Division of Child Care Seeks Parents and Educators for Online Survey and Scheduled Public Hearing

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Division of Child Care at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services is seeking parents who have children in licensed child care homes or centers to complete online surveys for the states’ child care plan. Those who teach in child care facilities and educators who instruct in childcare curriculums are also needed to complete the state plan surveys.
Every two years the OKDHS Division of Child Care writes a state plan that details how federal Child Care and Development Fund block grant funds will be used. The Division collects information from several sources and will use this in constructing the draft Child Care and Development Fund Plan for federal fiscal year 2006-2007.

Two Internet surveys posted on the Division Web site at www.OKDHS.org/childcare collect input from parents and childcare providers.

The OKDHS Division of Child Care will host a public hearing from 10 a.m. to noon May 10 at Metro Technology Center, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City. This will provide citizens an opportunity to have input into the plan.

A draft version of the state plan will be available for review on the Web site prior to the public hearing. The state plan explains services offered in Oklahoma, methods of access to the system by low-income parents, plans for improving the quality of childcare in Oklahoma and a description of health and safety requirements for child care facilities in the state.

The Division of Child Care reminds parents, childcare providers and interested community members that the Division’s Internet Web site contains interesting and valuable information. Parents can find income guidelines and information about applying for financial assistance to help pay for childcare.

A quality checklist can be printed that helps parents evaluate childcare facilities, and resources are offered that help parents locate childcare that best meets their needs. Both child care staff and parents will find the “Reaching for the Stars” section helpful in understanding Oklahoma’s child care quality rating system.

Childcare providers will find the Provider section full of helpful information including use of interest centers to improve their programs, guidelines for encouraging parent involvement, and access to training.

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