What We Know
The pandemic impacted everyone, and the youngest among us was no exception. We’re learning more every day about the far-reaching effects the pandemic has had on our children, families and communities. It’s clear that one group of individuals is among those most affected: Children born between 2019 to May 2023. There is evidence that many of the children born during the pandemic years are now experiencing developmental delays and challenges adjusting socially.
Of the
148,000
children born during the pandemic, many could be experiencing developmental delays.
Source: Potts Family Foundation
1 million
neural connections
per second
That’s how quickly a child’s brain is developing between birth and age 3.
Source: Zero to Three
The good news is that we’re also learning that these challenges and delays can be addressed and, importantly, that they are nobody’s fault. Tough times, with or without a pandemic, affect children and families. We know that many of the difficulties facing some families during the pandemic were also present beforehand.
Children’s social, emotional and intellectual development are all linked to Early Relational Health (ERH), which is the state of emotional well-being that grows from positive emotional connections formed between babies and toddlers with parents, caregivers and other people in their lives in those critical early years, 0-5. The beauty of ERH is that it happens during everyday moments by everyone in a child’s life: reading or singing to children, making crafts, enjoying time at a park, waving to a neighbor or playing games.
As communities continue to rebuild, parents and caregivers need support to help their youngest family members get back on track. We all need to listen to families and caregivers, understand the challenges they are facing and identify what supports and services work best for them. We have a unique opportunity to address emerging needs and strengthen community coalitions, providing a strong foundation for future growth.
As much as
10 dollars
Return on investment for every dollar spent on early childhood programs for children from low-income households.
Source: The Burke Foundation
Let’s work together in communities across the state to bring to light new or deepening issues in the aftermath of the pandemic, resources needed to address them and tools to support the healthy development of Oklahoma children.
While challenges abound, the pandemic has sparked a wave of attention to and energy around early childhood development. Know and Grow Oklahoma is at the forefront, empowering families and communities to build a brighter tomorrow for our children. We invite you to collaborate with fellow community members and share resources for a future where every Oklahoma child has the chance to thrive.