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What the 2025 Legislative Session Means for Oregon’s Children

What the 2025 Legislative Session Means for Oregon’s Children

by | Aug 11, 2025 | News, Oregon Policy, Policy Trends

The 2025 Oregon Legislature ended June 29, 2025; a welcome close to a long and difficult legislative session shaped by federal funding constraints and sweeping policy changes.

At the start of the year, Oregon’s Early Childhood Coalition (ECC) identified five legislative priorities to address racial disparities in early childhood, which is essential to remove barriers for children and communities impacted by injustice. This included legislation to fund the following: 

  1. Child and Adult Care Food Program 
  2. Early Childhood Literacy Fund 
  3. Perinatal Workforce (SB 692: expand access to doulas, lactation counselors) 
  4. Relief Nurseries 
  5. Healthy Families Oregon

Despite the urgent need, lawmakers chose to cut funding that would have expanded access to these programs. Only one of the ECC’s racial equity priorities passed in 2025. 

“This was my first long session and it felt hard,” said Elena Barreto, senior early childhood policy advisor at Children’s Institute. “With so many federal unknowns and limited investment in early childhood, it was a challenging time.”

Oregon’s Doula Bill Passed, Expanded Access to Perinatal Health Care

Even though many of the Early Childhood Coalition’s (ECC) legislative priorities didn’t pass, there were still meaningful wins worth celebrating.

Notably, Oregon’s doula bill (SB 692) passed! The bill—led by Black Futures Initiative for Perinatal Health—was part of the Momnibus package of bills designed to improve health outcomes for babies and birthing parents.

Now, more parents will be able to access health care before, during, and up to 12 months after birth, regardless of birth outcome. The bill will offer two new types of lactation support: lactation counselors and lactation educators. It will expand access to coverage for doulas and lactation supports to private insurance, in addition to existing Medicaid coverage.

It will also double the amount of hours allowed for doulas, allowing parents to have more flexibility in how they choose to use their doula support.

Advocacy Highlights

Early childhood advocates wave signs at the Oregon State Capitol for Vote no on SB 5514 Day of Action (Photo: Celeste Yager-Kandle)

ECC partners and advocates made real progress for young children and families, bringing greater visibility to complex early childhood issues among lawmakers and the public.

“After seeing how many people showed up to advocate for children—many for the first time—I feel encouraged to keep speaking up and asking how we can make Oregon better for young children,” Barreto said. 

Key advocacy efforts in the 2025 session mark meaningful steps toward lasting change in early childhood policy: 

  • A Unified Voice and Message, Emphasizing the Whole Early Childhood System. Advocates dialed in with a clear message: Children’s well-being depends on a strong, connected system. From child care and health to early learning and family support, progress in one area strengthens the whole. 
  • Deeper Advocacy Engagement and More Voices. This session saw incredible engagement from advocates, many participating for the first time! From testifying at hearings and joining the ECC’s advocacy kick-off and lobby day, to waving signs at the Capitol and speaking at press conferences, people showed up in powerful ways for young children and families.
  • A Boost in Media Coverage and Public Interest. Early childhood issues saw more media attention than previous years. Journalists helped shine a light on the importance of early learning, child care, and family support—raising public interest and educating legislators. This visibility is critical for building long-term momentum.   

What’s Next?

The 2025 legislative session has ended, but the conversation isn’t over. Lawmakers may revisit some of the early childhood priorities that didn’t pass, either in a special session, during the 2026 short session, or in the 2027 long session.  

That means our work continues—because advocacy doesn’t end with the legislative session. The most powerful thing we can do now is to keep showing up and speaking out. Here are a few ways to stay active and informed until the legislature reconvenes for the short session in 2026. 

  • Follow the issues: Subscribe to early childhood news and policy updates to stay in the loop. 
  • Attend a town hall: Ask your legislators what they’re doing to make Oregon a better place for young children and families. 
  • Take part in advocacy: Join advocacy efforts and help build momentum for the next session.

With deep gratitude, we thank our partners, advocates, and supporters for their endless dedication to Oregon’s children. Whether you raised your voice at the Capitol, contributed behind the scenes, or stayed engaged—your efforts helped elevate early childhood issues and move Oregon toward meaningful progress for babies, children, and families. 

