The past few years have been filled with unique challenges, especially for our children, families and caregivers. Each of us experienced some level of disruption, loneliness or stress because of the pandemic. We may still be working to regain our health and get our finances back on track. We also may find that our mental and emotional health need more time to heal from our experiences.
Same goes for children. Many infants and toddlers born from 2019 through May 2023 experienced disruptions in their routines and social interactions, too, at the most critical stage of growth and development. The first three years of life are the most important for lifelong mental health and wellbeing.
Parents and caregivers adapted, as quickly as they could, to multiple issues like lack of childcare, job stress and sometimes even difficulty providing the basics for their families. Many juggled working from home while caring for little ones and maybe older children, too. During normal times, in their first few years of life, infants, toddlers and preschoolers learn and grow through their relationships with caring adults and spending time with other children. During the pandemic, it often just wasn’t possible
It’s natural and understandable that, now, just like communities need additional resources to rebuild, families also need support to get their youngest members back on track. Know & Grow Oklahoma is here to help do that.
Know & Grow Oklahoma is a statewide initiative to help build resilient children, families and communities. This is a pivotal moment – an opportunity to learn about new and distinct needs and use these experiences to build and strengthen community coalitions, providing a strong foundation for future growth. Because in Oklahoma, we believe in the power of community.
Join us! Together, we can make a difference.
We aim to bring communities together to help children born from 2019 through May 2023 thrive by learning how to support families and caregivers to create a more resilient Oklahoma.
Know and Grow Oklahoma is an opportunity for communities across the state – small, large and in-between – to act now to discover how the pandemic has impacted our children and families and learn how to support them.
Email arpa@pottsfamilyfoundation.org or complete the form with questions or opportunities to collaborate.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through the Potts Family Foundation
© Know and Grow Oklahoma: Building Resilient Children, Families & Communities