TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa families say they're paying far too much for daycare because there aren't enough providers in the area.
State representative Suzanne Schreiber said daycare could cost a family up to $10,000 a year. Schreiber said the Tulsa metro has 500 daycare centers for 45,000 children under five.
Delisha Johnson, the owner of a local daycare, told 2 News her location needs help as soon as possible to stay open.
Johnson works at Precious Rose Daycare. She said they struggle to stay open despite being in a daycare desert.
WATCH: 2 News Oklahoma first started looking into these areas years ago:
In her eight years there, she's heard parents talk about being unable to afford childcare, which concerns her.
"Everything kind of just went downhill, so the ratio has to match the money," said Johnson.
Representative Suzanne Schreiber said nationwide, parents pay $7-10,000 annually for childcare. Tulsa has about three children for every daycare spot available, contributing to the high cost.
Mothers like Stephanie Traylor feel it firsthand.
"As a teacher, my income wouldn't cover sending them to full-time daycare," said Traylor.
Johnson said the cost and lack of options lead to long wait lists or families forced to find one far from their homes.
2 News called Lara Latta, the chair of Tulsa's Women's Commission, to discuss the issue.
"We put together a few recommendations for local businesses that they could employ, family-friendly policies, making sure that in the city there's access to affordable child care," said Latta.
Latta said Tulsa's Women's Commission is researching the best way to tackle the problem for the past year. Johnson said any help from the city could keep her in business.
"That would mean so much to my little heart to see everything come back to flow and for the families to bring their kids back," said Johnson.
To find childcare options near you, click here.
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