Partners in OK Shared Services

Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness

The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR) and The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Care Services (OKDHS) partner to provide the OK Shared Services knowledge hub to early care and education professionals across the state.

About OPSR

In 2003 House Bill 1094 created the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR). This legislation recognized more state-level action is required to successfully support families and children from birth to five-years-old. OPSR engages and informs policy makers and the public on how to improve children’s health and development. Together, we lead public and private partnerships, so that children arrive at school with the knowledge, skills and physical and emotional health to achieve success. We also utilize data, research and best practices that engage parents, nonprofit leaders, community partners and business leaders to inform recommendations to the Governor and legislature.

With a variety resources and partners, OPSR works with both local and national private funders as well as the state and federal government to achieve its mission to lead Oklahoma in coordinating an early childhood system that strengthens families and ensures all children are ready for school. Our projects rely on the expertise and guidance of parents, community leaders, early childhood providers, state-level organizations and leadership. Together, we can make an impact and improve the well-being of young children through the provision of the following services:

• Helping families find care and offering in-depth consumer education so parents can make informed choices.
• Assisting child care providers by offering resources, training, and on-site technical assistance to improve the quality of care.
• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting data about child care demand, availability, quality, and cost statewide on a yearly basis. For more info, visit:
  • Oklahoma Child Care Portfolio
• Providing information to enable policy-makers and community members to advocate effectively for continuous improvements in Oklahoma’s child care system.
• Supporting the local resource and referral agencies to ensure consistent, high-quality services.

Mission

Our mission is to lead Oklahoma in coordinating an early childhood system that strengthens families and ensures all children are ready for school.

About OKDHS

Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Care Services (CCS) works in partnership with parents, legislators, the Child Care Advisory Committee, child care providers, the federal Office of Child Care, Smart Start Oklahoma, state agencies, tribes, contractors, and other stakeholders who are committed to fulfilling our mission. Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Care Licensing helps ensure trained supervision, nutrition and education for children while their parents or caregivers are at work, in training or receiving an education.

Research indicates children experiencing a high-quality early childhood education are better prepared to enter school and have more positive outcomes throughout their lives. We are proud of Oklahoma’s commitment to support families and children by investing in quality child care.