SonShine Learning Academy

04/02/2026

We nurture children 👶🏽✨ We run businesses 💼
Care is what we give 🤎 Value is what we deserve 👏🏽

03/31/2026

Back in November, a sweet baby girl (just over one year old) started with me, and the transition was not easy for her. New environment, new routine, new structure… there were tears at drop-off, tears at lunch, and especially at nap time.

But with consistency, patience, and love… she’s come such a long way.

And last Thursday did something to my heart…

When her mom came to pick her up, she stood at my door… not wanting to leave… wanting to stay with Gigi.

In that moment, I felt it.

That she feels safe here.
That she is loved here.
That the routine, the care, and the consistency are making a difference.

I thank God for trusting me with these little lives. I don’t take it lightly.

To the parents who choose me, thank you for trusting me.
And to my little's… thank you for loving me right back 🤎

And to my fellow providers… what we do goes far beyond the day-to-day routines. We are building trust, creating safety, and shaping how these children experience care and love. No matter what OKDHS may think!

So on the hard days, when it feels like nothing is working, stay consistent. Stay patient. Stay present.

It is working… even when you don’t see it yet.

This is more than childcare for me.
This is love, structure, and care from the heart ☀️

03/12/2026

Today we stood at the Oklahoma State Capitol for Child Care Action Day.

As child care providers, we carry the responsibility of caring for and educating the next generation while also supporting families and the workforce every single day.

Today was about making sure our voices are heard and that the importance of child care is recognized.

Our work matters.
Our children matter.
And the future of child care in Oklahoma matters.

Grateful to stand alongside so many passionate providers advocating for change.

03/10/2026

📢 Child Care Action Day is Tomorrow!

If you aren’t able to join us in person, we encourage you to participate right from your program! Include your staff and families and help make your voice heard across Oklahoma.

Here are a few ways you can participate:
🖤 Wear black to show your support
📸 Make posters and take a picture or video with your staff and children
📱 Share on social media and help spread the message
👤 Change your profile picture to support Child Care Action Day
📞 Call or email your legislator and the Governor and tell them how important child care is to your community

This is a statewide movement, and it takes all of us to make a difference. Every voice matters, and every action helps shine a light on the importance of child care.

Together, we can advocate for children, families, and the future of child care in Oklahoma. 💪

03/02/2026

Join us for Child Care Action Day – March 11, 2026
Oklahoma child care is at a critical breaking point, and we need YOU at the Capitol.

The $70 million in funding that DHS proposed, and then decided was not needed must be discussed now. It does NOT expand child care. It does not strengthen programs. It does not prepare us for FY 2027.

It only restores funding to January 2023 levels, and even that falls very short of what Oklahoma’s workforce and families truly need.

Meanwhile, regulatory changes to the STARS program are needed due to the instability of programs already struggling to survive.

This is about whether your program can stay open.

Whether your teachers can stay employed.

Whether parents can stay in the workforce.

We are calling on:

• Program owners

• Directors & teachers

• Staff teams

• Parents

• Business leaders

• Community Leaders

Bring your team. Bring your families. Bring your voice.

March 11, 2026

10:00 AM – Advisory Meeting (Sequoyah Building)

12:00 PM – Capitol

If child care collapses, Oklahoma’s workforce collapses with it. Restaurants, hospitals, manufacturers, small businesses, every industry in Oklahoma depends on accessible child care.

This is our moment to stand together and show that we have to have:

Sustainable funding to meet the contracted services that DHS demands for Oklahoma's most vulnerable children.

Regulatory reform

Respect for the small businesses that make up Oklahoma’s child care infrastructure

We cannot sit this one out.

Mark your calendar.

Rally your staff.

Invite your parents.

Show up for Oklahoma’s children and workforce.

Because if we are not at the table, decisions will be made without us.

Please share on social media and with your networks. We invite all child care groups to join us in this effort.

If you would like stay updated on the day of the event and leading up to it, please fill out our quick jot form here: https://form.jotform.com/260585707605159

02/26/2026

02/10/2026

Childcare providers across Oklahoma say they are bracing for more closures after the Oklahoma Department of Human Services sharply reduced its budget request for next year.

Here’s what’s driving the concern:
• The request dropped by more than $50 million for FY 2027
• Providers say subsidy cuts are already forcing centers to close
• Industry leaders warn hundreds more daycares could shut down

According to Oklahoma Department of Human Services, the revised request reflects funding needed to continue the program as it currently operates, but providers say that level will not meet demand for families or employers.

More than 400 childcare centers have already closed statewide since November, and providers say the latest budget move could accelerate that trend.

Story in comments.

02/08/2026

🙏🏽 We had a great meeting today.

Thank you to my beautiful friend Helen Diane for stepping out on faith and putting this together.

So much great information was shared.

Thank each of you for your time your shared knowledge and word’s of encouragement.