Reaching for the Stars - Oklahoma Department of Human Services

C 

Oklahoma Department of Human Services 

(OKDHS) 

Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS) 

Comments and Recommendations 

Regarding Reaching for the Stars 

Oklahoma’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), Reaching for the Stars, criteria 

enhance child care facilities in the State of Oklahoma. These criteria are designed to 

improve and promote quality environments for children in care outside their own homes. 

The criteria were developed from input solicited from providers, the public, and information 

from research and approved by the Commission for Human Services and the Governor of 

the State of Oklahoma pursuant to the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act. 

It is the intent of OKDHS that Reaching for the Stars criteria are clear, reasonable, fair and 

enforceable. In the interest of serving the public, comments are welcomed anytime and will 

be considered for future revisions or development of new criteria. 

Please complete the form below and send it to: 

OK Department of Human Services 

Oklahoma Child Care Services/Reaching for the Stars 

PO BOX 25352 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

Reaching for the Stars criteria for: ____________________ (program type) 

Reference: 

Please give the topic of the specific criteria to which you are referring, 

such as Parent involvement): ___________________________________ 

Recommendation: 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________ 

Because: 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________ 

____________________________________ 

___________________ 

Your Name 

Date

Child Care Centers 2 Effective 7/1/12

REACHING FOR THE STARS CRITERIA FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................... 4 

CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................................................. 5 

REACHING FOR THE STARS CRITERIA ............................................................ 9 

RATIONALE AND NOTES FOR CLARIFICATION............................................. 

21 

COMPLIANCE WITH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS ........................................ 25 

TIPS FOR STAYING IN COMPLIANCE ............................................................. 26 

APPROVED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ............................................... 27 

MASTER TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS............................................................ 

29 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.................................................................... 

31 

EXTENSION PROCEDURES............................................................................. 

33 

EXTENSION REQUEST FORM ......................................................................... 35 

RESOURCES ..................................................................................................... 37 

CHILD CARE PROVIDER RATE SCHEDULE ................................................... 46 

DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................... 47 


QRIS OVERVIEW 

Reaching for the Stars is the name of Oklahoma’s Quality Rating and Improvement 

System (QRIS). Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to implement a QRIS. At 

least 30 other states have implemented some form of a quality rating and improvement 

system. 

What is a Quality Rating and Improvement System? A QRIS is a method to 

improve, assess and communicate the positive practices in early care and education 

settings. The criteria used in QRIS have been developed from research and are based 

on the relationship between criteria and what is considered universally to be quality 

care. Oklahoma’s Quality Rating Improvement System was designed to assist 

individual providers in improving the care and education they provide for children, raise 

the professional development level of child care providers, and increase parents’ 

awareness of the importance of positive practices in child care. 

The Reaching for the Stars program is for all child care providers who are shaping the 

lives of children and the future of our state. Our goal is for each provider to Reach for 

the Stars, grow professionally and be recognized for their accomplishments. 

OKDHS Oklahoma Child Care Services is committed to providing the resources and 

incentives needed to increase Star levels. Please consult your Licensing Specialist , 

Consultation and Technical Support Specialist (CATSS) or Stars Outreach Specialist 

(SOS) to determine how you can join other child care providers in enhancing and 

improving child care in Oklahoma. 

Levels of Reaching for the Stars Certification for Child Care Centers 

One Star. A facility that has a license (6 month permit, license) is automatically 

designated as a One Star facility. 

One Star Plus. An owner must apply for and meet all 1 Star and 1+ criteria. 

Two Star.¹ An owner must apply and meet all 1, 1+ and 2 Star criteria. 

Three Star. An owner must apply for and meet all 1, 1+ and 2 Star criteria and be 

accredited by one of the approved national accrediting agencies. 

¹ Another way a facility may apply and qualify for Two Star is by earning and 

maintaining accreditation with one of the approved national accrediting agencies or by a 

Head Start grantee and compliant with Head Start Performance Standards and having a 

compliant licensing record. 

Complete Star policy can be located at www.okdhs.org. Resources in this book can 

assist programs in understanding and implementing OCCS Reaching for the Stars 

policy. 


QUALITY RATING AND IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM STAFF 

Jennifer Towell - Program Manager 

SEQUOYAH MEMORIAL BUILDING 

PO Box 25352 

Oklahoma City OK 73125 

405-522-0256 or 800-347-2276 

Fax: (405) 522-2564 

Email: Jennifer.Towell@okdhs.org 

Linda Bradford – Assistant Program Manager 

Woodward County 77-C DHS 

2119 W Main 

Woodward OK 73801 

580-254-6015 

800-734-7520 

Fax: (580) 254-6080 

Email: Linda.Bradford@okdhs.org 

Dena Barker – Assistant Program Manager 

Tulsa County 72-G 

6128 E. 38 th St. Suite 315 

Tulsa 74135 

918-933-4617 or 800-909-7491 

Fax (918)-933-4665 

Email: Dena.Barker@okdhs.org 

REACHING FOR THE STARS----STARS OUTREACH SPECIALISTS 

Misti Denton – North 

Cherokee County 11-C 

P.O. Box 1067 

Tahlequah, OK 74465 

Email: Misti.Denton@okdhs.org 

918-207-4581 or 1-800-225-9868 

Fax (918) 207-4632 

Counties: Adair, Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Canadian 

Cimarron, Cherokee, Craig, Creek, Custer, 

Delaware, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, 

Harper, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Major, 

Mayes, Muskogee, McIntosh, Noble, Nowata, 

Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, 

Pawnee, Payne, Roger Mills, Rogers, 

Sequoyah, Texas, Tulsa, Wagoner, 

Washington, Woods, Woodward 

Marchell Newton – South 

Oklahoma County 55-H 

7201 NW 10 th 

Oklahoma City OK 73127 

Email: Marchell.Newton@okdhs.org 

(405)470-6307 or 470-6200 or 800-884-1534 

Fax: (405) 470-6362 

Counties: Atoka, Beckham, Bryan, Caddo, 

Carter, Choctaw, Cleveland, Coal, Comanche, 

Cotton, Garvin, Grady, Greer, Harmon, 

Haskell, Hughes, Jackson, Jefferson, 

Johnston, Kiowa, Latimer, LeFlore, Love, 

Marshall, McClain, McCurtain, Murray, 

Oklahoma, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, Pontotoc, 

Pottawatomie, Seminole, Stephens, Tillman, 

Washita 


QUALITY RATING AND IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM STAFF 

CONSULTATION AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECAILIST 

Terrie Dally – NW Region (1) 

Garfield County 24 

PO BOX 3628 

Enid, OK 73702 

580-977-9606 

Fax: 580-548-2199 

Email: Terrie.Dally@okdhs.org 

Counties: Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Canadian, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, 

Harper, Kay, Kingfisher, Major, Noble, Pawnee, Texas, Woods, Woodward 

Denise Anderson – SW Region (2) 

Comanche County 16 

2609 West Lee Blvd. 

Lawton, OK 73505 

580-695-6694 

Fax: 580-250-3787 

Email: Denise.Anderson@okdhs.org 

Counties: Beckham, Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Grady, Greer, Harmon, 

Jackson, Jefferson Kiowa, Love, Roger Mills, Stephens, Tillman, Washita 

Annette Tipton – S Central Region (3) 

Cleveland County 14-C 

631 E Robinson 

Norman, OK 73071 

405-573-8300 or 405-850-7901 

Fax: 405-573-8350 

Email: Annette.Tipton@okdhs.org 

Counties: Cleveland, McClain, part of Pottawatomie (74851, 74852, 74873, 74878, 

74854, 74801) 

Peggy Adams – N OK County Region (4A) 

STO-Oklahoma County 

PO BOX 25352 


405-213-9883 

Fax: 405-522-2564 

Email: Peggy.Adams@okdhs.org 

County: Oklahoma (Bethany 73008, Edmond 73003, 73025, 73134, OKC 73012, 73101, 

73106, 73107, 73112, 73116, 73118, 73120, 73122, 73123, 73127, 73132, 73137, 

73142, 73146, 73147, 73156, 73162, 73178, 73198, 73199, Warr Acres 73122, 73123, 

73132) 


Tracy Howard – S OK County Region (4B) 

Cleveland County 14-A 

2507 N. Shields Blvd. 

Moore, OK 73160 

405-637-5953 

Fax: 405-912-2041 

Email: Tracy.Howard@okdhs.org 

County: Oklahoma (Del City 73115, 73135, Harrah 73045, OKC 73102, 73103, 73104, 

73105, 73108, 73109, 73115, 73117, 73119, 73124, 73125, 73126, 73128, 73129, 

73135, 73136, 73139, 73143, 73144, 73148, 73149, 73150, 73154,73157, 73159, 

73163, 73164, 73167, 73169, 73172, 73173, 73179, 73185, 73190, 73193, 73197, 

Wheatland 73097) 

Susan Bradley - E OK County Region (4C) 

STO Oklahoma County 

PO BOX 25352 


405-637-5949 

Fax: 405-522-2564 

Email: Susan.Bradley@okdhs.org 

County: Oklahoma (Choctaw 73020, Jones 73049, Luther 73054, Midwest City 73110, 

73130, 73140, OKC 73110, 73111, 73113, 73114, 73121, 73130, 73131, 73140, 73141, 

73145, 73151, 73152, 73155, 73194, 73195, 73196, Nicoma Park 73066, Spencer 

73084, Tinker AFB 73145) 

Vikki Dobbins – N Central Region (5) 

STO Oklahoma County 

PO BOX 25352 


405-637-5952 

Fax: 405-522-2564 

Email: Vikki.Dobbins@okdhs.org 

Counties: Creek, Lincoln, Logan, Osage, part of Oklahoma (Arcadia 73007, Edmond 

73013, 73034, 73083, OKC 73184, Newalla 74857), Payne, part of Pottawatomie 

(Meeker 74855, Shawnee 74804), Seminole, Part of Tulsa (Sand Springs 74063) 

Tonja Lorenzo – North Tulsa Region (6) 

Tulsa County 72-B 

3666 North Peoria Ave 

Tulsa, OK 74106 

918-430-6420 

Fax: 918-430-2461 

Email: Tonja.Lorenzo@okdhs.org 

Counties: Part of Tulsa (Collinsville 74021, Owasso 74055, Skiatook 74070, Sperry 

74073, Tulsa 74103, 74106, 74110, 74116, 74117, 74119, 74126, 74127, 74130), 

Washington 


Jean Ortberg – South Tulsa Region (7A) 

