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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Cherokee Nation Addresses Childcare Shortage with Major Investment
The Cherokee Nation has launched a significant effort to tackle the region's childcare shortage, aiming to improve workforce participation, especially among women. The initiative, announced in Catoosa, Oklahoma, features a commitment of $50 million to expand childcare access through new child development centers and support for private providers.
New $22 Million Child Development Center Opens Near Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The tribe recently inaugurated a $22 million child development center adjacent to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The center offers extended childcare hours and may eventually operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility joins newly opened centers in Pryor and Sallisaw as part of the tribe's expansion plans.
21st Century Childcare Initiative Launched to Increase Access
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. outlined the broader 21st Century Childcare Initiative, which allocates $50 million to develop further infrastructure. Plans include constructing two new child development centers in Vinita and Tahlequah, in addition to a $10 million expansion of an existing Tahlequah center.
Impact on Working Families Highlighted
One Hard Rock employee, Kristin Westbrook, shared how the new childcare center has changed her daily life. "I've been waiting on this forever. I've been at Hard Rock for 7 years now. My youngest is 2 and a half. He's running around here. It's having a place where I can take him where I know that if he needs me, I am just across the parking lot. It means everything to me as a working mom. I can focus and not have to stress out knowing that he is right near me. If I need him, I know he's taken care of," Westbrook said.
Tribal and Private Investment to Expand Childcare
Chief Hoskin emphasized that solving the childcare shortage will require contributions from both tribal and private sectors. The Cherokee Nation plans to allocate $1 million annually to bolster private childcare providers. This support aims to enhance quality childcare and further increase childcare access throughout the region.
Targeting Areas with the Greatest Need
The Cherokee Nation is prioritizing communities most impacted by the childcare shortage. According to Chief Hoskin, Rogers County is among the areas receiving targeted support as the tribe continues efforts to ensure broader access to childcare and grow workforce participation.
The tribe's investments in child development centers and supportive services demonstrate a long-term commitment to addressing the childcare expansion and quality childcare needs in the region.
Source: kjrh.com.
