"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Take Part In Early Childhood Pilot Program

"The Cherokee Nation
Child Development Center is taking part in a state pilot program to help children prepare for a successful future. Pictured are
(L-R): Brooklyn Dodge, Shawn Wester, Michelle Gonzales (teacher) and Mataya Dearing."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation is helping ensure classroom readiness for its youngest citizens by taking part in the State Pilot Early Childhood Program.

“Historically, the Cherokee people have always been dedicated to education,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “These young children are the future of our government and culture. It’s a pleasure to be involved in a program that works to prepare them academically for their futures.”

Created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 2006, the program offers an opportunity for private philanthropists to match state funds to provide quality early education for children whose age ranges from birth to three-years and who come from low-income families. The Cherokee Nation has provided more than $80,000 to help fund the project.

The objective of the program is to help prepare children for success in today’s complex society. Founded on the idea that a child is never too young to learn, the program works to provide learning opportunities and family support services to children under five, exposing them to five years of education before ever entering kindergarten.

According to Sandy Garrett, Oklahoma State School Superintendent, the pilot-program is one of the state’s greatest hopes for a successful future.

“I believe this is a new national model for how change can happen in a state,” said Garrett.

“Research has shown that the first five years are the most critical in a child’s life,” said Laurie Hand, Cherokee Nation Child Care and Development Director. “We want to ensure that children are provided care in appropriate environments with highly trained staff members.”

Neuroscientists have found that 90 percent of actual brain development occurs before a child enters kindergarten. Other studies have reported that intensive interventions during the first five years of life have significant payoffs over the life of a child, including stronger marriages, higher earnings and fewer arrests.

“The program is an effort to inspire a higher quality of childcare,” said Hand. “The fundamental idea behind the project is to give these children the skills and tools necessary to be successful in the classroom and in life by offering a learning program that also provides stability and nurturing.”

“What’s great about this program is that it offers improved quality of care overall,” said Tiffany Mackey, Early Childhood Lead Teacher. “We stay with the children in the program from the time they are enrolled until they are three-years-old. A large component of this program is continuity corresponding with quality.”

According to guidelines associated with the pilot-program, early care and educational programs were enlisted to take part in the program based upon criteria such as, a center’s times of operation and whether services are provided throughout the calendar year ensuring that the needs of working families are met.

“The pilot-project was created last year,” said Hand. “Initially, head-start programs were eligible to apply for funding and this year the program was opened up to childcare facilities with a three-star rating or who are working on becoming three-star rated. Because the Cherokee Nation Child Development Center is nationally accredited, we were able to apply for funds.”

In Oklahoma, 53 percent of the children under age six live in homes where both parents or a single parent work outside the home. The Cherokee Nation is committed to ensuring that children are cared for in appropriate environments with highly trained teachers.

“We are appreciative of this chance to participate in this program and will consistently work to provide the very best services for our children and families,” said Hand. “Families today face many challenges in meeting their children’s needs. It is in the best interest of the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma that our children arrive at school ready to succeed.”