OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, held an Interim Study on Establishing a Department of Early Childhood in Oklahoma in front of the Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee.

The study explored the challenges currently facing Oklahoma when it comes to early childhood education and support services, other state’s models of early childhood departments, and realistic policy solutions.

“The successes of other states in creating an early childhood department is inspiring,” said Ranson. I believe we can build on their successes to create a Department for Early Childhood for Oklahoma children and families that balance family-centered services with data-driven outcomes.”

It featured presentations from Director Regina Birchum with the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency to examine current early childhood structures in place in Oklahoma, Carrie Williams with Oklahoma Partnership for School readiness to discuss early childhood systems that strengthen families and prepare children for school, Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky with the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Director Kara B. Wente with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Becca Hanlin Listik with Prenatal-to-3 Impact Center, and Rob Grunewald, an Economics and Public Policy Consultant to discuss realistic policy-driven solutions.

The study found that there is a growing health and mental health crisis in Oklahoma especially for women and children. Over half of Oklahoma counties are healthcare deserts, only 21 out of 77 have full access to healthcare.

It also showed that 13 states in the nation have developed early childhood focused departments, specifically analyzing those in blue and red states such as New Mexico and Ohio.

The study concluded that with the consolidation of early childcare programs, understanding of the timeline and investment sustainability needs, and examination of models in other states that Oklahoma could create a department of early childhood that would reflect the needs of Oklahoma families and providers.

The entire study can be viewed on the Oklahoma House of Representatives Website.

-END-