Tulsa County 72-B 

3666 North Peoria Ave 


918-605-8065 

Fax: 918-428-3727 

Email: Jean.Ortberg@okdhs.org 

County: Tulsa (Bixby 74008, Broken Arrow 74011, 74012, Glenpool 74033, Jenks 

74037, Tulsa 74105, 74108, 74114, 74120, 74128, 74129, 74132, 74133, 74134, 

74135, 74136, 74137, 74145, 74146) 

Sandy Matthiessen – NE Region (8) 

Wagoner County73 -C 

102 NE 7 th Street 

Wagoner, OK 74467 

918-633-1447 or 800-734-7518 

Fax (918) 614-5128 

Email Sandra.Matthiessen@okdhs.org 

Counties Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa, Rogers, Wagoner 

Lashaun Edwards-Luckey– East Central Region (9) 

Muskogee County 51-C 

PO BOX 608 

Muskogee, OK 74402 

405-628-7853 

Fax: (918)-684-5307 

Email: Lashaun.EdwardsLuckey@okdhs.org 

Counties: Haskell, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah, Part of Tulsa (74104, 

74107, 74112, 74115) 

Delilah Hilliard– SE Region (10) 

Atoka County 03-C 

401 N. Greathouse Dr 

Atoka, OK 74525 

405-203-1034 or 800-347-2276 

Fax: 580-889-3451 

Email: Delilah.Hilliard@okdhs.org 

Counties: Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Choctaw, Coal, Garvin, Hughes, Johnston, Latimer, 

Leflore, Marshall, McCurtain, Murray, Okfuskee, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pushmataha 


REACHING FOR THE STARS CRITERIA AND EVIDENCE FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS 

Star Level/Key Term Criteria Indicator Evidence/Acceptable 

documentation 

1 Star 

OAC 340:110-1-8.3(b) and (c)(1) 

1+ Star 

OAC 340:110-1-8.3(b) and (c)(2) 

1+ Star 

Administrative 

OAC 340:110-1-8.5 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.5 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.5 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.5 (a) 

Operating on permit or license 

Compliance with licensing requirements 

OAC 340:110-1-8.4(a)-(b) 

MEET ALL 1 STAR AND 

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA 

INDICATED BY 1+ STAR 

All staff have access to licensing 

requirements 

At least annually, the director or supervising 

staff evaluates employees in writing using 

the Oklahoma Core Competencies and 

develops the educational professional 

development plan with staff. 

The center provides an employee 

handbook for staff and includes information 

on hiring and firing, job duties and 

responsibilities, professional development 

requirements, child abuse reporting and 

personnel attendance policy 

The facility is registered as a direct care 

organization with the Oklahoma 

Professional Development Registry 

Provided by OCCS: 

State issued permit or license. 

Monitoring reports and complaint 

summaries for last 24 months; paper or 

electronically from OKDHS OCCS 

As verified above for all 1 Star criteria 

and meeting all items listed with 1+ 

Observe on-site by OCCS, R&R or CECPD 

staff 

Written staff evaluations 

Staff evaluation form 

Staff evaluation tool 

Staff evaluation professional development 

plan 


staff 


staff 

OCCS staff verify Professional 

Development Registry at: 

https://okregistry.org 



documentation 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.5 (a) 

1+ Star 

Professional Development 

Director 

OAC 340:110-1-8.7 (a) 

1+ Star 


Staff 

OAC 340:110-1-8.7 (b) 

1+ Star 


Director 

OAC 340:110-1-8.7 (a) 

Staff 

OAC 340:110-1-8.7 (b) 

Staff counted in staff child ratio are 

members of the Oklahoma Professional 

Development Registry and have a current 

professional development ladder certificate. 

New staff must be on the registry within 12 

months of employment. 

Director on-going professional development 

2 college credits or 30 hours of job related 

professional development every 12 months 

of employment 

To locate professional development 

opportunities visit: 

www.CECPD.org 

Staff on-going professional development 

2 college credits or 20 hours of job related 

professional development every 12 months 

of employment 

To locate professional development 

opportunities visit: 

www.CECPD.org 

Director and staff have an educational 

professional development plan---Plan is 

written, individualized, reviewed annually, 

and updated as needed. May include 

potential professional development career 

goals and/or identified training topics 







or by: 

Job-related professional development 

certificates 

Job-related college credits on college 

transcripts 




or by: 


certificates 


transcripts 

EPDP form 

EPDP tool 

Staff evaluation plan 

Degree plan 


staff 



documentation 

1+ Star 


Staff 

OAC 340:110-1-8.7 (b) 

1+ Star 


Staff 

OAC 340:110-1-8.7 (b) 

1+ Star 

Learning Environment 

OAC 340:110-1-8.8 (a) 

1 staff for every 20 children of the licensed 

capacity must actively work toward the 

education requirements to obtain master 

teacher qualifications. 

Actively working toward education is 

defined as: within every employment year, 

potential provider or master teacher 

receives at least (a) 3 college credits 

toward CoM, CDA or CCP, OR (b) 3 

college credits in ECE or CD, OR (c) 40 

clock hours of professional development 

toward CDA or CCP. 

Staff working toward master teacher 

qualifications are trained in Oklahoma’s 

Early Learning Guidelines 

Weekly lesson plans for all age groups of 

children 

Lesson planning resources are the 

Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines 

Infant/Toddler/2: OKDHS Pub No 10-23 

Preschool: OKDHS Pub No 10-54 (visit 

www.okdhs.org for more information) 




or by: 


certificates 


transcripts 




or by: 


certificates 


transcripts 

Current, written and readily available 

lesson/activity plan located in every 

classroom for all groups of children 

posted in every classroom 

Copy provided 


staff 



documentation 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.8 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.8 (a) 

All children are read to at least 15 minutes 

per day 

Space for children 2 years of age and older 

is arranged in a minimum of 6 well-defined 

and equipped interest areas in each 

classroom and includes: art, block building, 

book reading, dramatic play, manipulative 

play & music and movement. 

For more information on planning your 

environment refer to the Oklahoma Early 

Learning Guidelines as a resource. 


Preschool: OKDHS Pub No 10-54 (ask an 

OCCS staff or visit www.okdhs.org) 

Classroom schedules 

Lesson plans 


staff 

Each room has 6 separate interest areas 

that are well defined and well stocked with 

age appropriate equipment for each 

category 

Floor plan showing the location of areas in 

each classroom. photos of each interest 

area 

Equipment Inventory, 

observe on-site by OCCS, R&R or CECPD 

staff 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.8 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.8 (a) 

The indoor & as weather permits, outdoor 

environment are utilized daily for all 

children to engage in physical activity. 

TV or other screen time is not used for 

children younger than 2 years of age. 


Lesson plans 


staff 


Lesson plans 


staff 



documentation 

1+ Star 

Family Engagement 

OAC 340:110-1-8.9 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9 (a) 

Facility staff have established and 

maintains a system for sharing and 

communicating with families the 

happenings, activities, and issues regarding 

their child's physical and emotional state 

Families are welcome into center at all 

times 

Examples/copies of daily documentation 

provided to families 

Explanation of verbal procedure 

Sample of journaling pages 


staff 

Policy in Family handbook 

Poster in Family communication/resource 

area 

Observed by OCCS, R&R or CECPD staff 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9 (a) 

Individual parent conferences documented 

at least annually 

Center provides family resource area 

Includes items such as books, pamphlets, 

and articles on children and family issues 

accessible and available to families 

Two family meetings with guest speakers or 

special events are held each year 

Conference sheet in child's record 

Parent Sign in Sheet 

Parent signed refusal 

Calendar with dates listed 


Description of location and types of 

resources 

Photos of resource area 


Pictures of the events 

Flyers or invitations to the event 

Newsletters 

Agendas 

Sign in sheets 




documentation 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9 (a) 

1+ Star 

Program Evaluation 

OAC 340:110-1-8.10 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.10 (a) 

1+ Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.10 (a) 

Center has at least 2 methods of keeping 

families informed of their program: 

Bulletin Board 

Handbook 

Newsletter 

Email/Listserv 

Website (specific to each facility location) 

Families participate in program and policy 

development through board involvement, 

planning meetings, or questionnaires 

Licensing requirements available to families 

Health and safety checklists for both indoor 

and outdoor spaces are completed annually 

Parents & staff are surveyed annually to 

identify program's effectiveness in meeting 

the needs of children, parents, and staff 

An equipment inventory is conducted 

annually using the applicable OKDHS form 

and kept on file at the center. 

www.okdhs.org 

Description of location and items on bulletin 

board 

Copy of Parent Handbook 

Copy of newsletter 

Email address, contact list and sample 

email 

Website address 


Meeting minutes or agenda listing present 

board members and position 

Meeting minutes or sign in sheets from 

planning meetings 

Completed yearly questionnaires. 



Completed checklist on file at center 


Completed surveys and responses 


Official Equipment Inventory is maintained 

by OCCS in the licensing case file 

Annual Equipment Inventory is observed by 

OCCS, R&R or CECPD staff 



documentation 

2 Star 

OAC 340:110-1-8.3(b) and (c)(3) 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.5(b) 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.5(b) 

2 Star 

Qualification 

OAC 340:110-1-8.6(a) 

MEET ALL 1 & 1+ STAR AND 

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA 

INDICATED BY 2 STAR; OR meet 1 

Star and be accredited by a 

national accrediting agency 

approved by Oklahoma Child Care 

Services or a Head Start program 

in compliance with Head Start 

Performance Standards 

A policy and procedure manual is 

maintained on-site for staff and includes the 

program’s mission or vision statement, 

information on organizational structure, 

code of professional conduct and the 

center’s discipline philosophy. 

A minimum of two staff meetings are 

conducted annually and include time to 

discuss quality and its’ impact on the 

facility. 

Master teachers must be employed, on-site 

on a full-time basis and trained in 

Oklahoma’s Early Learning Guidelines. 

As verified above for all 1 and 1+ criteria 

and meeting all items listed with 2 Star 

OR 

Verified as per 1 Star licensing status 

and current certificate from national 

accreditation agency or Head Start 

Documentation of the program 

indicating zero non-compliance issues 

at last review and/or all non-compliance 

issues at last federal review are 

resolved. 

Copy of Policy and Procedure Manual 


Staff sign in sheets and agenda's 

Meeting minutes with staff present 


Staffing schedules/Staff time sheets 

Professional Development Registry at: 



certificates 


transcripts 




documentation 

2 Star 

Qualification 

OAC 340:110-1-8.6(a) 

Master teacher must meet one of the 

following qualifications: 1) Occupational 

child care competency certificate for master 

teacher/lead teacher. 2) Current CDA or 

CCP Credential. 3) Certificate of Mastery 

in child development or early childhood 

education from an accredited Oklahoma 

college. 4) 30 college credit hours with 15 

credit hours in child development, or early 

childhood education from an accredited 

college/university, 5) Four year degree 

from an accredited university with 6 college 

credit hours in child development or early 

childhood education. 6) Two or four-year 

degree from accredited college or university 

in child development or early childhood 

education. 7) A valid teaching certificate in 

early childhood education from the 

Oklahoma State Department of Education. 

