Early Learning and Development

Disrupting poverty

Early access to education gives low-income children the chance to grow, succeed and thrive alongside their more affluent peers.

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The importance of early childhood development

The majority of a child’s brain formation occurs by age three — yet less than 4% of public expenditure for education is allocated to that time period. Like most communities around the country, Tulsa does not offer enough high-quality early education to meet the demand.

The systemic challenges of poverty and inequity, which can begin even before birth, pose risks to children's cognitive development and well-being.

For children in low-income families, early childhood education prepares them for school, ready to succeed on par, academically and emotionally, with their peers.  

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Our approach

GKFF programs intervene early in the cycle of poverty by working with families to increase learning opportunities during crucial developmental stages for children. 

We focus on initiatives that provide the greatest opportunity to level the playing field for each child, with an emphasis on children who come from the least advantaged circumstances. This strategic approach guides us to efforts that will reverse the generational cycle of poverty for very young children and their families.

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What we support

The programs we support provide children and families with high-quality and comprehensive development opportunities that:

• Promote evidence-based practices and initiatives that deliver long-term academic returns and prevent the academic proficiency gaps for children in poverty from forming
• Improve children’s cognitive skills and long-term proficiency in reading and math, as well as their ability to grow and develop socially and physically
• Provide parents with skills and resources to promote strong family engagement and interaction