The Oklahoma Clearinghouse for Early Childhood Success to Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for New Outdoor Learning Environment in Wagoner, OK

Wagoner, OK (July 10, 2025) — The Oklahoma Clearinghouse for Early Childhood Success (The Clearinghouse), a program of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR), in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK), is pleased to announce the grand opening of a new Outdoor Learning Environment at Spring Butler’s Family Child Care Home in Wagoner. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 22 at 11a.m. at 909 S. Susan Ave., Wagoner, OK 74467.

This vibrant and nature-integrated learning space is designed to foster early childhood development through outdoor exploration and interactive play. The project was completed with funding provided to The Clearinghouse through a $75,000 Blue Impact Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

“We’re proud to support nonprofit partners through our Blue Impact grants as they work to build healthier futures for all Oklahomans,” said Stephania Grober, BCBSOK president. “At Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we can’t think of a better way to build healthier futures than by providing this new outdoor learning space where children can explore and play while getting fresh air and exercise.”

In 2024, The Clearinghouse launched a statewide grant opportunity in response to feedback from early child care providers who expressed a strong desire to enhance outdoor learning experiences for the children in their care. Through an open and competitive application process, The Clearinghouse received nearly 200 proposals from providers across Oklahoma, demonstrating a widespread and urgent need for safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate outdoor spaces.

“We are excited to have been able to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield to build this immersive outdoor learning space,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of OPSR. “With the completion of this new outdoor space, The Clearinghouse has now built 30 new outdoor learning environments all across the state of Oklahoma over the last 18 months. Each one represents a key investment in supporting the child care industry within Oklahoma and the children and families they serve.”

The ribbon-cutting event will include brief remarks from local leaders and partners, followed by opportunities to tour the new space and learn more about the positive impact of outdoor learning environments on child development.

Community members, educators, partners, and press are warmly invited to attend.

RSVP and Contact Information:

Jon Trudgeon

Director of Communications, Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness

jtrudgeon@okschoolreadiness.org

405-924-3910

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About the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR)

OPSR was created to help Oklahoma families access the early care and education, family support, and health and mental health services they need to support their children during their most critical period of development from birth through age 5. OPSR facilitates collaborative planning and decision-making to increase coordination between programs, to maximize the use of public and private funding, and pursue policies that improve learning opportunities and environments for Oklahoma. To learn more visit www.okschoolreadiness.org. 

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma

For 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 850,000 Oklahomans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.