Know and Grow initiative wins ARPA awards, launches family resource centers and statewide trainings

The commission heard a multi‑partner update on Know and Grow, an early‑childhood initiative supported in part by ARPA funds administered through the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Potts Family Foundation.

A representative for the Potts Family Foundation described a statewide data collection effort involving 1,803 respondents (providers, parents and focus groups) and highlighted findings: speech and social delays among children born during the pandemic cohort, increased parental isolation and maternal depression, elevated screen time, and uneven community awareness of available resources. The presentation emphasized that early screening and community‑based navigation are critical because many families access care through walk‑in clinics rather than a consistent pediatrician.

As part of the ARPA work, the foundation said it awarded eight RFPs to establish family resource centers in rural service areas (covering roughly 23 counties and an estimated 30,000 children), funded training programs (NEAR Science/resilience film and early relational health corps), and launched mobility mentoring and parent advisory expansions. The foundation emphasized sustainability planning so that Family Resource Centers can continue after ARPA funds expire.

Commissioners asked about geographic heat‑mapping of survey results and services for children with disabilities; presenters said more detailed maps and disaggregated analyses are forthcoming and that Coursera‑style and in‑person training options are available free of charge for communities.