How the INTEGRIS Health daycare closure compares to hundreds of other closures across Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy told News 9 this week that INTEGRIS Health’s decision to close its childcare programs this August shares similarities to and differences from the hundreds of other center closures around the state.

Integris Health announced earlier this week that it would end its childcare in August.

Joe Dorman, Chief Executive Officer for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy said he is disappointed by the move, but not surprised.

“This was a wonderful thing the hospital provided, but ultimately they have to keep their doors open and cover for patients.”

With the rising costs of living and a reduction in subsidies, hundreds of childcare centers in Oklahoma have had to close their doors since last November.

“We’ve seen daycares shut down left and right that are private businesses, and this has really been the next line of what we’re seeing with those business-run childcares closing their doors,” Dorman shared.

When businesses are faced with cuts, he said, “this is one of those things that will go away first, because it was a benefit for the families. It wasn’t something that they viewed as an essential part of the work.”

Dorman said parents losing care from INTEGRIS Health face a growing problem – finding a new, licensed provider.

“It’s a struggle to find one that’s close to you, and then you have to look at the affordability. We have some families that simply can’t find one that’s affordable.”

Add in wait lists… Dorman compared the cost of childcare to the cost of college.

“We’ve seen individuals who have had to quit their jobs just because they can’t afford childcare.”

Dorman acknowledged in some situations, older kids miss school to watch younger siblings.

He added that he expects more closures from private pay and employer-run daycares.

“That’s going to be a cut back that many businesses will consider.”

Anyone struggling to find childcare should contact their state representative, Dorman finished.