Starting a daycare in Oklahoma requires obtaining the proper license and meeting specific requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know about licensing requirements, the application process, and staying compliant with state regulations to successfully open your childcare program.
Do I need a childcare license in Oklahoma?
Yes, Oklahoma requires a license or permit to operate a childcare program. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees licensing for all childcare facilities, whether you're starting a new business or buying an existing one.
Licensing requirements vary based on your facility type and the number of children you serve.
Types of childcare facilities and programs
Oklahoma recognizes several types of licensed childcare facilities:
- Childcare centers: Operate 30 or more hours per week
- Day camps: Operate during school breaks for 12 hours or less per day, serve children five years old and older who attend or have completed kindergarten or above, and use the outdoors as a major program component for at least 50 percent of daily operating hours
- Drop-in programs: Operate 30 or more hours per week with individual children attending six hours or less per day and 24 hours or less per week, with an allowance for three extra six-hour days per 12 months per child
- Out-of-school time programs: Operate when school is not in session, such as before and after school and during school breaks, and serve children three years old and older who are attending or have completed pre-kindergarten or above
- Part-day programs: Operate for more than 15 but less than 30 hours per week
- Programs for sick children: Serve children with illnesses or symptoms preventing them from comfortable participation in activities in a program caring for children who are well
- Family child care home: Provides care and supervision for seven or fewer children for part of the 24-hour day
- Large family child care home: Provides care and supervision for eight to 12 children for part of the 24-hour day
What programs are exempt from licensing?
Some programs don't require a license in Oklahoma:
- Programs provided in a child's own home or by relatives
- Informal arrangements for occasional care
- Programs where families remain on the premises and are readily accessible
- Single activity programs
- Programs operating 15 hours or less per week
Understanding Oklahoma's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)
Oklahoma uses the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) to assess and communicate quality levels in early care and education programs. All licensed programs automatically receive a one-star rating and can increase their star level by meeting additional quality criteria.
You must have at least a 1+ Star rating to contract with DHS for childcare subsidy services.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
Childcare licensing requirements in Oklahoma
Before applying for a license, you need to understand the specific requirements for your facility type. A DHS childcare licensing specialist can help you determine which requirements apply to your program.
Background check requirements
All childcare providers must complete comprehensive background checks before a license is issued. These requirements also apply to staff members and individuals 18 and older residing in a family child care home.
Childcare center requirements
Provider qualifications
Teaching personnel must obtain and maintain a current Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) certificate prior to or within 12 months of employment.
Director or administrator requirements:
- At least 21 years of age
- Satisfactory work experience
- Current bronze or higher-level OPDL certificate
- Not serving as director or master teacher at another program operating concurrently
- Good understanding of licensing requirements and program policies
Teacher requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma, GED, or licensing-approved equivalent; or have completed 10th grade and be in the process of obtaining a GED for a period not to exceed 12 months from employment
- Current CPR and first aid certification
Assistant teacher requirements:
- At least 16 years of age
- Currently enrolled in high school or an equivalent, have at least a high school diploma, GED, or licensing-approved equivalent; or have completed 10th grade and be in the process of obtaining a GED for a period not to exceed 36 months from employment
Master teacher requirements:
- Current OPDL certificate of Level 4 or higher
- Completed training in Oklahoma's Early Learning Guidelines (ELG); new master teachers or probationary master teachers must complete training within 90 calendar days
- Employed on-site, full-time; out-of-school time master teachers must be on-site at least 50 percent of weekly operating hours
Staff-to-child ratios and group sizes
Childcare programs must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times.
