The beginning of 2020 has moved fast and furious as the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness concludes several projects funded by OKFutures (the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five).
From teacher training to strategic plan implementation, each of these projects sets OPSR up to continue its mission to ensure all children are ready to succeed by the time they enter school. As our partnerships continue to flourish, we’re grateful for all of our key supporters who make this work possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPSR Hearts Conscious Discipline
Almost two hundred professionals participated in OPSR’s Conscious Discipline training in Midwest City. A comprehensive, evidence-based program, this training integrates social-emotional learning with classroom management and discipline as well as teaches participants to see conflict differently while building cultures of compassion. This training featured Mara Spencer who has over 20 years of experience working in early childhood. In addition, each attendee received copies of the books “Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Classrooms,” “Creating a School Family: Bully-Proofing Classrooms through Emotional Intelligence” and “I Love You Rituals.”
Event feedback couldn’t be better! One participant said, “Amazing training! Amazing trainer! Loved the videos that related to all aspects of the training. And great visuals!” Another participant said, “All relevant information presented in a way to implement in the classroom. Fantastic presentation!” In fact, 96 percent of attendees said they found Spencer “very engaging.” And 94 percent said they would recommend Conscious Discipline to a co-worker.
Click here to learn even more about this training.
|
|
Pyramid Model State Leadership Team Prep
During January and February, OPSR convened state leaders to discuss the roadmap to statewide implementation of the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social and Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children. Through early interventions and education programs that focus on social, emotional and behavioral outcomes, the Pyramid Model can reduce the use of inappropriate discipline practices, promote family engagement and utilize data for decision-making, while integrating early childhood and infant mental health consultation to foster inclusion.
Most recently, Rob Corso, executive director of the Pyramid Model Consortium, met with cross-sector leaders to look at benchmarks of quality and identify gaps within systems. This group will continue to meet monthly to guide the state through this model of change. In addition, Corso is consulting with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Services as they revise the Quality Rating Improvement System.
|
|
Data Details
OPSR’s final report that outlines how Oklahoma can implement an Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS) is now available.
“A Plan for Early Childhood Integrated Data System in Oklahoma: Data Inventory, Data Integration Plan and Data Governance Plan” focuses on the data and capacity needed for such a system to be successful as well as a governance framework. This report is the product of the cooperation and dedication of many state agencies and individuals who are passionate about creating an ECIDS.
OPSR would like to thank our contractor Third Sector Intelligence, Foresight Law + Policy and Chapin Hall for the preparation of this report. We are also grateful to the Oklahoma Early Childhood Integrated Data System Project Oversight Committee, including Steve Buck, cabinet secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives; Jennifer Dalton, Oklahoma Department of Human Services; Erik Friend, Oklahoma State Department of Education; and Becki Moore, Oklahoma State Department of Health, for their guidance and support in the development of this plan.
|
|
Moving Forward
On Jan. 27, OPSR invited early childhood stakeholders and community members to a briefing on the OKFutures Needs Assessment and OKFutures Strategic Plan. This event featured a panel moderated by OPSR Executive Director Debra Andersen with OPSR Foundation President Annie Koppel Van Hanken, OPSR Board Chair Annette Wisk Jacobi, DHS Child Care Advisory Committee Member and parent Rachel Proper, Urban Institute Principle Research Associate Mary Bogle and Urban Institute Senior Research Associate Erica Greenberg. The briefing focused on implementing an early childhood comprehensive, five-year plan through partnerships, collaboration and innovation.
|
|
Talk of the Town
All 29 of our Public Library Family Engagement Project grantees are doing a wonderful job engaging infants and toddlers. One of our grantees was even featured on KSWO!
What our grantees are saying:
“Being kindergarten ready is so significant to a child’s success in school! The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program creates a reading bond between parent and child while increasing vocabulary and interest in the printed page,” said Judy Beauchamp, Miami Public Library Children’s Department librarian.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is one of several programs that our grantees are implementing to provide dynamic experiences to young children and their families while encouraging a life-long love of reading.
To learn more about this project, click here. Or to see even more of our grantees featured in the news, click here.
|
|
Welcome to the Team
The OPSR Foundation welcomes four new directors to its board: Ginny Bass Carl, Caren Calhoun, Ashley Godwin, and Suzanne Thompson! They bring a wealth of experience and passion to the board and are sure to enhance our work.
|
|
|
Looking Ahead
- March 16-20: Spring Break, OPSR Office Closed
- April 12: Happy Easter!
- April 16: OPSR Board Meeting
- April 16: OPSR Foundation Meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|