top of page

Child Care Owners/Operators - Be Among the First to Enroll in New Child Care Employee Benefit Program

ree

We’re excited to announce that Provider Applications* for the Oklahoma Strong Start Program are now available! To make sure child care workers across the state can access this exciting new benefit, we need you to enroll your program as a participating Oklahoma Strong Start Program provider.


*(Teacher applications for the Oklahoma Strong Start Program will be available in the coming weeks.)


The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR), in collaboration with the Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS), has launched the Oklahoma Strong Start Program, a new child care teacher retention and recruitment pilot program, a groundbreaking initiative to support the professionals at the heart of Oklahoma’s early childhood system: you and your staff. 


What is it? 

The Oklahoma Strong Start Program three-year pilot, authorized by House Bill 2778, offers free child care benefits for eligible staff working in licensed child care facilities across Oklahoma. Designed to strengthen the early childhood workforce, the program helps retain current educators and attract new talent with meaningful supports. 


Key Benefits for Eligible Staff: 

  • Free child care through the OKDHS subsidy program — with no copayments 

  • Available to single- and two-parent households meeting guidelines 

  • A targeted strategy to address turnover and staffing shortages 

 

Enroll Your Program in the Oklahoma Strong Start Program: 

To ensure your employees can access this new benefit, we need your help in enrolling your child care program as a participating provider. 


To qualify, your program must: 

  1. Be currently licensed by OKDHS as a child care facility 

  2. Have an active subsidy contract with the State of Oklahoma 

  3. Submit an application using the button below, and be approved based on established policies 



We know the early childhood field has faced incredible pressure in recent years. This program is one way we are working to ensure that those who care for Oklahoma’s youngest children can access the care and support they need for their own families — helping you keep your staff, serve your community, and stay in the profession you love. 


 
 
bottom of page