Early Childhood Education Institute at OU-Tulsa

ECEI and Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education - OU Tulsa researchers will share our applied research with six posters and one paper symposium at the upcoming Administration for Children and Families' National Research Conference on Early Childhood June 22-24 in Arlington, VA. If you’re attending, come see us and learn about our work on June 22 and 23! OU Education

Know someone passionate about early childhood research? The Early Childhood Education Institute at OU is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (infant–toddler focus). Start Fall 2026.

Details & apply: https://apply.interfolio.com/185118

OU Education Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education - OU Tulsa OU-Tulsa

ECEI's Educare Implementation Study team joined Tulsa Educare in welcoming more than 300 early childhood professionals, partners, and funders to Tulsa for Educare Network’s Catalyst 26 Summit this week. 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. The ECEI was proud to be a part of such a great event!
OU Education

The Early Childhood Education Institute seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in early childhood education (infant–toddler focus). Start mid-August, apply today! https://apply.interfolio.com/185118
OU Education Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education - OU Tulsa OU-Tulsa

ECEI Senior Research Associate Cara L. Kelly received the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) 2026 Early Career Award. She was recognized at the Office of the Vice President for Research & Partnerships Research and Creative Activity Awards ceremony on May 4 in Norman for her accomplishment. Congratulations Cara! OU Education

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.
OU Education Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education - OU Tulsa

In case you missed it - be sure to check out the ECEI's latest quarterly newsletter. Read our latest Research Highlight, a Researcher Spotlight, Recent Events, and our latest publications!
https://mailchi.mp/ou/ecei-april2026-externalnewsletter-10138778 OU Education

To subscribe to our newsletter - https://ou.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9ba299447a656911d65dde1c1&id=955e7c77f6

🌟 Looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families?
Join our Information Session for the Master of Arts in Childhood Well-Being at the University of Oklahoma's Tulsa campus.

📅 Wednesday, April 29, 2026
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM (Zoom)

🔗 Zoom Link
https://oklahoma.zoom.us/j/9408083765?pwd=NnpjbFlhMS93N2JnaGVuSVFKbWI3QT09

This 30-hour interdisciplinary graduate program prepares professionals to support children and families through education, health, family support, and community systems.

✨ Program Highlights
• 💰 Funding opportunities available
• 💻 Flexible schedule with evening classes and select hybrid/online courses
• 👩💼 Designed for working professionals
• 🤝 Strong cohort and professional network
• 🌎 Interdisciplinary, real-world focus

📌 Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
📖 Learn more: gograd.ou.edu/apply

🎥 If you are unable to attend, let us know if you would like to receive a recording of the session.

Wonkyung Jang
📧 [email protected]

Kate Gallagher, ECEI Director, Melissa Acton, Project Director of the Educare Implementation Study, and Cara Kelly, Senior Research Associate, presented at Tulsa Educare’s Policy Council Meeting on Monday, April 13. They shared findings with parents and leaders that will be part of Tulsa Educare’s forthcoming data posters, which will be shared with Tulsa Educare staff and parents more broadly in May. Kathleen Cranley Gallagher Melissa Acton OU Education

We showed up!
The ECEI fund won 3rd place in the OU–Tulsa Challenge yesterday from 3–4 p.m. during OU Giving Day! We are deeply grateful for the generous support of those who believe in and champion our early childhood research, helping us make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.