OK Partnership for School Readiness Foundation awards over $5M
Summary
The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in grants to 16 organizations advancing early childhood care, education, mental health and family engagement across Oklahoma.The grants are funded through the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five, part of a nearly $47 million investment supported by the federal government, Oklahoma Human Services and OPSRF.Three key initiatives are funded: early childhood care and education capacity, infant and early childhood mental health and community public awareness and engagement.To expand access and improve quality in the early childhood care and education system, OPSRF awarded $3,334,342.49 to eight projects supporting facility upgrades, workforce development and innovative childcare solutions. Oklahoma Child Care Association $100,000 to expand the use of developmental screening tools (ASQ) across early childhood programs statewide. Butterfly A(E)Effect (Tulsa) $125,000 to conduct community engagement and outreach events that promote access to early childhood programs. Kiowa Tribe Child Care $125,000 to further the creation and expansion of their native language and culture curriculum.These investments represent a powerful, community-led approach to building a stronger early childhood system in Oklahoma, said Carrie Williams, executive director at OPSRF. From addressing child care capacity and workforce gaps to enhancing mental health and public engagement, these grantees are helping children reach their full potential.All funded projects are set to begin implementation in 2025 with outcomes and evaluations extending through 2026.