POLICY &
ADVOCACY
Advocating for policies, programs, and resources that support the healthy development of young children, as well as promoting the well-being, rights, and their needs. Strong advocacy and supportive policy is vital for creating a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being, healthy development to ensure all children have a strong foundation for lifelong success.
OPSR'S POLICY STATEMENT
Effective school readiness programs and their systems require collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including service providers, policymakers, families, and community organizations. OPSR supports and advocates for public policy that enhances universal access to high-quality early childhood programs and services throughout the state of Oklahoma.
By adopting and implementing public policies that support school readiness programs and systems, we can create an Oklahoma where all children are safe, healthy, eager to learn, and ready to succeed by the time they enter school.
INVEST N’ KIDS DAY 2026
Early childhood advocates, educators, parents, and individuals involved in child-serving organizations are invited to join with the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness on Thursday, April 9, 2026, for the fifth annual Invest N’ Kids Day (INK Day) at the Oklahoma Capitol.
This is your opportunity to use your voice to advocate for early childhood—supporting policies around health, early education, and the resources families need to ensure children ages 0–5 can thrive. Together, we can help state legislators understand the vital importance of these investments for Oklahoma’s children and for the strength of our state’s economy.
A stronger Oklahoma means supporting our youngest citizens. It’s time to Invest N Kids.
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LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
House Bill 2778 became law on November 1, 2025. This bipartisan legislation established the Teacher Recruitment and Retention pilot program, known as Strong Start, which provides free child care benefits to eligible employees working in licensed child care facilities.
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Through the passage of HB 2788, Oklahoma has demonstrated a commitment to expanding access to quality, affordable child care for families while also working to stabilize the state's child care workforce and industry.
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LEGISLATORS
ADVOCACY FELLOWSHIP
A constant advocate for children, Phil Dessauer, Jr., was a founding member of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness. The OPSR Public Policy Fellowship will honor Phil’s decades-long legacy by providing space for a college junior or senior to learn how to effectively advocate with policymakers on behalf of Oklahoma children. This PAID fellowship will include an in-depth look and hands-on participation into practices that build effective relationships and impact policy on issues related to early childhood.