PRESS RELEASE: OKDHS, ARPA funds, Strengthen Childcare Programs across Oklahoma


Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) sends this information as posted below:


Childcare programs across our state were able to make significant improvements to their practices and programs thanks to ARPA funds that were delivered through our agency.

Oklahoma Human Services is incredibly grateful to our federal partners whose funding allowed the agency to provide targeted investments of nearly $1.4 billion into our state’s childcare industry since 2020. These investments have included:

  • More than $968 million in childcare subsidy payments
  • More than $383 million in childcare stabilization payments
  • Nearly $44 million in childcare desert grants

Our agency has enjoyed watching our contracted childcare facilities grow, prosper, and use their designated ARPA funds to strengthen their existing services while developing new ones that benefit the children in their care.  

Many may not realize that Oklahoma Human Services played a vital role in helping secure childcare for thousands of Oklahomans during the COVID 19 pandemic when the need for childcare grew exponentially. Federal funding during the public health emergency helped Oklahoma Human Services meet the critical need for affordable and available childcare and ultimately resulted in 380 new childcare facilities and an increased childcare capacity of more than 13,000 children across the state.


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