See the Legislative Update in a visual format below. Click to move back and forth between pages (or download the PDF).

 

2025 Legislative Update + Outcomes by Children's Institute
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Advocates, Parents Call on Oregon Legislature to Protect Preschool for All

Advocates, Parents Call on Oregon Legislature to Protect Preschool for All

by | Jun 27, 2025 | News, Oregon Policy, Preschool

On Tuesday, a broad coalition of parents, early childhood educators, and advocates gathered at Escuela Viva in Southeast Portland to speak out in support of Preschool for All in Multnomah County—a nationally recognized, voter-approved model for universal preschool.   

Advocacy organizations, parents, and early learning and care providers gathered at Escuela Viva in support of Multnomah County Preschool for All on Tuesday, June 24. 2025. Photo: Chris Hagan Photography

The gathering was a response to Oregon lawmakers’ last-minute changes to Senate Bill 106, seeking to eliminate Preschool for All by 2027 despite broad voter approval of the initiative in Multnomah County. 

The amendments to SB 106 were posted on the Oregon Legislature’s website late Monday night without public notice—just days before sine die, the official end of the legislative session when no further action can be taken on bills. 

Advocates came together to protect Preschool for All because they believe in supporting local, equity-driven solutions to the child care crisis. Rather than engaging in a thoughtful conversation about tax collection, there was an attempt to dismantle the program entirely—a move that reinforces the importance of ongoing community engagement and discussion. 

Many Portlanders agreed. Some estimate that legislators received up to 5000 emails/calls protesting this effort. Their voices were heard. The county preschool program appears to be safe for now, with the bill not advancing out of committee. 

Oregon children have the right to an early education, regardless of their race, family income, or zip code. Lydia Gray-Hollifield, a Portland parent and former preschool worker, highlighted the difficult choices many families face when trying to access child care. 

“No mother should have to choose between rent and child care, but that is the reality for so many of us. Hands off Preschool for All,” she said.  

Lydia-Gray Hollifield, a parent and former preschool worker. Photo: Chris Hagan Photography.

While all families who need child care benefit from universal preschool, Preschool for All invests directly in lower-income families with young children, creating a more equitable system and delivering real results—while supporting a stable workforce and sustainable business economy.  

The program currently funds over 130 providers—many of them culturally specific or home-based—and will serve nearly 4,000 children in the 2025-2026 school year, an increase from 2,225 from the year before. 

At a time when the federal government is actively eliminating funding for early learning programs, Oregon lawmakers have a responsibility to protect the few investments that exist, especially community-driven solutions that expand access to preschool, and support the healthy development and long-term success of children and families.  

Tuesday’s gathering was a testament to the coordinated efforts among early childhood advocates, parents, and early learning and care providers who continue to show up for Oregon’s young children and speak up in support of community-designed solutions.  

“This is one of the best investments we can make in our current economy and in our future,” said Dr. Bahia Overton, Executive Director of Black Parent Initiative. “It’s a program created by the local community to better serve our entire community. We ask the Governor to honor the dreams and vision of Multnomah County voters.” 

Dr. Bahia Overton, executive director of Black Parent Initiative, speaks at a gathering of early childhood advocates, parents, and providers on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Photo: Chris Hagan Photography.

Children’s Institute will continue to track this issue at the state level in the coming months, during the legislative interim and in the 2026 legislative short session.  

Organizations represented at Tuesday’s event included: Family Forward Oregon, Latino Network, Black Parent Initiative, APANO, Unite Oregon, Friends of Preschool for All, Children’s Institute, Oregon Food Bank, ILWU Local 5, Oregon Working Families Party, Portland DSA–Family Agenda Campaign, and Portland for All. 

Final Vote Looms on Early Learning Budget as Advocates Take Action

Final Vote Looms on Early Learning Budget as Advocates Take Action

by | Jun 10, 2025 | CI Publications, News, Policy Trends

 

On Tuesday, early childhood advocates gathered at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem for a “Vote No on Senate Bill 5514 Day of Action” and press conference. 

Early childhood advocates wave signs at the Oregon State Capitol for Vote no on SB 5514 Day of Action (Photo: Celeste Yager-Kandle)

Organized by Child Care for Oregon, the event brought together parents, early learning providers, and Early Childhood Coalition partners to oppose the budget for the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Advocates urged legislators to reject the cuts and prioritize children in the state budget. 

