Oklahoma daycares demand transparency and direction from state leaders

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Daycare workers continue to talk about frustrations they face because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Challenges include being unable to get supplies and not making enough money to stay open, so some daycares have closed because of the pandemic, but the ones that remain open tell Fox 25 Consumer Watch that they don't know how much longer they can hold on.

Child care is a critical need for essential workers and those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a past press conference, Governor Kevin Stitt thanked daycare workers and asked them to remain open, but the Licensed Childcare Association of Oklahoma says these words have not been followed-up with action.

Katie Quebedeaux is from Guymon. She and her staff normally serve 100 families in two different child care facilities and a private school. Right now her team is struggling to get the supplies they need to run the center properly.

“We are going as soon as the store opens. We have actually gone to Kansas and Texas trying to find supplies that are needed to operate on a daily basis. Our parents have been wonderful about helping us out, but it is just a struggle every day to stay open, and of course, we are having to pay a lot more to get those supplies,” said Quebedeaux, LCCAOK board member.

In Guymon, like in many other cities and towns in Oklahoma, many children have disenrolled because parents cannot pay, and Quebedeaux said that for her locations, it is making it difficult to keep all employees.

Help is supposed to be coming from the CARES Act at the federal level. However, Jannell Wheat from Purcell says OKDHS promised to be transparent and doesn't believe that is happening.

“DHS specifically in Oklahoma was given $49 million to aid daycares during this crisis, and the state has been silent as to how they are going to use and disburse those funds,” said Wheat, LCCAOK board member.

Below you will find the full statement from Child Care Services Director Jennifer Towell:

Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) understands the significant impact COVID-19 has had on our caring community partners. None of us have ever before had to deal with a dangerous pandemic, the potential for loss of life, and the terrible consequences on small business owners, including child care providers. In response to the evolving landscape, OKDHS has developed and continues to review, guidance for child care programs who wish to continue serving for the child care needs of all essential employees, especially first responders and healthcare workers. And we thank them for it. Decisions made during this time, are not easy decisions and they are not made lightly. OKDHS posts updated COVID-19 guidance to www.ourOKDHS.org and Child Care Services sends regular messages to offer support and resources to child care programs. We value our child care partners statewide and continue to work with them to provide safe environments to the children in their care.

In response to concerns about the disbursement of federal money, OKDHS says that they have not yet been provided with an amount nor a date when the funds will be received.