Latest News

September 1, 2026

What happens when research, coaching, and strong community partnerships come together?

A recent Mathematica case study highlights how the ECEI, in partnership with Tulsa Educare and CAP Tulsa, is using classroom observation data to strengthen caregiver-child interactions in infant and toddler classrooms. Through this work, ECEI-trained observers have conducted more than 500 classroom observations using the Quality of Care for Infants and Toddlers (QCIT) tool, helping educators, coaches, and program leaders turn observation data into meaningful feedback, targeted coaching, and professional learning opportunities.

By providing strengths-based feedback and actionable insights, this collaborative effort supports high-quality interactions that are foundational to young children's learning, development, and self-regulation. We're proud to see this work recognized and grateful for our partners' commitment to supporting Oklahoma's youngest learners and the educators who care for them.

Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/gUr-mgZd

August 14, 2026

NPR's recent story on the child care crisis shines a light on a challenge families across the country know all too well: finding quality infant-toddler care is increasingly difficult.

At the Early Childhood Education Institute, we’ve been studying this issue with Oklahoma families, providers, and system leaders to better understand both the challenges and the solutions.

What we found mirrors many of the national concerns:
• One-third of families reported waiting four or more months to secure care.
• More than 75% experienced job disruptions or work-related sacrifices because of child care challenges.
• Families continue to face long waitlists, high costs, and complex systems to navigate.

But we also found something equally important: families, providers, and community leaders have clear ideas about what would help.

Led by Kathleen Gallagher and Cara L. Kelly, our research points to practical, family-centered solutions including stronger navigation supports, trusted community connections, employer partnerships, and policies that make care easier to access and sustain.

Oklahoma's experience isn't just part of the national story. It can help inform the path forward.

Learn more:
📰 NPR story
📊 Final report
📝 Policy brief

June 25, 2026

The ECEI Educare team shared our data posters with families at Tulsa Educare MacArthur's "Passport to Learning" event, led by Educare Family Advocates. The event was intended to show the children and their families that data proves regular attendance, daily reading, and meaningful connections make a lasting difference in children's learning and language development.

See Tulsa Educare's Facebook post here

Pictured is: back row - Liz Evans, Melissa Acton, and Kate Gallagher; and
front row - Fabi Dominguez, Lachelle Smith, and Frankyoly Barreto Montero.

May 15, 2026

Educare Network’s Catalyst 26 Summit May 12-14

ECEI's Educare Implementation Study team joined Tulsa Educare in welcoming more than 300 early childhood professionals, partners, and funders to Tulsa for this year's Educare Network Summit. This was the perfect year to host this special event as Tulsa Educare is celebrating 20 years since opening their first Tulsa school and ECEI is also celebrating our 20th anniversary this year!

Highlights from the week included an immersive lab experience and tour at Educare Celia Clinton, the 4th Tulsa Educare school site which opened in 2020, and an evening reception and museum experience in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District to honor the enduring legacy of Black Wall Street.

This event was featured on several news stations including local station Fox 23, Business Wire, and Yahoo! Finance. The ECEI was proud to be a part of such a great event!

April 29, 2026

ECEI’s Accessing Quality study, funded by the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, was featured at the annual OU REACH-OUT Poster Forum April 29 on the OU-Tulsa campus. Ronald Ssentuuwa, OU-Tulsa ECE Ph.D. candidate, shared some findings on this poster “Oklahoma Families’ Experiences in Accessing Quality Care for their Infants and Toddlers”. Co-authors include ECEI Director Kathleen Cranley Gallagher, Ph.D., and Senior Researcher Cara L. Kelly, Ph.D.

March 2026

Observation season is wrapping up for our research associates! This school year, we collaborated with Tulsa Educare to pilot rapid feedback sessions to share the results of their ITERS‑3 observations. The ITERS‑3 assesses the quality of early childhood classrooms by looking at interactions, language, activities, and the physical environment that support children’s learning and engagement.

The day after the observation, our research associates meet with Tulsa Educare teaching staff and mentor coaches, creating space for richer discussion than a written report alone can provide. Educare staff have appreciated receiving their feedback more quickly through this approach.

Thank you, Tulsa Educare, for our continued partnership!

January 16, 2026

We’re excited to share some big news! We’re thrilled to announce that the Early Childhood Education Institute at OU-Tulsa has received a $25,000 grant from American Electric Power/Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO)!

This one-year project will help us pilot the Pyramid Model in a PSO service-area community, strengthening social-emotional and mental health supports for young children and families. Thank you to PSO for investing in the well-being of Oklahoma’s youngest learners! Follow along as we share updates on this important work.

Principal Investigator: Kate Gallagher, Ph.D.

Co-Principal Investigator: Cara Kelly, Ph.D.

October 2025

ECEI researchers shared our applied research with six posters at the Early Childhood Research Symposium, hosted by Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Oct 6-7 in Oklahoma City.