In our newest report, we tell the story of how a publicly funded preschool began at Earl Boyles Elementary School in Portland, and of the many courageous and smart partners who came together to make it work. We hope this story inspires and motivates the needed system reforms that our Early Works demonstration project has uncovered. These are challenges that should be met and overcome as we continue to work to do what is best for children.
Communities across Oregon are grappling with an inadequate supply of early childhood facilities. Meanwhile, experts have led the way to a better understanding of how the design of a facility influences a child’s development – positively or negatively depending on the design.
“Room to Grow” is a compilation of articles about the design and financing of early childhood facilities. Written by professionals in the fields of early care and education, architecture/design, community development, fundraising and children’s advocacy, the publication provides a glimpse of what is possible in Oregon. Interviews conducted in Oregon suggest that the expertise and funding exist now to begin making headway in communities across the state. While resources exist, they are disparate and inadequate, and putting the pieces together while operating an early childhood program can be overwhelming. A handful of heroic organizations have overcome the challenges. Their stories are told here.
Voices for Quality
Directors of the child development programs at Nike, Portland State University and Mentor Graphics describe how their facilities facilitate early learning.
Gillian Brune
Director, Child Development Center
Mentor Graphics
Marilyn Harrison
Executive Director of Child Development Programs
Nike
Will Parnell, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Education
Pedagogical Director, Helen Gordon Child Development Center
Portland State University
Governor Kitzhaber received the 1st annual Alexander Award at the Children’s Institute’s Make It Your Business event in 2013.
Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond delivered the keynote address at our 2013 Make It Your Business event.
Science confirms what common sense tells us: the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of infants, toddlers and preschoolers provides the foundation for healthy development in later childhood and adolescence. Yet in Oregon, far too many children grow up in environments that jeopardize their ability to be successful in school and life. The stresses of poverty, parental depression and social isolation, for example, can impede the healthy development of young children.
Oregon’s prevention-focused early childhood programs are doing good work; however, the number of vulnerable children in Oregon outstrips the capacity of these programs to serve those most in need. Read on to learn more about Oregon’s Starting Five.
