Child Care Attendance Payment System Goes Statewide Nov. 1

Time Sensitive Note…
DEAR EDITORS & NEWS DIRECTORS: OKDHS staff could use your help in getting the word out on this matter; especially the part about parents who have missed scheduled appointments to be trained on this new payment system.

Parents have received written communications from the OKDHS. We are working to avoid having them come to you in the media alleging that we are not letting their children attend daycare. Any stories or news briefs that you print or air will be deeply appreciated. You can contact our office at the number above for interviews or more information.

Thanks,

OKDHS Communications

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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- Already being tested and operating in 44 Oklahoma counties, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services plans to take its new daycare attendance payment system statewide Nov. 1.

Using state-of-the-art technologies, a great deal of effort has been put into moving Oklahoma’s Electronic Benefits Transfer daycare payment system online. The system will be known as EBT Daycare.

OKDHS has been holding training sessions across the state, but a number of parents in central Oklahoma who use subsidized daycare for their children have not received the training necessary to use the system.

In Oklahoma County, the approximately 2,300 who have missed their scheduled appointments may find very long lines and delays by not receiving the training. The system uses an EBT card to register a child in and out of childcare each day.

It is extremely important for all clients using the daycare subsidy system receive this training. Daycare providers will not allow families who have not received the training to leave their children at the childcare facility. If they have not attended a training class by Oct. 24, they may have to make alternative arrangements for their children until they can receive the training and activate their personalized identification number.

The new system will allow daycare providers to be paid on a weekly basis rather than monthly, which improves cash flow, a point that is very vital in business operations. It also helps all parties to be more accountable. The parent is required to use their personalized PIN code to "swipe" their card when their child arrives and leaves the daycare facility each day.

The EBT Daycare system has been developed during the past three years under contract with Affiliated Computer Services, Inc., headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is the first electronic statewide automated payment system in the nation, soon to be the first adult daycare payment system too. The system will be expanded to verify adult daycare attendance in early 2004.

OKDHS staff in Oklahoma County are holding training sessions at Shepherd Mall, which is located on northwest 23rd and Villa, Oklahoma City. Classes are being held in Suite 88 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays until Oct. 24.

Parents using subsidized daycare in counties outside of Oklahoma County should contact their local OKDHS human services center in their county of residence for times and locations.

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