8) Current Level 3 or higher on Oklahoma 

Early Care and Education Professional 

Development Ladder 




or by: 


certificates 


transcripts 



Star Level/Key Term 

2 Star 

Qualifications 

OAC 340:110-1-8.6(c) 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.6(d)&(e) 

Criteria Indicator 

One master teacher is required per every 

30 children of licensed capacity. 

During second and subsequent years as a 

Two or Three Star center, there must be a 

master teacher for every 20 children of the 

licensed capacity. This number does not 

include school age children if the majority of 

children in care are younger than five years 

of age. 

Directors qualify as master teacher if 

licensed capacity minus school age 

children is 30 or less. 

Master teachers work directly with children 

and support other teaching staff with 

responsibilities. 

Evidence/Acceptable 

documentation 

For the number of master teachers needed 

use the following information and formula: 

License type, license capacity, floor plans 

and equipment inventory 

____Licensed capacity 

____Minus SA 

____= 

____Divided by 30—first year 

____Divided by 20—second & subsequent 


Job descriptions 

Interviews 

Employee handbook 

Observed by OCCS staff 

License type, license capacity, floor plans 

and equipment inventory 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.6(b) 

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS: 

Centers licensed as school-age programs 

or programs where the majority of children 

are school-age. 

One master teacher for every 40 children of 

licensed capacity 

The director may also count as master 

teacher 

For the number of master teachers needed 

use the following information and formula: 

License type, license capacity, floor 

plans and equipment inventory 

____Licensed capacity 

____Divided by 40 




documentation 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.8(b) 

The daily schedule allows children time to 

complete tasks. The schedule reflects a 

balance and variety of activities that 

includes time for indoor and outdoor play, 

active and quiet play, rest periods, and 

meals. 

Written and readily available in every 

classroom 

Posted in every classroom 

Copy provided 


2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.8(b) 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.8(b) 

Children 2 years old and older have space 

with a minimum of eight interest areas: art, 

block building, book reading, dramatic play, 

manipulative play, math, music/movement 

and science/nature. 

A minimum of 2 learning areas are 

available outdoors 

For more information on planning your 

environment refer to the Oklahoma Early 

Learning Guidelines as a resource. 


Preschool: OKDHS Pub No 10-54 (ask an 

OCCS Staff or visit www.okdhs.org) 

The program utilizes Oklahoma Early 

Learning Guidelines as a resource for 

lesson & curriculum planning 

Each room has 8 separate interest areas 

that are well defined and well stocked with 

age appropriate equipment for each 

category 

Floor plan showing the location of areas in 

each classroom, 

photos of each interest area 

Learning areas for outdoor time may be 

labeled on the lesson plan, 

Equipment Inventory. 



lesson/activity plan located in every 

classroom for all groups of children with 

ELG areas referenced 

Posted in every classroom 

Copy provided 


staff 



documentation 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.8(b) 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9(b) 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.9(b) 

Staff participates in physical activity with 

children at least once per day. 

Parent conferences are held at least twice 

a year and a written report about the child 

is provided to the parents at the 

conference. 

The program maintains a current list of 

available community resources, including 

health care, education, nutrition and 

counseling. The program assists families in 

locating and connecting with these services 

as needed. 


lesson/activity plan and/or daily schedule 

located in every classroom for all groups of 

children--Posted in every classroom 

Copy provided 


staff 

Conference sheet in child's record--Written 

document that includes child's progress, 

challenges, goals, and accomplishments 

signed by parents and indicates copy of 

report was given to parent 

Parent Sign in Sheet 

Parent signed refusal 

Calendar with dates listed 


List of resources, pamphlets or a book. 

Listed in Child/Families record 

Written on Parent conference form 

Indicated on parent surveys 


2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.10(b) 

The program is assessed within the first 

year of receiving two Star status and every 

three years using an assessment tool 

approved by OCCS. (This assessment is 

not required for programs accredited by a 

national accrediting agency approved by 

OCCS). 

Reviewed from CECPD Professional 

Development Registry 

Reported by CECPD or OCCS staff 




documentation 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.10(b) 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.10(b) 

2 Star 


OAC 340:110-1-8.10(b) 

3 Star 

OAC 340:110-1-8.3(b) and (c)(4) 

The program goals are established within 

the first year of obtaining Two Star status. 

AND 

Updated annually based on information 

gathered from the completed health and 

safety checklists, parent and staff surveys, 

equipment inventory, and an assessment 

tool approved by OCCS. 

The program has a written plan for meeting 

goals that includes professional 

development and educational needs of staff 

as well as facility policy and procedures. 

Staff participates in program evaluation and 

the established goals are shared with staff. 

MEET ALL 1, 1+ & 2 STAR 

CRITERIA AND ACCREDITED BY A 

NATIONAL ACCREDITING 

AGENCY APPROVED BY OCCS 

OR 

A HEAD START PROGRAM IN 

COMPLIANCE WITH HEAD START 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

Copy of written plan, discuss progress 

Professional Development Plans 

Policy and Procedures 

Observed by and/or discussed OCCS, R&R 

or CECPD staff 

Copy of written plan, discuss progress 

Educational Professional Development 

Plans 

Policy and Procedures 

Observed by and/or discussed OCCS, R&R 

or CECPD staff 

Staff meeting sign in sheets and agenda's 

Staff meeting minutes with staff present 

Staff newsletter 


As verified above for all 1+ and 2 Star 

criteria 

AND 

current certificate from national 

accreditation agency or 

Head Start documentation of the review 

showing the program has zero noncompliance 

issues and/or all noncompliance 

issues at last federal review are 

resolved. 


RATIONALE AND NOTES FOR CLARIFICATION 

OF STARS CRITERIA FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS 

A. Licensing status and compliance with licensing requirements as 

per OAC 340:110-1-8.4 

Rationale: Meeting and maintaining minimum licensing requirements ensures the basic 

health and safety of children in care. It is the foundation of the Reaching for the Stars 

program. 

Numerous, Repeated, Serious (NRS) as per OAC 340:110-1-9.3 

Numerous, Repeated, and/or Serious (NRS) licensing violations may prevent a facility 

from being approved for a higher Star level. (See page 25 of this document for 

additional information regarding NRS). 

A reduction in your Star certification may occur when violations are not corrected in the 

agreed upon time frame, the facility has serious non-compliance with licensing 

requirements, a serious incident occurs resulting in injury or imminent risk of injury to a 

child, or an Emergency Order or notice of proposed denial or revocation of license is 

issued. 

The licensing history is always considered for application request, extension request 

and reductions. 

B. Administrative practices as per OAC 340:110-1-8.5 

Rationale: No matter the size or type of business, your program and staff can benefit 

from regular employee performance evaluations. Evaluations can be used to clearly 

communicate expectations, document and improve performance, recognize 

accomplishments, and develop and motivate staff. Research shows that well educated 

and compensated teachers and providers are key elements to early childhood program 

quality and outcomes for children. The child care field is plagued with high teacher 

turnover rate and low wages are part of the problem. The level of education and 

professional development attained by a child care provider is one of the strongest 

predictors for the provider's ability to offer high quality care, yet most child care teachers 

and providers earn poverty-level wages. Improved services for children require better 

compensation for the child care workforce. 


C. Qualifications as per OAC 340:110-1-8.6 

Rationale: The level of quality found in child care largely depends on the knowledge 

and skills of the people who work with children. Their knowledge in Early Learning 

Guidelines is key to classroom success, including lower behavior guidance problems 

and increased school-readiness. 

The number of master teachers needed is based on capacity. School age children may 

be deducted from the total capacity IF the majority of children in care are younger than 

five years of age. For example: 

Center’s capacity is 55 

Minus - 25 school age 

30 capacity = 1 master teacher the 1st year of 2 Star 

One master teacher would be needed when first applying for 2 Star to meet the 1:30. 

After utilizing 12 months of 2 Star status, there must be a master teacher for every 20 

children of the licensed capacity. 

NOTE: The number of school age is determined by floor plan and the Equipment 

Inventory on file in the licensing office. 

The director may only be counted as a master teacher if the licensed capacity minus 

school-age children is 30 or less. 

SCHOOL AGE: Centers licensed as school-age programs or programs where the 

majority of children are school-age must have a master teacher for every 40 children of 

the licensed capacity. The director may be counted as a master teacher in centers 

licensed as school-age programs or programs where the majority of children are schoolage. 

D. Professional Development as per OAC 340:110-1-8.7 

Director Professional Development 

Rationale: The Director is a leader for the program and the primary person responsible 

for the day to day operations. A director has a vast knowledge of early care and 

education including, but not limited to: operating a facility, leadership, managing staff, 

nutrition, child development, understanding and utilizing the Early Learning Guidelines, 

etc. 

Staff Professional Development 

Rationale: Everyone who works with young children and their families need a basic 

understanding of child development and early education and how children learn. 

Educational Professional Development Plans 

Rationale: A written educational professional development plan serves as a map to 

progress in the field of early education. It helps individuals stay organized to meet 

professional development deadlines so they can plan for and track professional 

development needed to renew credentials and other certifications like CPR. 


E. Learning Environment as per OAC 340:110-1-8.8 

Rationale: Quality learning experiences for children are enhanced by a well-planned 

curriculum. Daily schedules are written timetables of events that show what is 

supposed to happen throughout the day. Lesson plans are the basic plan for the day 

and help teachers select and prepare for activities, projects and themes that are 

appropriate for the age and development of children in their care, as well as organize 

content, materials, and methods. 

Reading aloud to children is an important part of the day as it helps children acquire the 

information and skills they need to succeed in school and life. Vocabulary (knowing the 

names for things) begins to develop at birth and reading to children is the single most 

important activity for building the foundation required for eventual success in reading. 

Interest areas are thoughtfully designed/planned areas of space. Learning is an 

interactive process and children learn through doing. The environment in which children 

play and learn should provide them with opportunities to explore and interact with a 

variety of activities and materials, and allow for each child’s individual temperament, 

moods, and development. 

Outdoor centers offer learning opportunities just as they do inside, and are ideal for 

curriculum that is planned in response to children’s interests. The outdoors is also a 

good place to provide experiences that are sometimes too messy for indoors, such as 

sand/water table and some art activities. 

