The Cherokee Nation celebrated the opening of a new child development center in Catoosa, Oklahoma, on October 15, 2026. The 33,600‑square‑foot facility can serve up to 100 children from six weeks to 12 years old, providing ten classrooms, two motor‑skill rooms, a commercial kitchen, and administrative offices.
Addressing a Childcare Desert
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. highlighted the urgent need for quality childcare in the region. “In the country, almost half of kids who are six years old and younger live in a childcare desert, and we know that parts of the Cherokee Nation live in a childcare desert, which includes Rogers County,” he said. “That’s why Cherokee Nation must be a leader in childcare. Our children and families deserve a state‑of‑the‑art facility like this one, where parents know their children are safe, learning the fundamentals and their culture, while they go out and provide for their families.”
Strategic Location Near Employment Hub
The center is situated next to one of the Cherokee Nation’s largest employment centers, reinforcing the Nation’s commitment to supporting workers and their families. Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, noted, “Cherokee Nation and its businesses stand at the forefront of industry and economic growth in Oklahoma by leading the way in progressive and inclusive workplaces, and by investing into our incredibly skilled and dedicated workforce. This state‑of‑the‑art childcare facility, situated next to one of our largest employment centers, is yet another outstanding example of how CNB remains a leading employer of choice by continually exploring and implementing new ways to support our employees and their families, as well as our fellow Cherokee citizens and local communities.”
Early Childhood Education Task Force
Chief Hoskin established the Early Childhood Education Task Force in 2022 to assess and improve early‑learning opportunities within the Cherokee Nation. The task force’s findings identified a shortage of facilities in Rogers County, prompting the decision to locate the new center in Catoosa. Additional centers are already operating in Tahlequah, Stilwell, Sallisaw, and Pryor, expanding access to quality early education across the Nation.
How to Join the Waitlist
Families interested in enrolling their children can join the waitlist by contacting Katherine Sanders or Amber Murphy at 539‑235‑5802. The center’s modern amenities and culturally responsive curriculum aim to nurture both academic growth and Cherokee heritage.
Impact on the Community
Local leaders and parents have praised the project as a vital step toward strengthening families and the regional economy. By providing reliable childcare, the center enables parents to pursue employment, education, and community involvement without compromising the safety and development of their children.
The Cherokee Nation’s investment reflects a broader commitment to family‑centered policies that align with traditional values and individual liberty, ensuring that families have the resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
