Friend of Young Children

Senator Carri Hicks

Senator Carri Hicks brings firsthand experience as a former kindergarten and first-grade teacher to her role in the Oklahoma Senate. With a master’s degree in early childhood education, she has been a strong advocate for policies that support young children, families, and educators.

She opposed House Bill 2125, which would have allowed untrained individuals to teach early childhood classes, and emphasized the importance of specialized education. Senator Hicks also authored Senate Bill 840, establishing a dyslexia intervention micro-credential to support early literacy.

Her advocacy extends to addressing child care deserts and championing increased investment in early childhood programs. Through efforts like Senate Bill 142, aimed at raising teacher pay, Senator Hicks continues to push for meaningful support of educators.

Her informed leadership and passion make her a true Friend of Young Children.

Distinguished Service

Dr. Susan Tabor

Dr. Susan Tabor is a lifelong champion of early childhood education whose impact spans classrooms, college campuses, and communities across Oklahoma. Her leadership has shaped public schools, child care, professional development, and higher education—most notably as Dean of Social Sciences at Oklahoma City Community College.

 Current OKAEYC Board Tresurer, former President and Business Manager, Dr. Tabor has played a key role in strengthening our organization and the field at large. Even in retirement, she continues to mentor and teach future educators with passion and purpose.

Dr. Tabor’s unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and decades of service make her a truly deserving recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

OKAEYC Scholarship

Molly Willman

Congratulations to Molly, recipient of a $2,500 Early Childhood Education Scholarship funded by OKAEYC and administered through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF)! A future OSU student and aspiring early childhood educator, Molly has gained valuable experience through her church, a professional internship program, and classroom time at Washington Irving Elementary.

Graduating as Salutatorian and a member of NHS, Band, and Swim, she plans to major in Early Childhood Education at Oklahoma State University. We’re proud to support her journey and can’t wait to see the difference she’ll make in the lives of young learners.

Professional Advancement 

Tammy Pate

For the past 23 years, Mrs. Tammy has been a steady and compassionate presence in the lives of 3–5-year-olds at the same Head Start site—impacting over 575 young children throughout her career. After raising her own family and nurturing countless students, she is now returning to school to complete her bachelor’s degree.

Tammy is stepping into a new chapter as an Early Head Start Specialist, where she will continue her dedication to early childhood education by supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. Her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth makes her a deserving recipient of the Professional Advancement Award.

Special Services

Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness

Congratulations to the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR), recipient of our Special Services Award! OPSR was recognized for their outstanding commitment to supporting young children and families across Oklahoma.

Accepting the award on behalf of OPSR was Stephanie Lippert. We are grateful for their continued partnership and impact on early childhood systems statewide.

Accreditation Scholarship

Faith Early Learning Child Development Center

Congratulations to Faith Early Learning, recipient of a $2,000 Accreditation Scholarship! After actively participating in and completing our Accreditation Series, they are well on their way to becoming a NAEYC-accredited center.

We’re proud to support their dedication to high-quality early learning and look forward to celebrating their continued progress toward national accreditation.