OPSR Launches Innovative Oklahoma Strong Start Program to Strengthen Oklahoma’s Child Care Workforce
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- Aug 25
- 3 min read
OPSR Launches Innovative Oklahoma Strong Start Program
to Strengthen Oklahoma’s Child Care Workforce
Oklahoma City, OK [August 25, 2025] - The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR), in partnership with the Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS), is proud to announce the launch of the Oklahoma Strong Start Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s early childhood workforce. The Oklahoma Strong Start Program, a three-year effort authorized by the passage of House Bill 2778, will offer free child care benefits to eligible staff working in licensed child care facilities across the state.
"I’m thrilled to see this program come to life,” said State Representative Suzanne Schreiber. “Oklahoma’s working families depend on reliable child care, and our employers and economy do too. This program is a practical, targeted step toward recruiting and retaining the early childhood workforce that will help ensure more children have access to the care they need to thrive. It’s a win for everyone.”
This new program addresses a critical shortage of early childhood educators and is designed to stabilize and grow the child care workforce, which is essential for Oklahoma families and the state’s economy.
“We believe this new pilot will have an impact not just within the child care community, but also families across Oklahoma,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of OPSR. “We know there is a workforce shortage within the child care industry which impacts the ability of working families to find quality, affordable care for their children. We believe through the Oklahoma Strong Start Program we can grow the child care workforce and therefore provide more slots for kids needing care so their parents can work.”
House Bill 2778, which was passed with bipartisan support in May 2025, authorizes OKDHS to create this new program with OPSR serving as the program administrator.
“The passage of HB2778 and this new investment in early childhood educators represents a potentially transformative step for Oklahoma’s child care industry,” said Jaesha Quarrels, Director of Child Care Services at OKDHS. “Based on our experience coordinating a similar program with OPSR during the pandemic, we are confident that OPSR is well-positioned to deliver outstanding results for this critical new pilot.”
Key Features of the Program Include:
· Free child care benefits for eligible staff working at licensed child care facilities.
· Expanded access to OKDHS Child Care Subsidy Program without co-payments for qualifying participants.
· Support for both single-parent and two-parent households with specific income eligibility guidelines.
· Enhanced recruitment and retention strategies to address Oklahoma’s shrinking child care capacity.
By easing the financial burden of child care for those who provide it, the program offers a sustainable path to rebuilding a vital workforce, ultimately improving access and quality of care for thousands of Oklahoma children.
For more information about the Oklahoma Strong Start Program and updates on its implementation, please visit www.okschoolreadiness.org/oklahoma-strong-start-program.
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About the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (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 5. 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.
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
Director of Communications, OPSR
405-924-3910
