U.S. Secretary of Education, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry Dedicate Oklahoma City Educare

Inasmuch Foundation Leads Philanthropic Effort to Open Early Childhood Education Center

Business Wire

posted: 71 DAYS 23 HOURS AGO

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Oklahoma is becoming a national leader in early education and is empowering low-income families and their children to succeed, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told community leaders at the dedication of an early childhood education center in Oklahoma City Thursday, Sept. 17.

“What is happening in Oklahoma with early childhood education is truly remarkable and a story to be shared throughout the country,” Duncan said. “You have created public and private partnerships to ensure that every child in Oklahoma – regardless of background or financial situation – receives the education they deserve.”

Oklahoma City Educare is in a network of centers across the nation that serves disadvantaged children from birth to 5 years old with year-round programs that emphasize learning and social-emotional development and help children overcome the deficits placing them at risk of starting kindergarten unhealthy and unprepared to learn.

“We are thrilled that leaders in Oklahoma and around the nation hear our message that success in school for low-income children requires starting early,” said Bob Ross, president and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation and chairman of Oklahoma City Educare. “We are proud to have led the effort to bring Educare to Oklahoma City and we thank our partners and donors for making it possible.”

Early findings from research by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina show children who spent three to five years in the Educare program scored better on measures of vocabulary and possess social and emotional skills which meet or exceed national averages.

“Years down the road, when these children enter college or land their first professional job, we know that Educare will have played a major role in their achievements,” Henry said. “We are excited about the momentum Oklahoma has in leading early education efforts, and we will continue to push for high-quality childhood education. It’s simply too important to the future of our state.”

Oklahoma City Educare is the seventh Educare center in the nation. Tulsa has one Educare center and another under construction. Oklahoma is currently the only state with two operating centers.

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