Save Oklahoma School-Age Kids • Save Oklahoma Small Business • Save Oklahoma's Workforce
Oklahoma DHS cut childcare subsidies for school-age children on November 1st. Thousands of families have already lost assistance. Parents are forced to leave jobs. Daycares are closing. Oklahoma's workforce and economy are taking a direct hit.
On November 1st, 2025, Oklahoma Human Services stopped renewing childcare subsidies for school-age children (ages 6 and up). The $5 per day provider incentive was eliminated. DHS claims a $49 million budget shortfall—but childcare providers and families say this is mismanagement, not an emergency. Every day that passes, more families lose their benefits at renewal.
"I can't imagine my six-year-old being home alone by himself at all. He has friends here, his sisters go here..."
— Mykaela Hannebohn, Broken Arrow mom of threeThe Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against DHS, arguing the agency bypassed proper administrative procedures. Providers say the cuts came without warning and violate state rules. Meanwhile, families are scrambling to find care they can't afford—or leaving children home alone.
The childcare subsidy program costs $283 million annually. DHS only has $234 million budgeted. But instead of asking the legislature for emergency funds NOW, DHS is requesting $70 million for the 2027 budget—two years away. Families and providers can't wait that long.
"If they could pay for the cost of care out of pocket, they'd already be doing it. They're either going to pay out of pocket or find somewhere else—and that could be an unlicensed environment or with someone who may not be the safest option for a child."
— Mac McCrory, Oklahoma childcare providerDaycare centers are losing $5,000+ per month from the provider cuts alone. When subsidized families can't afford care, those children leave—and more revenue disappears. Parents are being forced to quit jobs or reduce hours. Providers are cutting staff or closing entirely. Oklahoma's workforce is shrinking and the economic damage ripples through every community.
The cuts are happening NOW. Every day we wait, more families lose care. Our voices must be heard:
Demand emergency funding to restore childcare subsidies. The legislature CAN act—but only if they feel the pressure. Call today.
Find Your LegislatorGovernor Stitt can direct emergency action. Let him know Oklahoma families are watching—and voting.
Contact Gov. StittJeffrey Cartmell made these cuts. Let him know the impact on real families and demand solutions NOW—not in 2027.
Email Director CartmellAre you affected? Share your story on social media with #SOSOklahoma. Tag local news stations. Make your voice impossible to ignore.
Share This SiteShow up at DHS Child Care Advisory Committee meetings. Pack the room. Let them see the faces of the families they're hurting.
DHS WebsiteThe Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma is fighting these cuts in court. Connect with them to learn how you can help.
Learn MoreThese are the decision-makers who have the power to fix this crisis—or who created it. Remember their names. Remember their choices. Hold them accountable.
Director, Oklahoma Human Services
Made the decision to cut subsidies and provider payments. Requesting $70M for 2027 instead of demanding emergency funds now. Told providers the cuts were unavoidable—but providers say it's mismanagement.
Governor of Oklahoma
Instructed state agencies NOT to request budget increases last session—even as childcare costs rose. Proposed $1.4 billion in overall budget cuts. Has the power to call for emergency action but hasn't.
State Representatives & Senators
Told DHS not to request budget increases. Now has the power to appropriate emergency funds before January 1st. Find YOUR legislator and demand action.
Role / Position
Add details about specific legislators, committee chairs, or other officials who have blocked childcare funding or supported these cuts.