January 3, 2026

Oklahoma Child Care Providers Oppose Emergency DHS Rules

Oklahoma City, January 3, 2026

In Oklahoma, child care providers and advocates are challenging new emergency rules from the Department of Human Services, citing concerns over quality and access to child care. The rules, affecting safe sleep standards and accreditations, are believed to be forcing providers to close or reduce services, exacerbating turnover rates among staff. Legal actions are also underway regarding cuts to child care subsidies. Stakeholders are pushing for better communication with DHS as they prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

Oklahoma City, OK

Child care providers and advocates in Oklahoma are actively opposing recent emergency rules implemented by the Department of Human Services (DHS), citing significant concerns about their impact on the quality and availability of child care services throughout the state.

During a recent public hearing, numerous stakeholders voiced their frustrations over the new regulations, emphasizing the detrimental effects they have on both providers and families. Concerns were particularly raised about changes to safe sleep requirements, accreditations, and the state’s five-star benefits rating system that were introduced outside of the legislative session. Leaders from the Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma reported that the new rules have forced many child care programs to downsize or close, thereby decreasing access to care and contributing to high turnover rates among educators. Advocates are calling for improved dialogue with DHS and are mobilizing families to join their efforts as they prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

In a related legal matter, a recent ruling in December 2025 by an Oklahoma County District Judge denied a temporary restraining order requested by the largest child care industry trade association against DHS’s cuts to child care subsidies for school-age children, which were enacted in November 2025. This lawsuit highlighted that a $5 per day add-on to providers’ subsidy rates was removed without following formal rule-making processes. The DHS defended the necessity of these cuts, citing the expiration of federal pandemic funding and other financial pressures, arguing that the add-on was initially intended as a temporary measure.

In September 2024, Oklahoma Human Services had previously withdrawn proposed emergency rules aimed at updating the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) in order to allow more public input and address budgetary concerns. Stakeholders were invited to contribute to discussions regarding potential changes to the Stars program and the eligibility criteria for the child care subsidy program, as DHS recognized that maintaining pandemic-level spending was not financially viable.

Currently, Oklahoma is home to approximately 3,728 licensed child care programs that span a variety of formats, including day camps, child care centers, and programs for sick children. The Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act, enacted in 1963, empowers DHS to oversee licensing programs, ensuring compliance with established requirements to promote positive outcomes in children’s development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the recent emergency rules implemented by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services?

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) has implemented emergency rules focusing on areas such as safe sleep requirements, accreditations, and the state’s five-star benefits rating system. These rules have been introduced outside of the legislative session and have raised concerns among child care providers and advocates regarding their impact on the quality and availability of child care services in the state.

What is the Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma’s stance on these emergency rules?

The Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma has expressed concerns that the emergency rules have forced child care programs to downsize or close, reducing access to care and driving educators out of the industry. They have reported higher burnout and turnover rates due to the mandates and stress associated with these rules. The association plans to continue advocating through the upcoming legislative session and is urging affected families to join them in seeking dialogue with the Department of Human Services.

What was the outcome of the legal case regarding cuts to child care subsidies?

In December 2025, an Oklahoma County District Judge declined to grant a temporary restraining order in a case filed by the state’s largest child care industry trade association against the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The association sought to stop the department from enforcing cuts to child care subsidies for school-age children, which had been implemented in November 2025. The legal battle over these subsidy cuts continues, with child care providers and advocates expressing ongoing concerns about the impact on families and the child care industry in Oklahoma.

Why did Oklahoma Human Services withdraw proposed emergency rules for child care in September 2024?

Oklahoma Human Services withdrew proposed emergency rules for child care in September 2024 to address budget concerns and to allow more time for public input. The agency recognized that continuing the pandemic-era level of spending was unsustainable without significant impacts to other vital services. The withdrawal was intended to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on potential changes to the Stars program and subsidy eligibility rules.

How many licensed child care programs are there in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has 3,728 licensed child care programs, including day camps, drop-in programs, child care centers, out-of-school time programs, part-day programs, and programs for sick children. The Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act, enacted in 1963, authorizes OKDHS to administer the licensing program, which includes developing minimum requirements for child care programs, revising existing requirements, and implementing policies and procedures for the licensing program.

Key Features of the Situation

Feature	Description
Emergency Rules Implemented by DHS	Focus on safe sleep requirements, accreditations, and the state’s five-star benefits rating system, introduced outside of the legislative session.
Concerns from Child Care Providers	Claims that the rules have led to downsizing or closure of programs, reduced access to care, and increased educator burnout and turnover.
Legal Action Against Subsidy Cuts	In December 2025, a judge declined to grant a temporary restraining order against DHS’s cuts to child care subsidies for school-age children, with ongoing legal proceedings.
Withdrawal of Proposed Emergency Rules	In September 2024, Oklahoma Human Services withdrew proposed emergency rules for child care to address budget concerns and allow more time for public input.
Number of Licensed Child Care Programs in Oklahoma	3,728 licensed programs, including day camps, drop-in programs, child care centers, out-of-school time programs, part-day programs, and programs for sick children.