OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A new statewide program that’s aimed at addressing Oklahoma’s childcare crisis is already making a big difference.

It’s called Oklahoma Strong Start, and it offers free childcare to those who work at a licensed childcare facility.

"I literally cried when I heard I was going to be having free childcare because that was going to be a big cut in my paycheck," said Kathryn Cruz, childcare worker, D. D. Kirkland Early Childhood Center.

For decades, Cruz taught little ones, but then she had a child of her own and found out just how expensive childcare is.

"It would cost a family upwards of $7,000 to put one child in childcare for a year," said Ashley Hoggatt, principal and childcare director, D. D. Kirkland Elementary School.

Hoggatt says Cruz applied at the right tim

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