Number of Families Aided by SoonerStart Continues to Increase

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- For the seventh straight year the number of Oklahoma families receiving help through the SoonerStart program has increased. In fiscal year 2002, there were 8,510 children benefiting from the program, a seven percent increase from fiscal year 2001 and a 47 percent increase from 1996.
SoonerStart is Oklahoma’s early childhood intervention program for infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months who have developmental delays or have a physical condition such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.

“Every year SoonerStart is making a positive difference in the lives of more and more families,” said Cyd Roberts, SoonerStart Early Intervention Coordinator. “SoonerStart helps families with special needs children at a critical time in their child’s development by providing resources and working with the family to help their child reach its potential.”

SoonerStart services include evaluation, case management, family training and counseling, nursing and nutrition services, special instruction and occupational, physical and speech-language therapy.

“One of the biggest benefits of SoonerStart is that it’s not an income-based program,” said Roberts. “There is no direct cost to the family regardless of their income. SoonerStart staff will also provide services in the family’s home, daycare or other locations in their community.”

SoonerStart is a joint effort of the Oklahoma State Departments of Education, Human Services, Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth and the Oklahoma Health Sciences Tolbert Center.

For more information on SoonerStart, call 1-800-426-2747, or visit www.OKDHS.org.

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