Childcare Certification Assistance Program Approved

The PCDA Trustees approved the Childcare Certification Assistance Program (CCAP) for Ponca City Childcares at the April 10th, 2025  PCDA Board of Trustees Regular Meeting.  This certification program will support Ponca City childcare facilities and homes as they pursue new state mandates for national certifications necessary to retain their State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services d(OKDHS) ratings.  Programs that are accredited by a national accrediting body approved by OKDHS can receive a higher state Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).  These national accreditation certifications were made mandatory by Governor Stitts' Emergency Order signed in March, 2025. 

This program is currently only for childcare facilities & homes that are located in Ponca City or receive utilities from the City of Ponca City.  For those facilities and homes in Kay County, PCDA continues to collaborate with other organizations to try to provide funding support for them to defray the national certification fee costs.    The CCAP will provide national certification fee assistance up to $2,000 for qualifying Ponca CIty childcare facilities. 

PCDA has $10,000 allotted for this program through June, 2025.    There will be another allocation for this program in the PCDA Budget for 2025-2026 depending on need and feedback from Ponca City childcare facilities and homes.   Ponca City childcares are encouraged to submit applications as they are able to pursue these national certifications.   This link for the application is: 
https://www.cognitoforms.com/PCDA1/ChildcareCertificationAssistanceProgramApplication.

Lori Henderson, PCDA Executive Director stated "This is a great opportunity for PCDA to support this in demand industry after years of discussion.  Childcare is one of PCDA's areas of economic focus; right there will retail, entertainment and business retention and recruitment, " she continued. "The CCAP is based on the PCDA award winning  Industry Certification Accreditation Program (ICAP). 

Requirements for the CCAP funding acceptance:

• Certification fee receipt for reimbursement:  reimbursement up to $2,000 only for certification costs; must be documented as such.
• Fill out online application completely.
• Application and other documentation will be presented for approval at the next PCDA board meeting and you will be notified of your application being on the agenda for approval.  
• Funds for this program will be made by check to the Childcare Facility or Home and be available the week following the board meeting. 

Lori Henderson, PCDA Executive Director stated "This is a great opportunity for PCDA to support this in demand industry after years of discussion.  Childcare is one of PCDA's areas of economic focus; right there will retail, entertainment and business retention and recruitment, " she continued. "The CCAP is based on the PCDA award winning  Industry Certification Accreditation Program (ICAP). 
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to email [email protected] or call the PCDA office at 580.765.7070.   

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