Early Childhood Focus

Child Care Law Effective Nov. 1

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:18:40 PST

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL � Unlicensed childcare facilities operating in Oklahoma will no longer be tolerated when a change in the state law goes into effect Nov. 1.

Playschool Kids Care Closes Suddenly

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:24:53 PST

HEATH -- Playschool Kids Care, a child care facility at 585 Industrial Parkway, closes permanently at 7 p.m. today, it was announced Thursday.

OK-DHS Issues Warning To Unlicensed Child Care

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:28:25 PST

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services on Monday issued a warning to unlicensed child care facilities to get a license or cease operations. While existing law prohibits unlicensed child care facilities from operating in the state, a new law going into effect Nov. 1 allows such facilities to be closed by emergency order. Unlicensed child care facilities will not be tolerated beginning Nov. 1, according to a DHS news release. That is when HB 2643, by Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, goes into effect. The bill contains multiple modifications for the licensing, operation and regulation of child care facilities.

Costs for Child Care Skyrocket

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:51:59 PST

Jennifer Wiebe shakes her head and sighs when she talks about what she is paying for child care.

Oklahoma Rates in Middle of States for child Care Cost

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:44:09 PST

The National Child Care Resource and Referral Association released a report today that places Oklahoma in the middle of states regarding the cost of care for an infant, four-year-old and school-age child. Nationally, the report said that the rate of child care is increasing at a faster rate than inflation.

Child Care Price Rising Faster Than Inflation Rate

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:13:17 PST

According to a report released recently by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, the price of child care is rising faster than the average rate of inflation. The report, "Parents and the High Price of Child Care: 2008 Update," provides typical prices of child care for infants and for 4-year-olds in centers and family child care homes nationwide. It said that over the course of a year, the average price of full-time center care for one infant and one 4-year-old child increased an average of 6.5 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively, almost twice the rate of inflation.

Child Care Bill Among New Laws

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:07:31 PST

Starting July 1, employees of child-care facilities will be required to sign a statement saying they have not been convicted of a violent crime.

State's Early Childhood Education Praised

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:35:46 PST

Four-year-olds in a state pre-kindergarten program showed dramatic improvements in pre-reading, pre-writing and pre-math skills and outperformed their peers in a similar federal program, a new study shows.

Tulsa Educare Advances Early Childhood Research

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:04:16 PST

Tulsa continues to emerge as a national if not world leader in creating and refining early childhood learning programs for infants and toddlers.

Child Care Reforms Pass Okla. House

Wed, 21 May 2008 13:40:27 PST

The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted today to increase oversight of day care facilities and to ensure that parents have easy access to the results of the Department of Human Services (DHS) inspections of the day care facility that they choose for their children.

Governor Signs Child Care Bill

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:50:40 PST

Governor Henry today signed into law a bill requiring Oklahoma day-care centers to carry at least $200,000 in liability insurance.

Child Care Liability Bill Gets Bipartisan Support in Okla. House

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:45:01 PST

Legislation that requires day-care centers to carry liability insurance has received bipartisan support in an Oklahoma House of Representatives committee.

Educators make sure kids get real Head Start

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:53:49 PST

Jana Dunlap has taught for nearly two decades; Lori Deniston is in her first year of teaching. Both have a lot to learn from each other.

DHS alters approach on child care

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:15:04 PST

The state Department of Human Services will create a small committee to decide which former criminals will be allowed in day cares, instead of relying on the judgment of a single official.

Child care in heavy demand

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:04:50 PST

A U.S. Census report shows nearly 172,000 Oklahoma parents are probably looking for child care. Advocates say more are looking than finding.

Keepin� them safe

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:32:18 PST

Help available for parents choosing child care

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:21:54 PST

�Choosing the right child care may be one of the most important decisions a family can make for their child,� said Cheryl Bell, coordinator of East Central�s Child Care Resource & Referral Agency. FREE services are available to every family in Oklahoma that needs help finding and choosing safe, quality child care that fits their needs. Locally, families can phone the ECU Child Care Resource and Referral Agency at (580) 436-5202 or toll-free at 1-800-862-5593 to learn what to look for when choosing child care, get a list of licensed child care providers in their area and discover assistance programs that may help them pay for child care.

Commission stiffens child-care requirements

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:14:21 PST

Parents are urged to do their homework when seeking child care

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:40:07 PST