Note: Learning environment resources: Equipment Inventory and Oklahoma Early 

Learning Guideline for Infants, Toddlers and Twos (ELG), [OKDHS Pub No 10-23] 

and/or Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines for Children Ages Three through Five 

(ELG), [OKDHS Pub. No 10-54] are available from any OCCS staff or at 

www.okdhs.org. 

Interest Areas 

Research indicates that children who play learn to regulate their own emotions and 

ideas, take more initiative, engage in higher level thinking, and develop an understanding 

of symbolic relationships that are a precursor to reading and mathematical thinking. 

Interest centers are thoughtfully designed/planned areas of space that are designated for 

certain activities; like or similar toys, materials, and equipment displayed and readily 

available. Using the Early Learning Guidelines as a resource can greatly assist in 

providing a quality environment. 

Interest Area Basics and Best Practices: 

• Well defined: areas can be separated with low shelves; partial walls, rugs, etc. 

• Inviting to children 

• More active areas are grouped to not conflict with quieter/less active areas 

• Have a basic supply of materials (using the applicable equipment inventory) 

organized so that children can use them effectively 

• Have an adequate number of play slots with no more than 3 to 4 children per 

center area. 

• Should be age and developmentally appropriate 

• Situated in such a way to afford visual supervision 


• Should be changed on a regular basis 

• Labeled with words and or pictures. 

F. Family Engagement as per OAC 340:110-1-8.9 

Rationale: Families are the child’s first teachers and are the link between the 

educational setting and home. A strong connection between child care staff and 

families is critical for building a positive environment for young children, allowing 

children to feel more secure, confident and self-assured. In addition, high quality of 

family involvement reduces the number of complaints made. Everyone, but especially 

children, benefits when providers and families work together. 

G. Program Evaluation as per OAC 340:110-1-8.10 

Rationale: Taking the time to evaluate your program is universally recognized as one of 

the key indicators of quality in child care. Evaluating your program helps you identify 

the strengths and weaknesses in your facility, grow as a professional, provide a quality 

environment for the children in your care, and increase family awareness regarding the 

importance of their child’s care. 

H. Accreditation as per OAC 340:110-1-8.3 

Rationale: Accreditation and Head Start standards reflect a process of extensive selfstudy 

and external review of the program compared to benchmark standards of quality 

set by the accrediting agency or the federal government. It is not only a process of 

quality but a commitment to continuous improvement. Most accreditation or Head Start 

standards exceed Reaching for the Stars criteria. 


COMPLIANCE WITH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS 

The foundation of the Reaching for the Stars program is licensing requirements. Before seeking to 

meet additional quality criteria, a program should first strive to maintain compliance with requirements 

established as a minimum standard for operation. OKDHS has established the following policy to 

assist child care providers and licensing specialists in evaluating compliance. 

The program must have a permit or license, and must not have numerous, repeated, or 

serious non-compliance with applicable licensing requirements. The monitoring visits and 

substantiated complaints for the last 24 months of operation are reviewed to determine 

whether the facility meets the compliance criteria. 

If there is a history of numerous, repeated or serious non-compliance over the last 24 months, Star 

certification may be denied. An existing facility may be reduced if serious non-compliance occurs. 

The following defines numerous, repeated and serious non-compliances for licensing as per OAC 

340:110-1-9.3: 

A. Numerous non-compliance is any monitoring visit with six or more items documented as non 

compliant on the monitoring report for a facility with a licensed capacity of less than 60; or seven or 

more items for a facility with a licensed capacity of 60 or more. Each numbered item on the 

monitoring report that has been marked as non-compliant is counted once even though there may be 

more than one non-compliance included in that item. 

B. Repeated non-compliance is three or more documented incidents of non-compliance with the 

same requirement within the last 12 months. 

C. Serious non-compliance is a non-compliance with licensing requirements that exposes children 

to conditions that present an imminent risk of harm. Serious non-compliances are identified through 

licensing observations, confirmed complaint investigations, and/or self-reported incidences. Some 

examples of non-compliance that may be considered serious are: staff-child ratio; supervision of 

children; sleep position; prohibited disciplinary actions; licensed capacity; use of passenger 

restraints; water activities; pools and other water hazards; multiple hazards; weapons; reporting child 

abuse; knowingly permitting access to children by persons who are restricted or registrants; failure to 

obtain background investigations/restricted registry searches; administering medication to children; 

room temperature; heat sources and loss of any utility service; compliance file and/or posting; 

cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training; liability insurance; or vehicle liability insurance. 

A non-compliance may qualify in more than one category in determining numerous, repeated or 

serious, and the same non-compliance, though only counted once, may qualify in more than one 

category. Example: An understaffing is considered serious but may be part of repeated or numerous 

non-compliance. 

For more information you may refer to the policy listed at: 

http://www.okdhs.org/library/policy/oac340/110/01/0009003.htm 

For information on Licensing Rights and Responsibilities: 

http://www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/cc/prvdrs/lic/ 


TIPS FOR STAYING IN COMPLIANCE 

1. Know and follow the licensing requirements. 

2. Prepare and practice every day as if you were going to have a licensing monitoring visit. 

3. Do regular checks and walk through your facility. 

4. Use other sets of eyes by having someone do a written check of your center from time to time. 

5. Ask teachers to help monitor the facility for compliance with licensing requirements and Star 

criteria. Correct non-compliance or Star violations promptly. 

6. Develop good behavior and habits in yourself and your staff. 

7. Use safety supplies and technology and remember that nothing takes the place of supervision. 

8. Plan – know when something needs to be done or is going to expire and take care of it BEFORE 

that time. 

9. Keep records organized and up-to-date: professional development, children’s records, drills, etc. 

10. Develop and carry a responsible attitude of ownership and pride in your center, your classroom, 

your work place. 

11. Continue to seek professional development. For directors, job-related is in the areas of 

management, child development as well as early care and education. For staff, job-related is in 

the areas of child development or early childhood education. 

12. Ensure that every teacher maintains an Educational Professional Development Plan and 

registration on the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry. Assist staff in selecting 

professional development that enhances their overall professional growth. 

13. Encourage and support all teachers in obtaining a credential or degree. This will provide a larger 

supply of teachers meeting master teacher qualifications. 

14. Utilize available resources such as Licensing Specialist, Consultation and Technical Support 

Specialist (CATSS) and Resource and Referral (R&R) to assist you in maintaining and enhancing 

compliance. 

15. Do more than what you have to do. 


APPROVED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STARS 

Professional development must be related to position responsibilities from an approved 

sponsor/source. Job related is directly associated with the 8 core content areas of the 

Oklahoma Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners. 

Note: general education coursework such as English Comp I, Biology, Math, History, 

etc. does not count as approved annual professional development for Stars. 

Directors 

9 Initial Star approval 

o at least has 2 college credits in management, child development or 

early childhood education or 30 clock hours of job-related 

professional development within the last 12 months 

9 Ongoing professional development 

o at least has 2 college credits in management, child development or 

early childhood education or 30 clock hours of job-related 

professional development per employment year 

Staff 

9 After being employed for 12 months, staff have 2 college credits in child 

development or early childhood education or 20 clock hours of job-related 

professional development per employment year 

Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) 

AND 

Current Professional Development Ladder certificate (PDL) 

Once a member of the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry with a 

current professional development ladder certificate you may meet the 

professional development criteria by maintaining your PDL certificate current 

through annual renewal. 

1 college credit hour equals 16 clock hours of professional development 

Professional development is an ongoing process used to improve the knowledge and 

skills to best serve children and families. A written plan helps to track training or 

credentials and ensure growth in the field of early care and education. 


All early care and education professionals should demonstrate competency in the 

8 core content areas of the Oklahoma Core Competencies for Early Childhood 

Practitioners 

Child Growth and 

Development 

Professionalism 

and Leadership 

Health, 

Safety and 

Nutrition 

Program Planning, 

Development and 

Evaluation 

Oklahoma Core 

Competencies for 

Early Childhood 

Practitioners 

Child Observation 

and Assessment 

Interactions with 

children 

Learning 

Environments and 

Curriculum 

Family and 

Community 

Partnerships 

To locate professional development opportunities visit www.cecpd.org 


MASTER TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS 

CENTER 

A One Star and One Star Plus facility meets minimum requirements for master teachers with 

a ratio of 1 master teacher for every 60 children. For Two and Three Star centers, there 

must be 1 master teacher for every 30 children and after a year of 2 or 3 Star status, a center 

needs to have 1 master teacher for every 20 children. 

A person is not counted as a master teacher, director or qualified caregiver in more than one 

facility unless the facilities are programs that do not operate concurrently at any given time. 

A master teacher must be employed at the facility, be on-site on a full-time basis, work directly with 

children, be trained in ELG and meet and maintain ONE of the following: 

• Occupational Child Care Competency Certificate for master teacher or lead teacher from an 

Oklahoma Technology school AND 3 months of satisfactory full-time experience in a licensed or 

legally exempt childcare setting. For more information about this certificate, call your area 

Technology school or 1-800-522-5810 

OR 

• Current CDA (Child Development Associate Credential). For more information, call 800-424 

4310 or visit www.cdacouncil.org 

OR 

• Current CCP (Certified Childcare Professional) credential. For more information, call 800-543 

7161 

OR 

• Certificate of Mastery in early childhood education or child development from an accredited 

Oklahoma two-year College. For more information, call 866-343-3881 

OR 

• 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university which includes at least 15 college 

credit hours in child development, early childhood education, or other coursework that supports 

working with children 

OR 

• 4-year degree from an accredited college or university which includes 6 college credit hours in 

child development, early childhood education, or other coursework that supports working with 

children 

OR 

• 2 or 4 year degree from an accredited college or university in child development or early 

childhood education 

OR 

• A valid teaching certificate in early childhood education from the Oklahoma State Department of 

Education 

OR 

• Be a member of the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry with a current professional 

development ladder certificate of Level 3 or higher 


Master teacher Qualifications for School-age programs 

A One Star and One Star Plus facility meets minimum requirements for master teachers with 

a ratio of 1 master teacher for every 60 children. For Two and Three Star centers licensed 

as a school-age program or programs where the majority of children are school age, a 

center must have 1 master teacher for every 40 children. 

A person is not counted as a master teacher, director or qualified caregiver in more than one 

facility unless the facilities are programs that do not operate concurrently at any given time. 

