Oklahoma
Working families in Oklahoma need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Oklahoma. But too many working families in Oklahoma are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Oklahoma economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 300K children ages 5 and under in Oklahoma – 60% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Oklahoma is around $10,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 25% of eligible families in Oklahoma. (This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.)
On average, child care providers in Oklahoma earn just $25,890 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Oklahoma’s economy loses $1.2B annually due to child care challenges.
Oklahoma: In The Headlines
Opinion: Early childhood is pivotal. We must build strong foundations for OKC’s future
The Oklahoman | sEPTEMBER 21, 2025
Investing in our youngest residents is the smartest and most compassionate thing we can do.
$14.7 million grant to address Oklahoma’s child care crisis
KFOR | jANUARY 20, 2026
Oklahoma is getting a major financial boost for early childhood education.
Opinion: CCDBG: Proven Program Worth Protecting
Tulsa Today | fEBRUARY 11, 2026
CCDBG works by sending block grants directly to states and territories, giving local leaders the flexibility to address child care costs for low-income working families.
Oklahoma Resources & News
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2024 Child Care and Early Learning State Fact Sheets
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FFYF’s 2022 Child Care & Early Learning State Fact Sheets
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2021 State Fact Sheets: Examining the Impact and Unmet Need of Federal & State ECE Funding
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FFYF Releases State Fact Sheets, Highlighting Unique Local Landscapes
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Oklahoma: Federal Support for Early Learning & Care Opportunities
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