Oklahoma Child Care Closures Loom After DHS Benefit Cuts

Oklahoma Child Care Closures Threaten Working Families

Dozens of Oklahoma child care centers are now on the brink of closure following benefit cuts implemented by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The reductions eliminated child care assistance for children over the age of six, leaving many providers struggling to stay open.

Industry groups say the cuts are forcing families to scramble for alternatives, while child care operators face steep enrollment drops almost overnight.

Oklahoma Child Care Closures Spark Lawsuit

The Oklahoma Child Care Association has filed suit against DHS, arguing the benefit cuts were implemented without adequate planning or safeguards. The association says the changes disproportionately impact working families who rely on affordable child care to maintain employment.

In Spencer, Emmie’s Child Development Center is among the facilities most affected. Owner Emma Fields says enrollment has fallen to less than half of capacity since the changes took effect.

Owner Emma Fields

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Child Care Provider Warns of Immediate Impact

Fields says without immediate action, families will lose their primary child care provider, and employees could be laid off. Advocates warn that Oklahoma child care closures could ripple through the workforce, forcing parents to reduce hours or leave jobs entirely.

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