Oklahoma shuts down Enid day care

ENID — An Enid woman was cited Thursday with operating an unlicensed day care, possibly the first time that has happened since a new state law was enacted in November.

The state Department of Human Services shuttered Katie Titus’ home-based day care for operating without a license.

Titus declined to comment on the closure Friday.

"I think I’d rather talk to my attorney first,” Titus said.

The state has required a license to operate a day care since 1964.

Titus was licensed from June 2007 to December 2008, when she told DHS officials she was moving from 4214 Unruh Drive and would not continue caring for children.

Agency officials later confirmed neither statement was true, spokeswoman Mary Leaver said.

Titus agreed to stop caring for other people’s children when confronted by DHS officials Tuesday, but she didn’t keep her word, authorities said.

DHS issued an emergency closure order Thursday after finding children in Titus’ care for the third consecutive day, Leaver said. Officials said more than 10 children were at the house each time they visited this week.

Titus was cited by a Garfield County sheriff’s deputy for operating an unlicensed day care.

Officials said it may be the first citation issued by law enforcement officials since a new law regarding unlicensed day cares was enacted in November.

Titus is due to appear before a Garfield County judge next week, which could cost her as much as $500 a day for running a day care without a license.

The Oklahoman’s Watchdog Team: Looking out for you. Visit NewsOK.com/watchdog.