Single-age group ratios:
|
Age of children |
Staff-to-child ratio |
Maximum group size |
|
Infants |
1:4 |
8 |
|
1 year olds |
1:6 |
12 |
|
2 year olds |
1:8 |
16 |
|
3 year olds |
1:12 |
24 |
|
4 year olds |
1:15 |
30 |
|
5 year olds |
1:20 |
40 |
Mixed-age group ratios:
|
Age of children |
Staff-to-child ratio |
Maximum group size |
|
Infants, 1 year olds, and 2 year olds only |
1:6 (No more than two infants per teaching personnel) |
12 |
|
Infants and older |
1:8 (No more than two under 2 years of age per teaching personnel) |
16 |
|
1 year olds and older |
1:8 (No more than two 1 years olds per teaching personnel) |
16 |
|
2 year olds and older |
1:12 (No more than four 2 year olds per teaching personnel) |
24 |
|
3 year olds and older |
1:15 (No more than six 3 year olds per teaching personnel) |
30 |
|
4 year olds and older |
1:18 (No more than eight 4 year olds per teaching personnel) |
36 |
|
5 year olds and older (and older mixed-age groups) |
1:20 |
40 |
Family child care home requirements
Primary caregiver qualifications
Primary caregivers must meet these requirements:
- At least 21 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to read and write for keeping required records, reading licensing requirements, and administering medication if alone with children
- Cooperation with state licensing during monitoring visits and DHS investigations
- Current Level 1 or higher OPDL certificate (if licensed before June 1, 2022)
- Current Level 1 or higher OPDL certificate prior to or within 12 months of licensure or employment (if licensed after June 1, 2022)
Staff-to-child ratios
For family and large family child care homes, staff-to-child ratios are:
When one caregiver is present, the total number and ages of children in care at any time are:
- Seven children, with no more than two children younger than 2 years of age
- Six children, with no more than three children younger than 2 years of age
- Five children of any age
Two caregivers are required when:
- Seven children are in care and more than two children are younger than 2 years of age
- Six children are in care and more than three children are younger than 2 years of age
Additional requirements for all employees
All employees of childcare programs and family child care homes must complete:
- Safe sleep training prior to caring for infants
- CPR and first aid certification for the appropriate ages of children being cared for
- Entry Level Child Care Training (ELCCT) or equivalent within 90 days of employment (unless previously obtained within the past five years)
- Fire approval from the local or state governmental authority
- Health approval from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) or Indian Health Services (IHS) (unless the program provides only limited food service)
- Child abuse prevention training
- Child development training
- Infection control training
- Child passenger safety training if the program provides transportation for five-year-olds or younger
How to apply for a childcare license in Oklahoma
The application process differs slightly depending on whether you're opening a childcare center or a family child care home.
Applying for a childcare center license
Step 1: Contact a licensing specialist
Connect with a DHS licensing specialist in your area. These specialists are located throughout Oklahoma in DHS county offices and can guide you through the entire application process. Find your local licensing office on the DHS website.
Step 2: Complete the application
Work with your licensing specialist to complete the application and gather all required documents:
- Completed application form
- Proof of ownership or sponsorship
- Childcare staff summary
- Child care staff information sheet for each employee
- Documentation showing the director has a Bronze Credential or higher
- Criminal background checks for the applicant and all employees
- Documentation of adequate equipment for capacity
- Documentation that your program has had a licensing monitoring visit showing you meet all requirements
- Fire approval documentation within 12 months
-
Health approval documentation within 12 months
Step 3: Schedule a licensing monitoring visit
Your license application must include documentation from a licensing monitoring visit confirming that your program meets all requirements.
Step 4: Complete a Stars application
Once DHS approves your permit or license, your program automatically receives a one-star rating. At this point, you can complete a Stars application and work toward qualifying for a higher star rating.
Step 5: Contract with DHS for childcare subsidy (optional)
Many working families qualify for assistance to pay for childcare through DHS. Contracting with DHS allows more families to select your facility for their childcare needs.
To contract with DHS, you must:
- Have an approved DHS permit or license
- Maintain a 1+ Star rating
- Complete a contract application
- Undergo required training
Applying for a family child care home license
Step 1: Contact a licensing specialist
Connect with a DHS licensing specialist in your area who can assist you throughout the application process. Find your local licensing office on the DHS website.
Step 2: Complete the application
Work with your licensing specialist to complete the application and provide all required documents:
- Completed application form
- Proof of ownership or sponsorship
- Copy of driver's license
- Copy of Social Security Card
-
Criminal background checks for the applicant and all household members age 18 or older
-
Documentation that your home has had a licensing monitoring visit showing you meet all requirements
Step 3: Schedule a licensing monitoring visit
Your license application must include documentation from a licensing monitoring visit confirming that your home meets all requirements.
