Commission warned state order requiring DHS five‑star rating could force many Tulsa child‑care providers to close

Commission members at the April Tulsa Women's Commission meeting discussed a state directive—described in the meeting as an order from Governor Stitt—that will require child‑care providers to achieve a five‑star Department of Human Services rating to receive subsidy payments.

A commission member alerted the group that the rule carries a September deadline; she warned the body the exact date was "in September" and later said she believes the cutoff may be Sept. 1, but the transcript did not record a definitive date. The member said the accreditation process is time‑consuming and costly and warned the commission is "on the brink of potentially a thousand providers shutting down." She noted some community foundations are offering funding to help providers seek accreditation but said the resources are unlikely to cover all needs.

Commissioners discussed the consequences for families and foster care placements. One member noted subsidy rules could require that placements for children in foster care go to five‑star facilities, a change that could reduce placement options in areas without enough accredited providers.

Commission members asked each other to track developments, contact state representatives and be prepared to advocate for resources or a revised timetable. One commissioner said she would speak with Rep. Schreiber and funnel information back to the commission.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the item during the meeting; members agreed to follow up and report back at a future meeting.