A master teacher must be employed at the facility, be on-site on a full-time basis, work directly with 

children, be trained in ELG and meet and maintain ONE of the following: 

• One of the Master teacher qualifications required for centers, as listed on page 29 of this 

document 

OR 

• 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university which includes at least 15college 

credit hours in elementary education, recreation or other coursework that supports working with 

children, families and the community. 

OR 

• 4-year degree from an accredited college or university which includes 6 college credit hours in 

elementary education, recreation or other coursework that supports working with children, families 

and the community. 

OR 

• 2 or 4 year degree from an accredited college or university in elementary education, recreation or 

other coursework that supports working with children, families and the community. 

OR 

• 120 clock hours of school-age related professional development within the last five years AND 

one year of full- time experience in a licensed or legally exempt school-age childcare setting AND 

every two years receives a minimum score of 5.0 on the School-Age Environment Rating Scale in 

a classroom where the master teacher is the lead teacher. 


REACHING FOR THE STARS—RIGHTS AND 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

You have the right to: 

--submit an application and have it processed in a timely manner (no longer than 30 

days) 

--withdraw an application prior to approval or denial by contacting the Stars Outreach 

Specialist for your area 

--receive written notification of the decision made regarding your application 

--if denied, contact the Stars Outreach Specialist or Licensing Supervisor for 

discussion/clarification 

-reapply at any time following a denial once all criteria are met. However, if the request 

was denied due to Numerous, Repeated, or Serious (NRS) non-compliance(s), the 

facility may not be approved for a higher certification level for six months from the denial 

date. You may request to reduce the six-month waiting period by requesting it in writing 

to the Regional Program Manager. 

--request an Extension of Time to Comply (OCCS form 07LC074E). You may request 

an Extension of Time to Comply under the following circumstances: your facility has a 

plan of correction for a Star criteria violation (except compliance with licensing) and you 

are unable to correct non-compliances within the agreed-upon time frame. You must 

demonstrate that the violation of the criteria was not foreseeable and beyond your 

control; all requests must be submitted in writing 30 days prior to the expiration of the 

agreed-upon time frame for violations and must include all supporting documentation, 

all requests are to be made to 

Oklahoma Child Care Services--QRIS Program Manager 

PO Box 25352 


--receive written notification of the decision for an Extension of Time to Comply 

--receive written notification regarding violation of Stars criteria. This notification may be 

in the form of a letter, notice to comply, supplementary information page, or on the 

periodic Stars review completed for the appropriate Stars level 

--you have the right to grieve any non-compliances or substantiated complaints within 

10 days of notification. 

--request an alternative settlement in lieu of being recommended for reduction, by 

submitting a plan to the Regional Program Manager for your county 

--receive written notification of a reduction of the Stars level and instructions on 

requesting an appeal of this decision 


You have the responsibility to: 

--submit a completed request for Star certification (Star levels are not awarded until an 

application has been submitted and approved) 

--maintain compliance with licensing requirements (numerous, repeated or serious noncompliances 

may result in denial of a higher Star rating). Your Star level may be 

reduced due to serious non-compliance). 

--understand and maintain all Star criteria at the appropriate levels and request 

assistance with understanding criteria as needed. 

--notify Oklahoma Child Care Services in writing within five days of any change in your 

program’s ability to meet Star criteria (examples include: loss of a master teacher, 

director, accreditation, etc.) 

--submit a written plan for correcting violations of Star criteria within an agreed-upon 

time frame, not to exceed 90 days from the date the violation occurred or the date a 

facility is notified of a substantiated complaint 

--complete all methods of program evaluation within the first year of Two Star status and 

repeat them as required. 

--obtain required professional development and maintain documentation for director and 

all staff and/or employees 

For Director: has job-related professional development by completing 2 college 

credits or 30 clock hours within their employment year. 

For Staff: have job-related professional development by completing 2 college 

credits or 20 clock hours within their employment year. 

Note: In-service professional development, videos, and on-site facility provided 

professional developments, are limited to 6 hours each year. Reading does not 

count for Star professional development 

--submit a Request for an Extension of Time to Comply (07LC074E) as previously 

described in the “Your Rights” section above (page 31 of this document) 

--maintain current credentials including professional development ladder for director 

and/or master teachers and/or accreditation 

--be a director or master teacher at only ONE facility certified as One Star Plus or higher 

--maintain Accreditation or Head Start status and compliance if applicable 

For information on Licensing Rights and Responsibilities: 

http://www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/cc/prvdrs/lic/ 


PROCEDURES FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO COMPLY 

The owner, designated agent, or director may submit a written Request for an Extension 

of Time to Comply when additional time is needed to: 

1) Correct a violation of Stars criteria for the certification level, such as loss of a master 

teacher or loss of accreditation 

The owner, designated agent, or director submits Form 07LC074E Request for 

Extension of Time to Comply (available at www.okdhs.org or from any OCCS staff) 

along with all supporting documentation to the QRIS program manager or designee 30 

days prior to the agreed-upon time frame for the correction of the violations 

Supporting documentation may include: floor plans, Equipment Inventories; letters from 

instructors, accrediting agencies, CDA council; professional development certificates 

and/or transcripts, copies of help wanted ads, etc. 

The decision to approve an Extension of Time to Comply is made by the QRIS Program 

Manager or designee. Approval of an Extension of Time to Comply does not set a 

precedent, and each request is independently evaluated. 

The provider is notified of the decision in writing. 

Criteria taken into consideration to determine whether to approve a request for an 

Extension of Time to Comply: 

Date of Request 

Extension requests are to be made by filling out and submitting form 07LC074E, 

Request for Extension of Time to Comply at least 30 days prior to the ending date of the 

plan of correction. Extension requests received less than 30 days prior to expiration of 

the plan of correction time may not be approved due to not submitting timely. 

Plan of correction and type of violation 

In order to request an extension of time to comply, a plan of correction must first have 

been in place (not to exceed 90 days) for criteria not met. 

Extensions will not be approved for on-going professional development for an 

employment year. 


Compliance 

The facility’s record of compliance regarding numerous, repeated and/or serious noncompliance 

with applicable licensing requirements is taken into consideration in 

determining whether to approve the request. 

An extension will not be approved for any facility whose case is under review for 

possible reduction, denial or revocation 

Staff 

Facility must have enough master teachers to meet minimum licensing requirements 

(1:60) before an extension can be approved. 

Current staff needed to meet master teacher ratio must be currently enrolled in or 

actively working on meeting educational requirements and are able to provide 

documentation of their education status and progress. 

Reason for extension 

Total extensions of time to comply granted for obtaining or replacing master teachers 

may not exceed a total of 12 months, unless circumstances are extreme. 

One extension, not to exceed 6 months, may be granted for those facilities attempting to 

go through national reaccreditation. 


OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES 

Request for Extension of Time to Comply 

Facility name 

License number 

Street or P.O. Box mailing address City State Zip 

Area code Phone Licensing specialist 

Requests MUST: 

1. show how the violation(s) was unforeseeable and beyond your control; and 

2. be submitted, with all supporting documentation: 

30 days prior to the agreed-upon time frame for correction of violations 

to: 

QRIS Program Manager 

Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS) 

P.O. Box 25352 


I am requesting an extension of time to comply because additional time is needed to 

(check all that apply): 

correct a Star criteria violation for master teacher 

correct a Star criteria violation for accreditation 

correct a Star criteria violation for 

Section 1. Star Criteria Violations 

List the reason(s) additional time is needed to meet the criteria. 

Date your current plan of correction expires: 


Section 2. Action 

Date you expect to meet the criteria: 

Describe your plans for meeting the criteria. Be specific. 

Attached are supporting documents, such as training certificates or transcripts, letter 

from accrediting agency. 

If you are requesting an extension to meet the master teacher criteria, submit a current 

equipment inventory and official floor plan from OCCS listing the total square footage 

and ages in each classroom. 

I understand failing to submit a timely and/or incomplete request may result in 

the denial of my request. 

Signature of owner, director or primary caregiver 

Date 

For Oklahoma Child Care Services use only 

Date received Stars specialist Extension granted Date of extension 

Yes No 

Licensing specialist Supervisor County/zip Number of request 

Star level Star history Database update 

Computer update 

Other 

Consultant 


RESOURCES 

ACCREDITING AGENCIES 

Association of Christian Schools 

International (ACSI) 

13739 Omega Rd. 

Dallas, TX 75244 

877-706-9738 

972-991-2822 

www.acsi.org 

Council on Accreditation (COA) 

45 Broadway 29 th floor 

New York, NY 10005 

866-262-8088 

212-797-3000 

www.coanet.org 

National Accreditation Commission for 

Early Care and Education Programs (NAC) 

7608 HWY 71 West Ste E 

Austin, TX 78735 

800-537-1118 

512-301-5557 

www.naccp.org 

National Association For Education of 

Young Children (NAEYC) 

1313 L Street NW Suite 500 

Washington, DC 20005 

800-424-2460 www.naeyc.org 

National Early Childhood Program 

Accreditation (NECPA) 

1150 Hungryneck Blvd. Suite C305 

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 

800-505-9878 www.necpa.net 

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP 

Certified Child Care Professional (CCP) 800-543-7161 

National Child Care Association (NCCA) 

1325 G St NW Suite 500 

866-536-1945 


www.nccanet.org 

Career Technology Centers 405-377-2000 www.okcareertech.org 

Early Care and Education/Pathways 800-522-5810 


Council for Professional Recognition 

800-424-4310 www.cdacouncil.org 

Child Development Associate Credential 

(CDA) 

2460 16 th St. NW 


Scholars for Excellence in Child Care 

(SECC) 

Scholarship program 

655 Research Parkway Suite 200 


Scholar Coordinators 

405-225-9100 

866-343-3881 

www.okhighered.org/scholars 

You may also obtain 

information from a scholar 

coordinator or admissions 

office of local career tech 

Carl Albert State College (Poteau, Idabel) 918-647-1252 

Connors State College (Muskogee) 866-343-3881 

Eastern OK State College (Wilburton) 866-343-3881 

Murray State College (Tishomingo) 580-371-2371 

ext. 234 

Northeastern OK A & M (Miami) 918-540-6309 

Northern OK College (Enid) 580-548-2360 

Northern OK College (Stillwater) 405-372-2404 

Oklahoma City Community College (OKC) 405-682-7832 

OSU/OKC 

405-945-9168 or 

800-560-4099 

Redlands (El Reno) 405-422-1286 

Rose State College (Midwest City) 405-733-7449 

Seminole State College (Seminole) 405-382-9700 

Tulsa Community College 

918-595-8280 or 

918-595-8024 

Western OK State College (Altus) 580-477-7880 

Career Technology Centers/Pathways 

866-343-3881 or 

405-225-9396 


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

American Red Cross 

American Heart Association 

405-228-9500 

918-831-1100 

405-942-2444 

800-242-8721 

www.redcross.org 

www.americanheart.org 

CARE Courses 

P O Box 10526 

McLean, VA 22102 

800-685-7610 www.carecourses.com 

Center for Early Childhood Professional 

Development (CECPD) 

