Our vision
Central Oklahoma is a nurturing and supportive community for young children and their families so that children are safe, healthy, eager to learn and ready to succeed by the time they enter school.

How important is a smart start?
The first five years in a child’s life are crucial to their future success in school and in life. It is vital that children have opportunities for positive early learning experiences and safe, nurturing relationships that affect their growth and healthy development.

Research shows that by kindergarten, a tremendous difference already exists between children who have had quality early learning experiences and those who have not --- severely reducing their chances of ever catching up with their peers.

Give a child a smart start as…
A PARENT by spending quality time with your child each day reading and playing, and turning everyday moments into teachable moments.

AN EDUCATOR OR CHILD CARE PROVIDER by providing a quality learning environment which includes daily reading and responding to the unique needs of each child.

A NEIGHBOR by being a voice for children and families in your neighborhood.

A COMMUNITY MEMBER by prioritizing the well-being of children in your everyday life AND when you vote.

A BUSINESS LEADER AND EMPLOYER by creating policies and programs that benefit parents and their children in your organization. And by providing active leadership in raising awareness about quality learning.

A FAITH COMMUNITY by encouraging and supporting parents and children in your community.

A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER by talking to parents and child care providers about keeping children healthy, and participating in Reach Out and Read to promote daily reading.

A PUBLIC POLICY MAKER by keeping the needs of our youngest children at the forefront of your decision-making
 

How can I act now and give a child a smart start?
Register to vote and vote for people, programs and policies that support our youngest children.

	Read to a child.
	Deliver a book bundle in your community.
	Donate books to be distributed in the community.
	Tell someone about our work and share our website with them.
	Become a champion for children speaker.
	Participate in our early childhood leadership institute or recruit someone in your neighborhood or workplace to participate.
	Invite a children’s champion to speak to your workplace, association, church, or event. Our goal is to share our message with 10,000 people this year!