Five Norman Public Schools (NPS) staff members have been recognized for successfully participating in the Oklahoma Association for Infant Mental Health (OK-AIMH) project through the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness’s Preschool Development Grant. Through the program, each educator earned an endorsement as an Associate in Infant or Early Childhood Mental Health.
The NPS staff members who participated in the grant project include:
Colleen Ozment, Early Childhood Teacher
Jaylynn Richardson, Early Childhood and Elementary Programs Coordinator
Becca Waggoner, Director of the Early Learning Center
Shelby Weddle, Assistant Director of the Early Learning Center
Kylie Whittenbach, Early Learning Center Teacher
In addition, Amy Madden, Norman Parents as Teachers Supervisor, did not participate in the grant project but has also received an endorsement through OK-AIMH as both an Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist and an Endorsed Reflective Supervisor.
“Participating in the OK-AIMH Endorsement grant program has been a meaningful and professionally affirming experience,” Early Childhood and Elementary Programs Coordinator Jaylynn Richardson said. “The Endorsement process validates the work I already value while deepening my knowledge of infant and early childhood mental health.”
Due to the high level of participation by NPS staff in the grant program, Stephanie Bell, grant administrator, and Audra Haney, Executive Director of OK-AIMH, presented the Norman Public Schools Early Learning Center with $1,000 worth of classroom supplies designed to support social-emotional development and sensory regulation for young learners.
The classroom materials provided through the grant include resources such as a Conscious Discipline Baby Circle Time Book, realistic multicultural baby dolls, sensory mats, sand and water tables with accessories, Montessori and sensory exploration tools, and other materials that promote empathy, emotional regulation, and hands-on learning.
Norman Public Schools remains committed to supporting early childhood educators and investing in practices that foster the healthy social and emotional development of young children and their families.