Library: Policy
340:110-1-4. Roles and responsibilities
Revised 7-1-08
(a) The staff members responsible for licensing child care facilities are under the supervision of Licensing Services within Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS). The licensing staff makes recommendations on all case actions to the licensing supervisor. The statewide licensing coordinator or designee is responsible for the final approval of all licensing recommendations. • 1
(b) Official licensing records for child care programs are maintained in the licensing staff's office. These records are open to the public upon request and the procedures in 340:110-1-14 are followed.
(c) In addition to licensing child care facilities, licensing staff is responsible for:
(1) communicating with local fire, health, and city officials within their assigned area regarding licensing policy, requirements, inspections, and other issues related to a specific facility or child care in general;
(2) assisting parents in identifying child care options and providing information on choosing quality care;
(3) facilitating or sponsoring training for child care providers; and
(4) promoting the availability of quality, affordable child care within the licensing staff's assigned area. • 2
(d) When possible, a licensing staff member is not assigned to the facility where the staff member's child is in care.
(e) All media requests for information regarding the licensing process, procedures, or case specific information are immediately forwarded to the licensing supervisor. The licensing supervisor forwards media contact information to the statewide licensing coordinator or designee, who provides the information to the Office of Communications per OAC 340:2-37-1.
Revised 7-1-08
1. (a) The county director's responsibilities in relation to local licensing staff are to:
(1) provide office space, equipment, supplies, computer technical support, and clerical support;
(2) include licensing in staff meetings when subjects relating to policy and procedure are discussed; and
(3) assist in disciplinary actions and hiring of new staff.
(b) Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS) State Office staff provides consultation for licensing field staff on interpretation of the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act, Oklahoma Department of Human Services policy, licensing requirements, and other child care services. The statewide licensing coordinator, assistant licensing coordinator, and licensing regional programs managers provide technical assistance for licensing field staff on case actions, legal actions, and complaint investigations. OCCS State Office staff meet regularly with licensing field staff in supervisory, regional, and statewide meetings to obtain input from the field, clarify policies and requirements, and provide training.
(c) The reports submitted to the statewide licensing coordinator are:
(1) Child Welfare's Priority I child abuse investigation reports with a finding of confirmed or any other investigation report that may result in legal action; and
(2) serious incident reports per OAC 340:110-1-9(p).
2. Some examples of methods to increase community awareness are newspaper articles, participation in Week of the Young Child, speaking to local organizations, and displays at community events.
