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RESEARCH
SYMPOSIUM

The symposium brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to share and discuss the latest research findings, best practices, and emerging trends related to early

childhood development.

Diverse Kindergarten

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Organized by OPSR, the Early Childhood Research Symposium plays a vital role within Oklahoma's early childhood community. Serving as a nexus for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of cutting-edge insights, the symposium works as a catalyst to unite the state's early childhood community. This dynamic event allows for the widespread distribution of new and crucial information across the state, ensuring services are based upon the most current data to best serve the needs of children.

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Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, and presenters of the 2024 Research Symposium!

We hope to see you again in 2025! 

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Download the symposium program here.

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Download the symposium presentations by year below:

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  • Needs Assessment
    This piece of OKFutures focused on assessing the availability, quality and alignment of existing health, early care and learning, and family education and support programs. This evaluation helped determine the number and type of families who currently participate in Oklahoma's early childhood system as well as analyze data and identify strategies to reach our target population of Oklahoma's most vulnerable and underserved families. Moreover, this assessment linked policies, practices and funding that impede equitable access to resources. STATUS Oklahoma's Statewide B-5 Needs Assessment (Needs Assessment) was conducted in 2019 in partnership with Urban Institute. The Needs Assessment provided a comprehensive look at strengths and needs in Oklahoma's B-5 system and its communities, though the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are not captured in the report. PLANNED ACTIVITIES • Needs Assessment Update • Workforce Study • Expulsion/Suspension Study
  • Strategic Plan
    The purpose of the Strategic Plan Update will be to review and gather input on the current strategic plan to determine what remains relevant and needs continued focus, what parts need to be revised, what needs to be added, and how each of these pieces will compliment and align with other existing state strategic plans. Strategic Plan Workgroup Monthly meetings will be led by OKDHS/OPSR and will include: • Program Staff • OCCY Parent Partnership Board • Community Representatives • Tribal Partners OPSR Partnership Board Quarterly OPSR Board meetings will provide an avenue for state partners to: • review incoming data • provide strategic direction • coordinate partner outreach
  • Parent and Family Engagement
    Building and implementing a family engagement plan that ensures families are informed about and connected to services is a foundational element to successful B-5 systems change. OCCY Parent Partnership Board The OCCY Parent Partnership Board will serve a critical role gathering information and facilitating outreach for successful implementation of family engagement strategies. Coordinated Messaging PDG will support coordinated messaging to build families' knowledge of the mixed delivery system, embed supports to reach families, and pilot activities to enhance coordination and efficiency within the system to benefit families. Visit Before the Bell
  • Workforce
    To support the B-5 workforce and disseminate best practices, PDG funding will expand professional development opportunities and supports. Efforts to Improve the Training and Expertise of Oklahoma's B-5 ECCE Workforce Activity Four will include four primary activities: • Pyramid Model Implementation with OECP and Licensed Child Care • Transition Summit • Developmental Monitoring Resources and Support for Early Care and Learning Providers • Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
  • Support Program Quality Improvement
    Oklahoma's approach to PDG is capacity building at the state and local level that will lead to a high-quality, sustainable B-5 system. Part C Data Specialization Funding will allow SoonerStart to conduct new data analysis, with an intentional focus to ensure that the children who will benefit from SoonerStart are identified and receive services. Special emphasis will be placed on underserved populations and exploring why children leave the program early. Early Learning Inventory Oklahoma's Early Learning Inventory (ELI) Expansion Project will collect data on kindergarten readiness and inform local and state policies regarding early childhood education.
  • Subgrants
    Subgrants to enhance quality and expand access to existing and new programs through local and statewide systems and supports. PLANNED SUBGRANT ACTIVITIES • 10 Regional Family Support Specialists for CCR&R networks • Local-level partnership pilots • MIECHV Innovative Pilot for Local Referral Coordination • Coordinated Application, Eligibility and Enrollment Pilot • Reach Out and Read project with Head Start • Child Care Provider benefits • Telemedicine, Telehealth • Child Care Desert Grants • Exceptional Needs Grants • Transition Summit • Developmental Monitoring Resources • Program Performance Evaluation Plan
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