Just ahead of a public hearing scheduled for September 30, Oklahoma Human Services withdrew a set of proposed rules for childcare. Budget concerns were raised and the agency wanted to provide more time for input from stakeholders.
According to a release announcing the withdrawal of the proposed rules, they would d have updated the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) which is commonly called the Stars Program. The rules would have better aligned childcare providers’ Stars levels with licensing requires.
The preposed rules also called for changes to the eligibility criteria for the childcare subsidy program.
“One of Oklahoma Human Services’ goals is for families to have access to affordable, quality childcare. Continuing the pandemic-era level of spending is unsustainable without significant impacts to other vital services that Oklahomans depend on every day. We have a fiscal responsibility to taxpayers to maximize both the federal and state dollars entrusted to our agency. While we explore modifications to the subsidies and Quality Rating and Improvement System, we will work to ensure minimal disruption to our Human Services partners and clients and find the best path forward for Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Human Services director Jeffrey Carmell.
