide subsidized child care for individuals working in licensed child care programs.
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By offering free, high-quality care for early childhood professionals’ own children, the program not only eases financial burdens but also gives child care providers and owners a powerful new recruitment and retention tool. The goal is to expand access to child care across Oklahoma, supporting families while helping parents and caregivers stay engaged in the state’s workforce and economy.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, applicants must:
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Be employed at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); providing direct care, supervision, or educational services to children OR perform on-site duties that support the daily operation of a licensed child care facility.
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The applicant must be listed as an active employee of the licensed and contracted facility in the Child Care Licensing database.
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Have first applied for benefits from OKDHS for the traditional Child Care Subsidy Program and have been denied or approved with a copayment.
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​To apply for the traditional child care subsidy benefit visit: https://www.okdhslive.org
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Work at a facility that:
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Is licensed under the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act
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Participates in the OKDHS Child Care Subsidy Program
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Meet one of the following income requirements:
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For a two-parent household: total annual gross income does not exceed $120,000,
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For a single-parent household: total annual gross income does not exceed $60,000, or
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Have children enrolled in a program participating in the OKDHS Child Care Subsidy Program
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