We are quickly approaching the deadline to submit your QRIS applications and receive all the wonderful incentives. Key things to remember: the deadline is November 30, 2022. There are 2 steps to the application process, and BOTH must be completed by the deadline. We are here to help!
You might be wondering what exactly we can help with. We can help you with the whole process. We can help you get started if you haven’t yet; we can help you figure out the various requirements and how those might look in your programs; we can help you update your program documents to be in alignment with your chosen STAR level; we can help you update your learning centers, lesson plans, schedules, etc; we can also just go over everything you have and help you cross your t’s and dot your I’s.
You can also request help from a business consultant who will help you update and refine the business side of your practice (and be eligible to receive Brightwheel for free for 3 years). Click below to request a coach or a business consultant.
There are several other things to be aware of in the world of Child Care in Oklahoma:
5 Year Fingerprint Reassessments are required. The requirement goes into effect on November 1, 2022 and are due from the date of the last completed background check for all current employees.
The Exceptional Needs Grant opened on August 10, 2022 and will remain open through July 2024 or until the funds are depleted.
Child Care Desert Grants are open and available to new programs and current programs wishing to expand their capacities in the identified desert counties.
Stabilization Grant-cycle 6 is anticipated to open on October 1, 2022. There will be a 5% increase in the amount to help cover the costs of the fingerprint reassessment requirement.
The Workforce Support Grant: Cycle 2 is anticipated to open on October 1, 2022 and available for any staff that did not qualify for the first cycle. Cycle 1 payments are still being processed by CECPD and the IRS. The Workforce Grant will be open for 4 quarters to ensure programs are able to include all staff working in their facilities. Remember though, staff only qualify for 1 payment of $1000.
Child Care Subsidy contracts are being renewed automatically this year and verification will be done online.
COVID initiatives will continue through June 2023 including free child care for staff; coverage of subsidy co-payments; continuation of additional absent day payments; continuation of $5 added to subsidy rate per child per day based on attendance; School age children are approved for full time payment even when attending part time
You can find more information about the above mentioned items in the Child Care Services Newsletter September 2022.
There is a lot going on right now and your R&R teams are here to support you. Please reach out with any questions or concerns and we’ll do our best to help you figure it out.