Early Birds Frequently Asked Questions

Early Birds focuses on skills for the classroom before your child goes to school. We focus on building your child’s milestones and skills based on meeting them where they are developmentally. We want to help caregivers feel confident in helping their child with different skills like being able to listen, attention span, self- regulation, communication, building up small muscles to hold a pencil, and more! 

Any caregiver (parent, grandparent, foster parent, and others) who is raising children from birth to 5 and anyone who is expecting and resides in Oklahoma.

We want to serve all communities and counties in Oklahoma. We currently are partnered with Pioneer Library (SW Oklahoma City, Moore, and Norman), Pierce Early Education Center, Educare OKC, Harbison Early Education Center, and Healthy Start. We also offer virtual classes for all of Oklahoma.  

Click here to see the breakdown of age groups.

This is not a continuing education class; families can take one class for the season per age group. However, we always welcome repeat families. Classes typically range from 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the size of class and in class interactions.

Every season has a main focus, “food fun” (nutrition), “storybook surprises” (literacy), and “loving lessons” (additional caregiver tips). 

Yes, Early Birds classes are only available for participants residing in Oklahoma.

  • Participants can sign up until the day of class by 4 pm (excludes weekend classes, cutoff date is Friday) 
  • Walk-ins are welcome at any site 

Early Birds does not provide childcare for the classes.

*Some partner sites may choose to do so if they have the capacity.

  • Virtual classes- A reminder with the link attached will be sent out the day of class 
  • In-person classes – A reminder with the location will be sent out a day before classes

Yes!

Classes are posted at the beginning of each season. New dates are added periodically – emails are sent to notify of new dates posted. 

  • During our month-long break between each Early Birds season (November, March, July), families can go onto the website and access learning materials like Early Learning Matters curriculum, Activities by ages, and STEAM activities.  
    • STEAM is Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. These activities were created with children 0-5 years old in mind and include step by step instructions and questions to ask during the activity.  

The activities you will learn in class are meant to be done anywhere and at any time. This means many of them do not require materials! However, the gift you receive from Early Birds can be used for the activities provided. The activities do not rely on these materials.  

  • Participants will receive their gifts after attending the class and completing a short Class evaluation. The gift will be delivered straight to your home.  
  • Standard delivery time is about a month *delivery time varies by your location 

If you need to change your address, please contact the Early Birds team as soon as possible via email earlybirds@sunbeamfamilyservices.org  

As referenced by the Dolly Parton Imagination Library website, all counties in Oklahoma are covered.

You will need to login to your account and update your address.

For additional resources or support feel free to email or call us at earlybirds@sunbeamfamilyservices.org or call (405) 315-3199. 

  • We are always looking to create new partnerships 
  • Anyone in Oklahoma State can be a partner  

To be a virtual instructor you will need to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have some experience in early childhood education or child development  
  • Enjoy connecting with other people  
  • Have strong communication and organization skills 
  • Basic computer skills  
  • Have access to WiFi and a working computer  
  • Caregivers are learning about their child’s development and learning fun activities and ways to engage at home to promote school readiness.  
  • Families receive educational toys and books for attending.  
  • Class options are flexible to accommodate diverse schedules.  
  • Bilingual curriculum that is available in both English and Spanish. 

For more information feel free to email us at earlybirds@sunbeamfamilyservices.org or call (405) 315-3199. 

  • Early Head Start/Head Start
  • Early Head Start Home Visitation Program
  • Foster Care 
  • Mental Health 
  • Parenting Pathways 
  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren  
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