The Edmond Sun

Local News

Discussion

November 2, 2009

Candidates discuss child care options

James Coburn

EDMOND — Lt. Gov. Jari Askins says she encourages the development of employer day care centers in Oklahoma. Employee productivity and absenteeism improves by investing in child care, Askins said.

Increasing numbers of low-income working families rely on the state child care subsidy programs for the flexibility to work while raising children, according to the Oklahoma Institute of Child Advocacy. The annual cost for child care has increased 33 percent since 1999, making it close to the cost of college tuition.

“We are making some progress but we have further to go because we have working parents who cannot afford to put their children into those facilities,” Askins said. “The cost is prohibitive.”

Askins and state Attorney General Drew Edmondson recently discussed balancing cost and quality while ensuring qualified teachers care for youngsters while their parents are at work.

Both Democrats, the 2010 gubernatorial candidates spoke at the 2009 Fall Legislative Forum on Children’s Issues at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Republican Congresswoman Mary Fallin and state Sen. Randy Brogdon did not attend the discussion with candidates for governor.

There are different levels of commitment by different day care operators, Askins said. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services offers a ratings system of child care facilities through its online Child Care Locator at www.okdhs.org.

Edmondson commended Gov. Brad Henry for the emphasis he has placed on early childhood education. State law mandates that each school district must offer early childhood education. Still, more schools in the state need to be offering pre-kindergarten programs, Edmondson said. The program also should be expanded to 3-year-olds, both candidates said.

“Our education department has been working hard to educate legislators that this is not about becoming a nanny state,” Askins said. “This is about helping our children to have the best opportunity to succeed.”

Oklahoma is ranked at the top for the availability of pre-kindergarten programs in the state, Edmondson said. Teachers must qualify for early childhood teaching. Children participating in early childhood education do better in school, graduate from school, and are less likely to begin substance abuse, Henry said.

“That’s nothing but good choices here in the state of Oklahoma,” he said. “We also need more preschool and after-school programs to help working parents deal with their children.”

Oklahoma provides a subsidy for day care, but parents lose their eligibility if they get a $5 raise beyond what the subsidized day care eligibility standards allow, he said.

“The cause for day care then out-weighs what you’re making at your job. We need to expand that last step to where a $5 raise doesn’t kick you out of eligibility until you’re making enough money. It’s in your dollars and sense to stay at work — not go off the job — to continue being a taxpayer instead of being a tax receiver,” he said.



jcoburn@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 114

Text Only
Local News
  • $6.8B budget crosses final hurdle

    House members found enough votes late Thursday afternoon to approve the state’s $6.8 billion budget for next year by a vote of 52-42. This came after an earlier vote failed by four votes in the House Thursday morning.

    May 25, 2012

  • Santa Fe principal resigns

    Edmond Santa Fe High School principal Earl Kirkpatrick resigned Thursday to explore possibilities in the field of ministry. His last day is June 30.

    May 25, 2012

  • devin derrick 2012.jpg Hollywood dreams do come true: Edmondite develops film, music career

    It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
    At least that is what Edmond resident and 1990 Edmond High School graduate Devin Derrick will tell you about his rise to fame in the music and movie businesses.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • ASK A LAWYER: Trusts provide options for difficult heirs

    Q: We have a grown daughter who has a gambling problem. We want to provide for her in our will, but also want to protect her share from being wasted after we die. How can we do this?
    A: Your situation is not unusual. Most of us know at least one person who has difficulty handling money for one reason or another.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Pets

    This is a list of animals that have been found and are at the Edmond Animal Shelter, at Interstate 35 and Covell in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex. Call the shelter at 216-7615 for more information.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Police and Fire

    Information in this column is gathered from city fire incident logs and police incident reports.

    May 25, 2012

  • Make-A-Wish Oklahoma hosts Lexus raffle

    Make-A-Wish Oklahoma will once again partner with Lexus of Tulsa and Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City to raffle off a new Lexus, raising funds to support the organization’s efforts to grant the heartfelt wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in Oklahoma.

    May 25, 2012

  • Edmond youth are encouraged to make a difference

    The Edmond Youth Council programs are opportunities for students 15-18 years of age to learn about municipal government and potentially impact future city policies.

    May 25, 2012

  • Hiebert graduates from Field Artillery training

    Army Pfc. Cody A. Hiebert has graduated from the Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton.

    May 25, 2012

  • arcadia lake 3.jpg Police: Comply with lake rules during holiday period

    Summer vacation, hot days and a holiday weekend spell heavier traffic on Arcadia Lake, and police want to remind guests about rules and what happens if you break them.
    May 23 was the last day of school for Edmond Public Schools and the long Memorial Day holiday period has come.

    May 25, 2012 6 Photos