1801 N. Moore Ave. 


405-799-6383 

888-446-7608 

www.cecpd.org 

Oklahoma Child Care Services 

P O Box 25352 


405-521-3561 

800-347-2276 

www.okdhs.org/childcare 

Safe Kids Coalition 

940 NE 13 th 

Nicholson Tower Suite 3890 


405-271-5695 http://safekidsok.org 

RESOURCE AND REFERRAL 

Cherokee Nation Child Care R & R 

P O Box 948 

Tahlequah, OK 74465 

918-453-5300 

800-256-0671 

www.cherokeekids.net 

Child Care Resource Center 

16 E 16 th Suite 207 


918-834-2273 www.ccrctulsa.org 


Child Care Finders 

2615 E. Randolph 

Enid, OK 73701 

580-548-2318 

800-401-3463 

www.childcarefinder.org 

Delaware Child Development--Child Care 

Links 

5110 Tuxedo Blvd. 

Bartlesville, OK 74005 

918-337-6500 www.delawarechild.org/ 

ECU Continuing Education 

200 Fentem Hall Box E-3 

Ada, OK 74820 

580-559-5873 

800-862-5593 

www.ecok.edu/ccrra/ 

Great Plains Child Care 

901 S Broadway 

Hobart, OK 73651 

580-726-2172 

888-878-4417 

www.gpccrr.org 

Oklahoma Child Care Resource & Referral 

(OCCRRA) 

State office for Resource & Referral agencies 

4200 Perimeter Center Suite 235 


405-942-5001 

888-962-2772 

www.oklahomachildcare.org 

Rainbow Fleet (R &R) 

3024 Paseo 


405-521-1426 

800-438-0008 

www.rainbowfleet.org 

SEOSU Continuing Education 

1405 N. 4 Ave. PMB 4232 

Durant, OK 74701 

580-745-3176 

888-320-5205 

www.se.edu/childcare 


EARLY CHILDHOOD 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION 

Supports professional development of early 

care and education staff 

Council for Exceptional Children 888-232-7733 

Early Childhood Association of Oklahoma 

(ECAO) 

500 W. 15 th St Suite 5 

Edmond, OK 73013 

State affiliate of SECA and NAEYC 

405-285-5740 

866-813-3226 

www.ecaok.org 

National Black Child Development Institute 

(NBCDI) 

800-556-2234 

National Child Care Association (NCCA) 

1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 


800-543-7161 

866-536-1945 

www.nccanet.org 

National Indian Child Care Association 918-453-5051 

Oklahoma Afterschool Association (OKAA) 

State professional organization affiliated with 

National Afterschool Alliance (NAA) 

PO BOX 1465 

Newcastle, OK 73065 

Oklahoma Afterschool Network (OKAN) 

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy 

3909 N Classen Blvd, Suite 101 


405-316-8831 www.okaaweb.org 

405-236-5437 www.okafterschool.org 

Oklahoma Child Care Association (OCCA) 

PO BOX 2485 


800-580-4181 www.oklahomachildcareassoci 

ation.com 

Southern Early Childhood Association 

(SECA) 

800-305-7322 


SALARY SUPPLEMENT 

REWARD 

1801 N. Moore Ave 


888-446-7608 www.cecpd.org 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND 

NUTRITION RESOURCES 

American Academy of Pediatrics 

141 Northwest Point Blvd 

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098 

847-434-4000 

800-433-9016 

www.aap.org/ 

Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention 

1600 Clifton Rd. 

Atlanta, GA 30333 

800-232-4636 www.cdc.gov 

Child Care Aware 

1515 N Courthouse Rd 11 th floor 

Arlington, VA 22201 

800-424-2246 www.childcareaware.org 

Choosy Kids 

3160 Collins Ferry Rd. 

Morgantown, WV 26505 

304-777-4541 www.choosykids.com 

Healthy Child Care 

PO BOX 624 

Harbor Springs, MI 49740 

231-526-6342 

877-258-6178 

www.healthychild.net/ 

Healthy Child Care America 

www.healthychildcare.org 

Let’s Move 

www.letsmove.gov 

Let’s Move Child Care 

National Association for Sport and 

Physical Education 

1900 Association Drive 

Reston, VA 20191 

703-476-3410 

800-213-7193 

http://www.healthykidshealthyf 

uture.org/welcome.html 

www.aahperd.org/naspe 


Ooey Gooey 

1115 E Main St. Box 48 

Rochester, NY 14609 

PKimbrell.com 

11226 Trailside Court 

San Diego, CA 92127 

United States Department of Agriculture 

10301 Baltimore Ave, Suite 105 

Beltsville, MD 20705-235 

800-477-7977 www.ooeygooey.com 

619-992-7758 www.pkimbrell.com/resources 

703-305-1624 www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietarygui 

delines 

www.choosemyplate.gov 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & 

HELPFUL NUMBERS 

American Academy of Pediatrics 

141 Northwest Point Blvd 

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098 

847-434-4000 

800-433-9016 

www.aap.org 

American Sign Language University 

(ASLU) 

www.lifeprint.com 

Back to Sleep 800-505-2742 www.nichd.nih.gov/SIDS 

Caring Van (on-site immunizations) 405-316-7252 

405-316-7170 

405-316-7250 

918-551-3414 

918-551-3404 

www.oklahomacaringfoundatio 

n.org 

Child Abuse Reporting Hotline 800-522-3511 

Conscious Discipline 

Loving Guidance 

PO BOX 622407 

Oviedo, FL 32762 

800-842-2846 

407-366-0233 

http://consciousdiscipline.com 


Emergency Preparedness Document 

Protecting Children in Child Care During 

Emergencies 

NACCRRA—Child Care Aware 

1515 N. Courthouse Rd, 11th floor 

Arlington, VA 22201 (map) 

703-341-4100 http://www.naccrra.org/publica 

tions/naccrra 

publications/2011/12/emergen 

cy-preparedness-for-childcare-a-how-to-guide 

Franklin Porter Graham Child Dev. Institute 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

CB#8180 

Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8180 

919-966-2622 www.fpg.unc.edu 

Good Health Handbook 

405-271-4471 

405-521-3561 

800-347-2276 

http://www.ok.gov/health/Child 

_and_Family_Health/Maternal 

_and_Child_Health_Service/C 

hild_and_Adolescent_Health/E 

arly_Childhood_Comprehensiv 

e_Systems/Good_Health_Han 

dbook/index.html 

OASIS 

PO Box 26901 


800-426-2747 

405-271-6302 

http://oasis.ouhsc.edu/ 

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy 

(OICA) 

3909 N Classen, Suite 101 


405-236-5437 www.oica.org 

Oklahoma State Dept of Health 

1000 NE 10 th 


405-271-5600 

800-522-0203 

www.ok.gov/health/child_and_ 

Family_Health 

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation 

(OSBI) 

6600 N. Harvey 


405-848-6724 www.ok.gov/osbi/ 

Oklahoma Poison Control Center 

940 NE 13 th Street, Rm 3N3510 


405-271-5062 www.oklahomapoison.org 

Hotline 

800-222-1222 

www.aapcc.org 


Smart Start Oklahoma 

421 W NW 13 th Suite 270 


405-278-6978 www.smartStartok.org 

866-283-0987 

SoonerStart 

2500 N Lincoln Blvd 


405-521-3301 

405-521-4880 

405-521-4872 

http://www.ok.gov/sde/sooners 

tart 

WARMLINE 

Child Guidance Service 

Oklahoma State Dept of Health 

1000 NE 10 th Street 


888-574-5437 

405-271-4477 

http://www.ok.gov/health/Child 

_and_Family_Health/Child_Gu 

idance_Service/Child_Care_W 

armline/ 

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, 

Toddlers and Families 

1255 23 rd St, NW, Suite 350 


202-638-1144 www.zerotothree.org 

800-899-4301 


CHILD CARE PROVIDER RATE SCHEDULE 

Taken from Appendix C-4-B (O8AX006E) 

Enhanced area counties: Caddo, Canadian, Cherokee, Cleveland, Comanche, Creek, 

Garfield, Kay, Logan, McCurtain, Oklahoma, Ottawa, Payne, Pittsburg, Pottawatomie, 

Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington, and Woods 

Age of Child 

Standard Area 

Full Daily Rate 

One Star child care centers 

Standard Area 

Part Daily Rate 

Enhanced 

Full Daily 

Rate 

0 – 12 months $15.50 $11 $15.50 $11 

13 – 24 months $15.50 $11 $15.50 $11 

25 – 48 months $13.25 $9 $13.50 $9 

49 – 72 months $13.50 $9 $13.50 $9 

73 mos – 13 yrs $11.25 $7 $11.25 $7 


One Star Plus child care centers 

Standard Area 


Standard Area 


Enhanced 

Full Daily 

Rate 

0 – 12 months $18.25 $12 $21.25 $14 

13 – 24 months $18.25 $12 $20.25 $14 

25 – 48 months $16.00 $11 $18.25 $12 

49 – 72 months $15.00 $10 $17.25 $12 

72 mos – 13 yrs $12.75 $9 $15.00 $10 


Standard Area 


Two Star child care centers 

Standard Area 


Enhanced 

Full Daily 

Rate 

0 – 12 months $24.00 $14 $30.00 $19 

13 – 24 months $23.00 $14 $27.75 $17 

25 – 48 months $20.50 $12 $24.75 $15 

49 – 72 months $18.00 $11 $20.25 $14 

72 mos – 13 yrs $14.00 $10 $16.50 $12 


Three Star child care centers 

Standard Area 


Standard Area 


Enhanced 

Full Daily 

Rate 

0 – 12 months $35.00 $21 $35.00 $21 

13 – 24 months $32.75 $19 $32.75 $19 

25 – 48 months $27.75 $17 $27.75 $17 

49 – 72 months $22.50 $15 $22.50 $15 

72 mos – 13 yrs $18.25 $12 $18.25 $12 

For more information visit www.okdhs.org 

Enhanced 


Enhanced 


Enhanced 


Enhanced 



DEFINITIONS 

AAAAAAAA 

Accreditation: national standard established for professional practice and engages 

programs in a continuous practice of improvement to provide high quality services. The 

accreditation process is completed through a national accrediting body. For a list of 

approved accrediting agencies, please refer to the resource list in this book or 

www.cecpd.org. 

