Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral Association

The Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral Association is a statewide network that helps parents locate licensed, quality child care and make sense of their choices. It also produces consumer education materials and offers Spanish-language support so more families can navigate the search with confidence.

What it offers

• Free referrals to licensed child care programs that fit a family location, schedule, and budget
• Guidance on what to look for when comparing centers and home-based providers
• Consumer education resources that explain licensing, quality indicators, and questions to ask on a tour
• Spanish-language assistance for families who prefer it
• A statewide reach that supports parents in both urban and rural communities

Who it is for

Any Oklahoma family searching for child care can use the service, regardless of income or where they live in the state. It is especially useful for parents who are new to an area, returning to work after time at home, or simply unsure how to begin comparing licensed options. Because the network works statewide, it can help families in smaller communities where choices may be harder to find on their own. Full details on current services appear on the official site.

Getting started

Families can begin by phoning the toll-free referral line and speaking with a specialist, or by using the state Child Care Locator to search licensed programs themselves. A referral counselor can narrow results by county, ages served, and hours, then walk parents through the next steps for touring and enrolling. Talking with a counselor early often helps families avoid guesswork and focus on programs that genuinely match their needs and daily routine.

Before you reach out

A little preparation makes a referral call more productive. It helps to know the county or neighborhood where care is needed, the ages of the children, and the days and hours a family requires. With those details in hand, a specialist can narrow the search to programs that genuinely fit rather than a long, unfiltered list.

Thinking through priorities ahead of time is useful too. Some parents care most about location or cost, others about a particular schedule or a program that serves infants. Sharing those preferences early lets the referral counselor focus the conversation, and families can ask for the consumer education materials that explain what to look for on a tour.

A referral is often a first step rather than the whole journey. Once a family has a short list, the same counselor can explain how to compare licensed programs, what questions to ask on a visit, and how the search connects to help paying for care. Families searching for more than one child can ask about programs that serve a range of ages under one roof.

Families can reach a referral specialist at 1-888-962-2772 during regular business hours, or search licensed programs themselves through the state Child Care Locator whenever it is convenient. Because the service is open to every Oklahoma family regardless of income or location, there is nothing to qualify for before calling; knowing the county, the ages of the children, and the days and hours care is needed simply lets a specialist narrow the results to programs that genuinely fit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cost to use the referral service?

No. The referral network helps Oklahoma families find licensed care at no charge, regardless of income or where they live in the state. Anyone searching for child care can use it.

Can someone help me in Spanish?

Yes. Spanish-language support is available so more families can navigate the search comfortably. Ask for it when you call the referral line.

Will they tell me which program is best?

Counselors provide options that match your needs rather than ranking programs. The choice stays with the family after touring and comparing licensed providers in person.

Can I search on my own instead?

Yes. You can use the state Child Care Locator to look up licensed programs directly, or call the line for guided help from a specialist who can narrow the results.