DHS raises child care subsidy rate

Starting Wednesday, the Department of Human Services has more money to allocate for child care subsidies.

The subsidies help eligible Oklahoma families offset the cost of child care while they work, go to school or participate in job training programs, according to the department. The rate increase also may provide incentive for small business owners to open or expand child care programs in underserved areas, particularly in rural Oklahoma.

Lawmakers approved the extra cash during the 2018 session after years of budget cuts forced stagnant rates, reductions and a freeze to the child care subsidy.

“This is a step in the right direction,” said DHS Child Care Services Director Lesli Blazer. “Our providers have needed this rate increase for years and we are grateful for the appropriation so we can provide the first subsidy rate increase since 2013.”

Applications to the program were restored two years ago after the state’s revenue failure caused a dip in spending.

Most providers will see a minimum rate increase of 7 percent. DHS approved the rate increase following a public meeting with providers on July 27. Along with the legislative appropriation, more than $20 million from the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant will be used to fund the subsidy increase.

DHS licenses a monthly average of 3,248 child care centers and homes with an average monthly capacity of 121,063 children. Applications to operate a licensed child care facility in Oklahoma can be made at any local DHS office.