Assessment tool: based on research and positive early childhood practice and 

performed by an outside source to assist facilities in evaluating their program’s 

strengths and areas for growth. Assessment tools may be rating scales such as 

Environment Rating Scale (ERS) or Program Administration Scale (PAS). 

CCCCCCCC 

Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD): an Oklahoma 

Child Care Services (OCCS) partnering agency that supports the individuals who work 

in licensed early care and education settings in Oklahoma with professional 

development, REWARD, trainer and training approval registry, director’s credential, 

video lending library, ERS assessors, and more. It is a department of the University of 

Oklahoma’s College of Continuing Education. (888-446-7608, 405-799-6383, or 

www.cecpd.org,) 

Certificate of Mastery (CoM): an 18 college credit hour certificate awarded by the 

Scholars program at Oklahoma 2-year colleges consisting of fifteen hours of child 

development/early childhood education and English Composition. The Scholars 

program offers a tuition scholarship to eligible providers. 

Certified Child Care Professional (CCP): a child care credential awarded to an 

individual who has successfully completed the CCP training and assessment process, 

thus demonstrating educational and experiential activities that promote skill 

development in professional ability areas. This credential is awarded by the National 

Child Care Association (800-543-7161, www.nccanet.org). The Scholars program offers 

a CCP Assessment Scholarship. This credential expires and requires a renewal 

process. 

Child Care Center: a facility that provides care for children and operates more than 30 

hours per week. 

Child Care Health Consultants: professionals from the Oklahoma State Department of 

Health with training and experience in both health care and child care. They offer health 

and safety training, assistance in developing health policies, visit programs to check 

health and safety practices, answer questions and provide resources. (888-574-5437 or 

888-962-2777) 

Child Development: the study of physical, intellectual, emotional and social changes 

that occur in children from conception through adolescence. 


Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential: a national credential awarded to an 

individual who has successfully completed the CDA educational and assessment 

process by demonstrating competence in 13 functional areas. The CDA credential is 

supported by the Council for Professional Recognition (800-424-4310, 202-265-9090, or 

www.cdacouncil.org). The Scholars program provides scholarships for eligible 

directors, teachers and providers to complete coursework for the CDA credential 

through the Early Education: Pathway to CDA and all Oklahoma community year 

colleges. The Scholars program also offers a CDA Assessment scholarship. This 

credential expires and requires a renewal process. 

Coaching: a relationship-based process led by an expert with specialized and adult 

learning knowledge and skills, who often serves in a different professional role than the 

recipient. Coaching is designed to build capacity for specific professional dispositions, 

skills, and behaviors and is focused on goal-setting and achievement for an individual or 

group. 

Consultation: a collaborative, problem-solving process between an external consultant 

with specific expertise and adult learning knowledge and skills and an individual or 

group from one program or organization. Consultation facilitates the assessment and 

resolution of an issue-specific concern, a program, organizational, staff, child, familyrelated 

issue, or addresses a specific topic. 

Consultation and Technical Support Specialist (CATSS): Oklahoma Child Care 

Services staff who provide onsite consultation, technical assistance, coaching, 

professional development advising, and training for child care providers, center staff, 

and directors of One Star Plus and higher programs to enhance the quality of child care 

They encourage and assist the child care program in attaining maximum standards and 

consult with child care staff, owners and operators, child care providers and other 

agencies to advocate for quality child care. 

(800-347-2276, www.okdhs.org) 

Council on Accreditation (COA): an accrediting body for licensed behavioral health 

and school age programs and is approved by Oklahoma’s QRIS 

(212-797-3000, or www.coanet.org). 

DDDDDDDD 

Daily schedule: a written timetable of events that shows what is supposed to happen 

throughout the day. This is different from a required lesson plan. Free play in which all 

materials are accessible to children is recommended for 1/3 of the hours of operation. 

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP): a framework of principles and 

guidelines for best practice in the care and education of young children that is grounded 

in research on how children develop and learn. The principals and guidelines outline 

practice that promotes young children’s optimal learning and development. DAP takes 

into consideration children’s age and individual needs, interests, cultural backgrounds, 

and individual developmental needs. 


Direct Care Organization: any licensed child care facility, whether they are a home or 

a center, that is registered with the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry 

located at CECPD. 

Director’s Certificate of Completion (DCoC): a 24 college credit hour certificate 

awarded by the Scholar’s program and is available for directors and assistant directors, 

and family child care home providers only. The CoM must be completed along with a 

designated computer and business course. The Scholars program offers a tuition 

scholarship to eligible providers. 

Director’s Certificate of Mastery (DCoM): a 33 college credit hour certificate available 

only through OSU-Oklahoma City. The Scholars program offers a tuition scholarship to 

eligible directors, assistant directors, and family child care providers for this credential. 

Diversity: the inclusion of people of different abilities, races, genders, or cultures in a 

safe, positive, nurturing environment. 

EEEEEEEEEEEEE 

Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R): an assessment 

tool approved by Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) for classrooms 

with children 31 months to 5 years. (See ERS definition) 

Early childhood professional development: a continuum of learning and support 

activities designed to prepare individuals for work with and on behalf of young children 

and their families as well as ongoing experiences to enhance this work. 

Early childhood professional organization: an organization that supports the 

professional development of early childhood teachers and that promotes improvements 

in services to young children. Some organizations are listed in the resource section of 

this document. 

Early Education: Pathway to CDA: a comprehensive CDA curriculum that consists of 

17 units of CDA training through technology centers and prepares child care providers 

for the national CDA credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. 

Courses can be taken online or in the classroom. The Scholars program offers a tuition 

and assessment scholarship to eligible providers. 

Early Head Start: a program sponsored by a Head Start agency or “grantee” that 

provides low-income pregnant women and families with children from birth to age 3 with 

family-centered services that facilitate child development, support parental roles, and 

promote self-sufficiency. 

Educational Professional Development Plan (EPDP): a written plan that documents 

an individual’s goals to remain current regarding knowledge and practices in the field of 

early childhood education/child development and personal professional advancement. 

A PDP helps individuals stay organized in meeting required training deadlines, plan for 

and track required training to renew credentials that expire, develop a list of meaningful 

training for the individual, and develop a plan to progress in the field of ECE. 


Employee evaluation: used to clearly communicate expectations, document staff 

performance, recognize accomplishments and reward outstanding performance, 

improve staff performance, develop and motivate employees, and help achieve the 

goals of a program. It should be based on the employee’s formal job description and 

should be specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound. 

Entry Level Child Care Training (ELCCT): provides basic child care training required 

of new child care center teaching staff and is offered through CECPD in the classroom 

and online. 

Environment Rating Scale (ERS): an assessment tool approved by OKDHS that helps 

programs develop goals for improvement and gives the program a picture of its current 

quality. There are 4 scales covering birth to school-age as well as family child care 

(ITERS-R, ECERS-R, SACERS, and FCCERS-R). 

Equipment Inventory: a detailed, itemized list of required equipment specific to the 

number and ages of children in a specific child care setting. An equipment inventory is 

completed by counting equipment and completion of OKDHS form for Child Care 

Center/Part-Day Children’s Program/School-Age Program. It is best practice to 

complete this inventory annually and can be done as part of program evaluation. 

Extension of Time to Comply: a written request by a child care owner, designated 

agent, or director to ask for additional time to meet Stars criteria. An extension request 

must be submitted 30 days prior to the end of a Plan of Correction. It is submitted to the 

Stars Outreach Specialist and includes the completed approved OKDHS form and any 

supporting documentation. 

FFFFFFFF 

Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale-Revised (FCCERS-R): an assessment 

tool approved by OKDHS for family child care home environments. (See ERS definition) 

Family Child Care Home (FCCH): a family home that provides care and protection for 

seven or fewer children for part of the 24-hour day. 

HHHHHHHH 

Head Start Agency or “grantee”: a local public or private nonprofit agency designated 

to operate a Head Start program by the responsible Department of Health and Human 

Services official at the federal level. 

Head Start: a program funded under the Head Start Act and carried out by a Head Start 

agency or grantee that provides ongoing comprehensive child development services 

according to the federal Head Start Performance Standards. 


Head Start Performance Standards: the Head Start program functions, activities and 

facilities required and necessary to meet the objectives and goals of the Head Start 

program as they relate directly to children and their families. The Secretary of Health 

and Human Services reviews and revises, as necessary, the Head Start Program 

Performance Standards (including Early Head Start) as regulations establishing 

performance standards and minimum requirements with respect to health, education, 

parent involvement, nutrition, social, transition, and other Head Start services as well as 

administrative and financial management, facilities, and other appropriate program 

areas. 

Health and Safety checklist(s): a detailed written checklist(s) used to ensure the 

physical health and safety of children in care for both the indoor and outdoor space. A 

health and safety checklist is available in the Good Health Handbook. 

IIIIIIII 

Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ITERS-R): is an assessment tool 

approved by OKDHS for classrooms with children birth to 30 months. 

(See ERS definition) 

Interest areas: areas within a classroom, home, or learning space arranged so that 

children are able to participate in a variety of activities relating to art, reading, dramatic 

play, blocks, manipulatives, math, science/nature, music and movement, etc. 

JJJJJJJJ 

Job description: a specific tool that describes the unique and essential duties of a 

particular job and usually includes job title, job responsibilities, major tasks (specifically 

what the staff will be doing), job qualifications (such as education, experience and 

specialized skills or knowledge). They help potential staff decide if they are a good fit 

with a program’s philosophies and needs and provide a foundation for staff evaluations. 

LLLLLLLL 

Large Family Child Care Home (LFCCH): a residential family home that provides care 

and supervision for eight to twelve children for part of the 24-hour day. 

Leadership Academy: a course offered by CECPD and designed for child care 

directors, assistant directors, and administrators. Leadership Academy provides 

leadership skill training and focuses on ways to become a more effective leader to meet 

the needs of staff and children in their care. 

Lesson plan: a current, weekly, written, detailed description of activities intended to 

develop certain skills for a group of children and may show what is planned for different 

areas used by children such as the reading or block center, outdoors, or circle time. 

Lesson plans may also include what will be covered in a curriculum unit or show how 

specific goals for children will be addressed. The program uses the Oklahoma Early 

Learning Guidelines as a resource for lesson and curriculum planning. Lesson plans are 

not to be confused with daily schedules. 


