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Attachment and early brain development research identifies the critical connection between healthy relationships within the first three years and the lifelong impact on social and emotional development and behavior. Oklahoma faces numerous challenges in the crisis of ongoing low health rankings while creating the necessary catalysts for changes in behavior. Research demonstrates a direct link between adverse childhood events (maternal depression, mental illness, domestic violence, substance abuse, abuse, neglect, etc.) and adult health outcomes. These events, compounded with a poor economy and reduction in funding to support social services, have a profound impact on families of Oklahoma's youngest and most vulnerable citizens, infants, toddlers and children under age five, who seldom have a voice. Access to quality infant and early childhood services for families is crucial in the prevention of poverty, violence, mental illness, substance abuse, infant mortality and child maltreatment, thus improving health outcomes in Oklahoma.

OICA has been a voice on Infant and Early Childhood issues for nearly three decades helping establish important programs, including Smart Start Oklahoma, which has made our state a national leader in Early Childhood issues. Most recently OICA created a partnership with the Oklahoma Association for Infant Mental Health (OK-AIMH) agreeing to coordinate the OK-AIMH Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health

Early Childhood

For a copy of the "Advocate's Guide: Early Childhood Policy Issues" prepared by OICA and Smart Start: http://www.oica.org/policy_and_legislation/pdf/ECE%20Guide.pdf

Contact: Linda Terrell, OICA Executive Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Oklahoma's Youngest Parents

OICA is a voice for the needs of pregnant and parenting teens in Oklahoma – our state's youngest, poorest and least prepared parents. Recent state legislative and agency budget cuts eliminated critical programs that support these young and fragile families. To download a copy of "Another Chance: Preventing Additional Births to Teen Mothers" from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen & Unplanned Pregnancy, go to: www.thenc.org/resources/pdf/pubs/AnotherChance_FINAL.pdf

Contact: Sharon Rodine, Youth Initiatives Director: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

At the National Level

As the Oklahoma KIDS COUNT organization, OICA shares important data and reports prepared by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, including the recent comprehensive report, "Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters." Check: http://datacenter.kidscount.org/reports/readingmatters.aspx

As the state partner in the national Voices for America's Children network, OICA has access to an array of information, research and resources related to early childhood and school readiness issues. Check: www.voices.org/issues/early-care-education