KANSAS CITY, MO – November 12, 2024 – A new state of Oklahoma research study, commissioned by United WE and conducted by researchers from the College of Education and Human Sciences and the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University, illustrates that there are many more children in Oklahoma than there are spots in licensed facilities, and the supply is not evenly distributed.
There are over 3,000 licensed facilities in Oklahoma. In almost all counties, the number of available slots does not meet the demand, which shows there is a pressing need for additional childcare capacity.
“Focusing on adequate childcare resources is an investment in the well-being of Oklahoma families and ensures Oklahoma harnesses the full potential of women in the workforce to drive economic growth and prosperity for the entire state,” says Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE, a nonpartisan organization with a mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. “In partnership with the research funders and legislators, our goal is to inform policymakers, educators and the public about the childcare gaps and to collaborate with partners to advocate for strategies to address challenges with childcare licensing.”
The research investigates the current state of Oklahoma childcare that serves children prior to Kindergarten, specifically examining the number of facilities and the existing barriers at the city, county, and state levels. Findings reveal there is much variation in municipal, city, and county regulations for licenses/permits, zoning and health and safety across Oklahoma.
Based on quantitative and qualitative data collected, key recommendations include,
State-level efforts to incentivize the establishment of new childcare facilities
Streamline licensing processes for new licenses and incorporate a coaching or mentorship program
Expand ongoing financial support and incentives that support childcare providers
Improve communication and support for providers
Reevaluate and simplify regulatory requirements
Examine variability in municipal/city/county regulations for zoning, health, safety, and business licenses/permits
Enhance workforce stability for childcare providers
“Our recommendations underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between state agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to create sustainable solutions for childcare challenges,” says Adrienne Redmond-Sanogo, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Oklahoma State University’s College of Education and Human Sciences.
Accessible, affordable, and quality childcare is critical for young children’s development and for their parents’ ability to work outside the home. Many Oklahoma parents have difficulty identifying suitable childcare options for their children, especially before children enter Kindergarten. Women, who often bear the primary responsibility for childcare and household duties, are essential contributors to the Oklahoma economy.
“As we move forward, OSU’s commitment to outreach and engagement can facilitate the implementation of these recommendations, ensuring that research findings translate into tangible benefits for Oklahoma’s children and families,” says Evan Davis, Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business.
The Oklahoma Childcare Licensing research is the United WE Institute’s 35th research study and is available here. In 2022, United WE partnered with OSU’s Spears School of Business on a Status of Women in Oklahoma research report that examines women’s economic status in the state.
As part of United WE’s Women’s Entrepreneur Childcare Project, the organization also released national state-by-state childcare licensing research to provide a high-level overview of state-level licensing regulations and recommendations for policy changes. The nationwide research is available as part of the Institute here.