Licensing: Child Care Licensing is managed by the Oklahoma Child Care Services 

(OCCS), a division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The Child Care 

Facilities Licensing Act defines those programs required to be licensed. Their website 

includes links to licensing requirements, also known as standards, for various types of 

care. Each program has their own minimum licensing requirements for the protection of 

children’s health, safety and well-being. (800-347-2276 or www.okdhs.org) 

Licensing Specialists: Oklahoma Child Care Services staff who monitor to ensure 

maintenance of minimum standards for the care and protection of children away from 

their own homes. They encourage and assist the child care facility in attaining 

maximum standards. They consult with child care staff and offer training, inform 

prospective owners and operators about licensing requirements, and work with parents, 

child care providers and other agencies to advocate for quality child care. 

MMMMMMMM 

Master Teacher: a teacher who is on-site full time and meets and maintains one of the 

requirements for master teacher as described on master teacher qualifications page of 

this book. Master teachers work directly with children and support other teaching staff 

with responsibilities such as program development, weekly lesson plans, use of space 

and equipment, interactions with parents, and program evaluation. 

Mental Health Consultants: trained professionals who visit child care facilities over an 

extended period of time, support the staff in dealing with children and families under 

stress, and promote the well-being of everyone in the child care facility. The consultant 

aims to stabilize the staff in child care settings by expanding their competencies in 

understanding challenging behavior. The consultant emphasizes the importance of 

early relationships and encourages positive social and emotional development. 

(Warmline: 1-888-574-5437) 

Mentee: an individual working with a mentor. Often having less experience, and 

wanting to learn from the experience and guidance of a mentor to develop their 

personal or professional capacity, resulting in greater professional effectiveness. 

Mentor: (an experienced advisor and trusted teacher; an influential senior sponsor or 

supporter) is a relationship-based process between colleagues in similar professional 

roles, with a more-experienced individual with adult learning knowledge and skills, the 

mentor, providing guidance and example to the less-experienced mentee. Mentoring is 

intended to increase an individual’s personal or professional capacity, resulting in 

greater professional effectiveness. 

NNNNNNNN 

National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education (NAC): an 

accrediting organization for child care centers and approved by OKDHS. 

(800-537-1118 or www.naccp.org) 

National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC): an OKDHS approved 

accrediting agency for family child care homes as well as early education professional 

membership. (801-269-9339 or www.nafcc.org) 


National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): an OKDHS 

approved accrediting agency for child care centers as well as early education 

professional membership. This organization supports early care and education for 

children ages six weeks to school age. (800-424-2460 or www.naeyc.org). 

National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA): an OKDHS approved 

accrediting agency for child care centers that care for children ages six weeks to school 

age. (800-543-7161) 

Non-Compliance: term used to define when licensing requirements are not met. 

OOOOOOOO 

Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS): responsible for making sure Oklahoma’s 

children and their parents have access to licensed, affordable, high-quality child care 

where children have the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential in a safe, 

healthy, and nurturing environment. (800-347-2276 or www.okdhs.org) 

Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS) Partners: organizations and agencies that 

work with OCCS to ensure that Oklahoma’s children and families’ need for quality child 

care are met. OCCS Partners include the Resource and Referral agencies, Scholars 

for Excellence in Child Care, Smart Start Oklahoma, Center for Early Childhood 

Professional Development, Oklahoma Technology Centers, and other OKDHS 

divisions. 

Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (R&R): an OCCS partnering 

agency that has a network of regional sites throughout Oklahoma and provides services 

for parents, providers, and communities including child care referrals, provider training 

and advocacy. (405-843-5737 or www.occrra.net) 

Oklahoma Core Competencies: a document which includes what all who work with 

young children need to know, understand, and be able to do to support children’s 

learning and development and can be used to assess skills in content areas, plan for 

professional development, write job descriptions and personnel policies, and evaluate 

educational offerings. (http://www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/cc/prvdrs/lic/) 

Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS): an agency of the State of 

Oklahoma responsible for providing help to individuals and families in need through 

public assistance programs and managing services for child care, seniors and people 

with disabilities. OCCS is a division of this state agency. (www.okdhs.org) 

Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines (ELG): a document which provides guidance to 

teachers with regard to what children should know and be able to do in order to 

experience school success. (http://www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/cc/prvdrs/lic/) 

Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder: the formal process that allows a 

person to document his or her experience, training, and education in the child care field 

and is maintained on a registry by CECPD. 


Oklahoma Professional Development Registry: a statewide database created to 

recognize the professional development of all individuals working in the early care and 

education field and maintained by CECPD. Some benefits of the registry are: 

Professional development in one location, interactive calendar and map, access 

professional development record online at any time, plan meaningful professional 

development and track your professional development accomplishments. 

www.cecpd.org 

Orientation: professional development in which an individual engages prior to 

beginning a position that includes but is not limited to topics required in basic licensing 

requirements. 

PPPPPPPP 

Parent board: a group of parents who meet with the director, owner and other staff to 

create center goals, activities and program procedures. 

Parent conferences: meetings held in person between a child’s teacher and parents 

during which the child’s progress, accomplishments, and challenges are discussed and 

goals are set together. 

Parent contracts: agreements between parents and a facility which includes but is not 

limited to policy concerning hours, fees, payment schedule, vacation, and termination. 

Contracts are signed and dated by parents. 

Parent handbooks: inform parents/families of the policies and procedures of the child 

care facility with helpful information that helps foster the development of a partnership 

between a child’s family and child care. 

Parent meetings: an opportunity for family enrichment and two-way communication 

between parents and staff helping to create collaboration. 

Parent resource area: an area where parents can get information about agencies that 

provide services to families and articles on family topics. 

Parent surveys: questionnaires given to parents to obtain their opinions and assist in 

identifying strengths and weaknesses of the program and evaluating the program’s 

effectiveness in meeting the needs of children and parents. 

Part-Day Children’s Program: a facility that provides care and supervision for children 

and that operates for more than 15 but less than 30 hours per week. 

Program Administration Scale (PAS): an assessment tool regarding child care facility 

administrative practices. 

Physical activity: developmentally appropriate and fun daily motor skill development 

that is vigorous (that uses large muscle groups and gets children breathing deeper and 

faster than during typical activities) for short bouts of time. Children should enjoy 30-60 

minutes of indoor and outdoor physical activity daily. 


Policy and procedure manual: a manual that is clearly written to explain and define 

the job duties and responsibilities of staff, procedures and operating systems, and 

policies of the facility. 

Primary caregiver: the caregiver who is present in the child care home and is 

responsible for the day-to-day operation of the program. 

Professional development advising: a one-on-one process through which OCCS and 

its Partners offer information, guidance, and advice to an individual about professional 

growth, career options, and pathways to obtain or meet required qualifications. 

Program goals: written plans based on information gathered from the completed health 

and safety checklist, parent and staff surveys, self-assessments, and an assessment 

tool approved by OKDHS and include established goals related to the professional 

development and educational needs of staff as well as facility policy and procedures. 

Provider qualifications: method that a primary caregiver of family child care home 

uses to meet and maintain their 2- or 3-Star status. 

QQQQQQQQ 

Quality Improvement Plan (QIP): a plan devised by a facility with time frames, steps, 

and resources needed to meet specific goals to assist the facility to move forward in 

implementing quality child care practices. 

Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS): the part of Oklahoma Child Care 

Services Licensing that is responsible for the Reaching for the Stars program, which is a 

method to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early care and 

education settings. The criteria used in QRIS have been developed from research and 

what is universally considered to be quality care. 

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Reaching for the Stars: Oklahoma’s Quality Rating Improvement System designed to: 

1.) assist individual providers in improving the care and education they provide for 

children; 2.) raise the professional development level of child care providers, 3.) parent’s 

awareness of the importance of positive practices in child care. This system is based on 

tiered quality and reimbursement; there are also other incentives for programs that meet 

the Star criteria. 

REWARD Oklahoma: provides education-based salary supplements to teachers, 

directors, and family child care home providers working with young children in child care 

settings. 

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Salary scale: a written schedule detailing employee pay with increments based on role, 

education, specialized training, and years of relevant experience. 


Scholar Coordinator: recruits and serves as a mentor and academic advisor while 

providing on-site individualized technical assistance to child care providers participating 

in the Scholars Program while pursuing a CDA credential, Certificate of Mastery, 

Director’s Certificate of Completion, and/or Associate of Arts or Science degree in 

CD/ECE. 

Scholars Program (formerly referred to as the Scholars for Excellence in Child 

Care program): provides educational opportunities for child care professionals through 

scholarships for licensed child care staff for coursework at community year colleges 

toward CDA credential, Certificate of Mastery, Director’s Certificate of Completion 

and/or an Associate Degree in CD/ECE; and Pathway to CDA courses taken through 

technology centers. It also awards CDA assessment scholarships for 9 credit hours of 

CD/ECE or Pathway Competency Certificate. 

(866-343-3881, 405-225-9395, or okhighered.org/scholars) 

School-Age Environment Rating Scale (SACERS): an assessment tool approved by 

OKDHS for classrooms with children ages kindergarten through 12 years. (See ERS 

definition) 

School-Age Program: a program that provides care and supervision for school-age 

children, for example, before-school and after-school programs, extended-day 

programs, day camps, summer camps, and summer park programs. 

Screen time: the use of electronic media with a screen, such as television (TV), digital 

video display (DVD), video home system (VHS), video games, and computers. 

Acceptable uses of screen are e-readers for reading and games involving physical 

activity participation such as Wii Dance. 

Smart Start Oklahoma: an Oklahoma collaboration of public and private leaders who 

support community-based efforts to improve school readiness statewide. 

(http://www.smartStartoklahoma.org) 

Staff surveys: questionnaires given to facility staff to obtain their opinions and assist in 

identifying strengths and weaknesses of the program and evaluating the program’s 

effectiveness in meeting the needs of children, parents, and staff. 

Stars Outreach Specialist (SOS): an Oklahoma Child Care Services staff responsible 

for processing Star applications and extensions; as well as providing training, technical 

assistance, and promoting the Stars program. 

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Technical assistance (TA): the provision of targeted and customized supports by a 

professional with subject matter and adult learning knowledge and skills to develop or 

strengthen processes, knowledge application, or implementation of services by 

recipients. 

Transition times: times when children change from one activity period to another. 


Transition plan: a scheduled plan of age-appropriate activities to assist children when 

they change from one activity to another. 

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Violation: term used to define when Star criteria is not met. 

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Warmline: free telephone consultation and an online “A-Z Health Index” to child care 

providers on numerous topics of concern. Consultants can also refer providers to 

appropriate services and resources within their communities. (888-574-5437 or 

www.ok.gov) 

Webinars: educational professional development for providers and directors that are 

broadcast over the internet.

Reaching for the Stars - Oklahoma Department of Human Services

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