New Accreditation Deadlines and Supports Announced for Child Care Providers
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- 8 hours ago
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New timelines and funding aim to help programs meet quality standards
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 12, 2025) — Oklahoma Human Services, in partnership with the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR), announced significant updates to the state’s child care quality rating system, including revised emergency rules, extended deadlines and accreditation support. These changes aim to strengthen Oklahoma’s early child care infrastructure and support providers in meeting elevated standards.
As previously announced, revised emergency rules now require all 5-star child care programs to obtain accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting organization approved by Child Care Services at Oklahoma Human Services in order to maintain their current quality rating.
In response to stakeholder feedback, Oklahoma Human Services will reopen the submission portal and extend the deadline for licensed providers to submit proof of either application for accreditation or achieved accreditation. The new deadline is June 20, 2025, extending beyond the original deadline of April 10, 2025.
Additionally, providers who are unable to meet the September 1, 2025, deadline for full national accreditation may request an extension in writing. Requests must be submitted to Oklahoma Human Services by September 12, 2025. Providers who demonstrate substantial and verifiable progress toward accreditation will be granted an extension through December 31, 2025, to meet the required standards. Providers who are able to demonstrate that they have completed all necessary steps toward accreditation may receive an additional extension of time beyond December 31, 2025, pending final decision by the accrediting body.
For more information about the updated emergency rules, visit Child Care Rules and Feedback.
"We’re committed to ensuring Oklahoma children receive the highest quality care," said Jaesha Quarrels, Director of Child Care Services for Oklahoma Human Services. "National accreditation is the gold standard, and these new supports and adjusted timelines will help providers meet that goal while keeping our child care system strong."
To further ease the transition, $500,000 of federal Preschool Development Grant funds will be used to assist programs working toward accreditation. Funding will help cover self-study kits and accreditation-related materials. It will also provide access to hands-on support through regional Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) offices.
"OPSR is proud to offer direct support to providers through the Preschool Development Grant," said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness. "By partnering with Oklahoma Human Services and the Legislature, we’ve created new, realistic options for providers committed to reaching national accreditation."
State lawmakers praised the agencies’ collaborative, solution-focused response.
"I commend Oklahoma Human Services and OPSR for listening to stakeholders and developing practical, high-impact solutions," said Representative Gerrid Kendrix, Chair of the House Administrative Rules Committee. "These changes promote higher standards while giving providers a fair path to achieve them."
Programs interested in applying for OPSR’s accreditation support can visit: okschoolreadiness.org/teachers-lounge
About OPSR
OPSR was created to help Oklahoma families access the early care and education, family support, and health and mental health services they need to support their children during their most critical period of development from birth through age five. OPSR facilitates collaborative planning and decision-making to increase coordination between programs, to maximize the use of public and private funding, and pursue policies that improve learning opportunities and environments for Oklahoma. To learn more, visit okschoolreadiness.org.
About Oklahoma Human Services
Oklahoma Human Services offers help and hope to more than one million Oklahomans each year through a wide range of services and support that promote their safety, independence and wellbeing. Learn more at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs.html and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Media contact:
Jon Trudgeon
405-924-3910
