The Child Care Center at OSUIT has been recognized with a 5-STAR rating after a recent standards assessment by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Not only does this top-tier rating provide parents in need of childcare peace of mind while they attend school or work. It also opens the door for the center to receive grant opportunities and incentives to ensure it remains one of the best in the area.

"The new standards will improve the program by increasing staff education levels, adding enhanced activities, collaborating more with families, individualizing assessment and lesson plans for each child and better subsidy rates," said Kathi McGraw, OSUIT Child Care Center Manager.

A Cycle 7 Stabilization Grant worth nearly $50,000 is one example of the incentives that benefit OSUIT's Child Care Center. This funding will support workforce retention and provide wage supplements that are paid directly to staff.

"One of the incentives for moving to a higher STAR level is an increased grant payout – the higher the STAR level, the higher the grant. We have also received educational items for our classrooms and a voucher to order our choice of items from Lakeshore Learning Material," said McGraw.

The staff at the center work together to provide an overall great experience for every family that comes to their center. Kathi McGraw's team is committed to positively impacting the children they serve for years after they leave their care.

Since the money received can be used for any improvements to the center, plans are underway for classroom updates and enhanced safety measures for the outdoor playground.

"The generous grants and incentives the last couple of years have made upgrades possible and has allowed the facility a sense of pride for our community," said McGraw. "The staff on campus is dedicated to shaping children's lives, and I see the staff's renewed sense of purpose and confidence as they try out new ideas."

For additional information about the child care center, visit https://osuit.edu/child-care-center.php or contact Kathi McGraw at 918-293-4934.