A Clear Guide to State-Approved Child Care Training in Oklahoma - post

Whether you’re just starting in the child care field or you’re an experienced provider looking to maintain or advance your credentials, state-approved child care training in Oklahoma is essential. Oklahoma has specific training requirements that help ensure all child care professionals are prepared to provide safe, nurturing, and high-quality care for children. This article explains what state-approved training means, what’s required, how to get it, and helpful resources to guide you along the way.

What “State-Approved” Child Care Training Means

In Oklahoma, child care providers must complete certain training that meets standards set by the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD). Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) — Child Care Services accepts training approved through CECPD for licensing and professional #development requirements. 

Why Approval Matters

• It counts toward required professional development hours for licensing. 

• It can be applied to the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL), which tracks ongoing advancement from Level 1 through Level 11. 

• Approved training can be used for pre-service and annual training hours, including for #lead #teachers-and directors. 

• Child care professionals can upload training directly into the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) when taken with approved providers like ChildCareEd. 

Oklahoma Training Requirements — Explained in Simple Terms

To work in any licensed child care setting in Oklahoma — from centers to family child care homes — providers must meet specific training requirements. These include pre-service training before beginning work and ongoing training each year.

Pre-Service Training

Before working directly with children, Oklahoma requires training in several core areas, including:

• Food preparation and nutrition

• Infectious disease prevention and control

• Safe #sleep practices (SIDS prevention)

• Safe administration of medication

• Allergic reaction prevention and response

• Building and premises #safety

• Emergency #preparedness and response

• Handling hazardous materials

• Child #abuse and #neglect recognition and reporting

These topics address the health, safety, and well-being of children and are required before starting employment in most child care settings. 

Annual Training and Renewal

Once you're working, you must continue professional development:

• 12 clock hours to obtain an OPDL Level 1 certificate. 

• 12 clock hours annually to renew Level 1.

• 60 hours to obtain an OPDL Level 2 certificate, and 20 hours annually to renew at higher levels. 

Oklahoma providers should keep track of their training hours and plan ahead for annual requirements.

Taking Training With ChildCareEd

One convenient way to complete your state-approved training is through ChildCareEd, an online provider recognized by the CECPD. ChildCareEd’s courses are accepted throughout Oklahoma for professional development and can count toward both pre-service and annual training requirements. 

👉 Training Offered at ChildCareEd:
Explore state-approved Oklahoma child care courses at ChildCareEd Courses approved in Oklahoma

Benefits of Training With ChildCareEd

• Self-paced online courses you can take anytime, anywhere

• Multilingual options for diverse learners

• Automatic reporting to Oklahoma Registry when you provide your OPDR ID

• Courses designed to help you meet state licensing and professional development needs 

Whether you’re completing health and safety topics or building advanced skills, ChildCareEd makes it easier to fit training into a busy schedule.

Helpful Resources to Support Your Training Journey

Support doesn’t stop with training courses. Here are some resources that give broader help and guidance:

📘 Training Resource from ChildCareEd:
Find information about financial support, training tips, professional development guides, and more at ChildCareEd Free Resources

📰 Recommended Article from ChildCareEd:
Read more about how ChildCareEd supports quality training at “Why ChildCareEd Is Your Go-To Resource for Quality Daycare Courses Online”

Tips for Success

To make the most of your training and stay compliant with state requirements:

Plan Your Training in Advance

• Know how many hours you need for OPDL advancement.

• Schedule courses before licensing renewal deadlines.

Keep Accurate Records

• Save all certificates and training documentation.

• Make sure your OPDR ID is correct in your training accounts to enable automatic reporting.

Balance Training With Work

• Use self-paced courses when your schedule is tight.

• Consider virtual instructor-led sessions if you benefit from real-time interaction and discussion.

By staying organized and proactive, you can complete training requirements smoothly and build your skills.

Stay Connected for Updates

For ongoing tips, training highlights, and #early-childhood-education support, follow ChildCareEd on social media:

📸 Instagram

Final Thoughts

State-approved child care training in Oklahoma isn’t just a checklist—it’s a foundation for building a skilled and confident child care workforce. When you understand what’s required, know where to find approved training providers, and use reliable resources, you’ll be better equipped to grow in your career and provide high-quality care to the children and families you serve.

If you’re unsure where to begin, start by exploring the Oklahoma-approved training courses available through ChildCareEd — it’s a great first step toward meeting state licensing requirements and advancing your professional goals.