Step 4: Complete a Stars application
Once DHS approves your permit or license, your program automatically receives a one-star rating. You can then complete a Stars application and work toward qualifying for a higher star rating.
Step 5: Contract with DHS for childcare subsidy (optional)
Contracting with DHS allows more families to select your facility for their childcare needs. To contract with DHS, you must have an approved DHS permit or license, maintain a 1+ Star rating, complete an application, and undergo required training.
How to stay compliant with your Oklahoma daycare license
Maintaining compliance with Oklahoma childcare regulations is essential for keeping your license active. DHS licensing specialists conduct ongoing monitoring to ensure your facility continues to meet all requirements.
What to expect from ongoing monitoring
DHS licensing specialists will conduct at least three unannounced visits to your facility annually. These visits ensure your program maintains compliance with all licensing requirements.
Required inspections and updates
Stay current with these regular inspections and notifications:
- Fire inspections: Conducted every two years by the local or state governmental authority
- Health inspections: Conducted at least every two years by OSDH or IHS (unless your program provides only limited food service)
- Change of location: Notify the licensing department immediately if your facility location changes
Getting your childcare license is just the beginning. Launching your program takes planning, tools, and reliable support. That’s why brightwheel offers a dedicated New Program Experience designed to guide you every step of the way. With our all-in-one platform, you can simplify enrollment, set up billing plans, and stay on track for a smooth, successful opening.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
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Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.”
Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
Funding resources for your childcare business
As you navigate the licensing process, explore grants and funding resources that can support your childcare business. Grants are financial resources provided by government agencies or private foundations that don't need to be repaid, making them an attractive option for expanding or enhancing your program.
Grants can fund various purposes, including:
- Improving facilities
- Purchasing new equipment or materials
- Offering professional development opportunities for staff
- Enhancing program quality
Available resources vary by state, so research and understand the grants for childcare providers in Oklahoma to make informed decisions about which ones to apply for.
Simplify your operations with the right tools
Opening a daycare in Oklahoma requires dedication, careful planning, and adherence to regulations. By staying informed and compliant, you can create a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
As you prepare to launch your new childcare program, consider how childcare management software can simplify your operations from day one. Brightwheel is designed specifically for new childcare programs, offering user-friendly features that streamline operations, improve communication, and support your program's growth.
Whether you've just secured your Oklahoma license or you're preparing to welcome your first group of children, you can start organizing your operations with brightwheel before opening day. Our New Program Experience provides dedicated support to guide you through setup, enrollment, and billing, ensuring a smooth launch.
Frequently asked questions about starting a daycare in Oklahoma
How long does it take to get a childcare license in Oklahoma?
The timeline varies depending on how quickly you complete the application requirements, background checks, and facility preparations. Plan for several months between starting the application process and receiving your license. Working closely with a DHS licensing specialist can help ensure you complete all requirements efficiently.
Can I operate a childcare program from my home in Oklahoma?
Yes, Oklahoma allows family child care homes and large family child care homes to operate from residential properties. Family child care homes can serve up to seven children, while large family child care homes can serve eight to 12 children. Both require proper licensing and must meet specific requirements.
What is the difference between a one-star and higher-star rating in Oklahoma?
All licensed programs automatically receive a one-star rating. Higher star ratings (up to five stars) indicate programs that meet additional quality criteria in areas such as curriculum, learning environments, teacher-child interactions, and professional development. Programs with higher star ratings often attract more families and may qualify for additional benefits.
Do I need liability insurance to open a daycare in Oklahoma?
While Oklahoma licensing requirements don't explicitly mandate liability insurance, carrying adequate liability coverage is strongly recommended to protect your business, staff, and the children in your care. Many facilities find that families prefer programs with comprehensive insurance coverage.
Can I start accepting children before my license is approved?
No, you cannot legally provide childcare services before receiving your license from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Operating without a license can result in penalties and jeopardize your ability to obtain a license in the future.