If passed, Senate Bill 5514 would cut $45 million from early learning and care programs that support thousands of young children, including Preschool Promise, home visiting services, and support for first-time parents. 

Speakers at the press conference emphasized that the bill would have long-term consequences for Oregon’s children and families. 

“Senate Bill 5514 reduces access to life-changing programs,” said Candice Williams, executive director of Family Forward. “Budget cuts to the Department of Early Learning and Care will have lasting, negative repercussions for families all across our state.” 

Building on that message, Kali Thorne Ladd, CEO of Children’s Institute, implored state leaders to center children in their decisions. 

“We have the moral courage to invest in and protect the most vulnerable, the most marginalized among us, our young children,” she said. “It’s not too late to make that decision, we’re here today to ask that you do just that.” 

From left: Kali Thorne Ladd, CEO of Children’s Institute and Candice Williams, executive director of Family Forward stand together at Willson Park, near the Oregon State Capitol in Salem for the Vote No on SB 5514 Day of Action

This impact was brought to life by one parent, Alexandra Steward, who shared that Preschool Promise has been transformative for her family, ensuring that her son has access to preschool and early intervention services. Through the program, she has been able to make choices that best support his unique needs. 

“Preschool Promise enabled my son to get the help he needs to learn and thrive with disabilities and allowed us as a family to pursue other goals that make us stronger as a family and a community,” she said. “Healthy, happy kids are a direct investment in the future.” 

State Senators Lisa Reynolds (D– Portland) and Dick Anderson (R– Lincoln City) attended the press conference to voice their support. Senator Reynolds, a pediatrician, emphasized that Oregon must prioritize investments in young children and families. 

“When we invest in our families, the higher the return on the investment,” said Rep. Reynolds. “These early investments can mitigate the toxic stress of childhood poverty, they can interrupt cycles, and they can send five-year-olds to kindergarten who are ready to learn.”

Senator Lisa Reynolds

Senator Dick Anderson

What’s Next? 

Senate Bill 5514 is scheduled for a vote on Monday, June 16, 2025 on the Senate floor. If passed, it will cut $45 million from early learning and care programs that provide essential support to thousands of Oregon children and will: 

  • Eliminate Preschool Promise access for 640 children 
  • Cut culturally specific early learning programs for 970 families 
  • Remove Healthy Families Oregon home visiting support for 176 families 
  • Freeze pay and reduce benefits for early educators already earning far less than K–12 teachers 
  • Reduce funding for parenting education and professional development 

Oregon lawmakers face challenging budget decisions, driven largely by federal funding constraints. But they have the power to make the right choices—if they hear from you. Even in these difficult times, advocates are calling on legislators to prioritize investments in children that prevent future crises and support healthy development.

Take Action!

Contact your legislators by phone, text, email, or letter and tell them to vote no on Senate Bill 5514!

Click here to send a message to your legislators
Advocates Urge Oregon Legislators to Choose Children

Advocates Urge Oregon Legislators to Choose Children

by | May 19, 2025 | News, Oregon Policy

With Oregon’s 2025 legislative session underway, early childhood advocates continue to show up and speak out—calling on lawmakers to choose children and families in policy and budget decisions.  

On May 6, advocates from around the state met with their representatives for Early Childhood Advocacy Day, urging them to prioritize children and support the Early Childhood Coalition’s (ECC) 2025 priorities: high-quality early learning and child care, maternal and child health, and strong supports for families. 

To gear up for the big day, advocates gathered for a kickoff event with Children’s Institute’s policy team. We asked them why they advocate for children and families—and their responses spoke volumes:  

Their voices are a powerful reminder that behind every policy choice are real people, real lives, and real outcomes.  

Legislators responded with genuine support: new faces were eager to champion early childhood issues, and longtime legislative champions reaffirmed their commitment to invest in our youngest Oregonians. 

Early Childhood Advocacy Day gave parents, caregivers, educators, and community members a meaningful opportunity to move the conversation—and help ensure Oregon’s children remain at the heart of legislative decision-making. 

Progress and Pressure: What’s Still at Stake for Young Children

With just over 6 weeks to go in the 2025 session, some early childhood bills that don’t require new funding are moving forward. One bill, HB 3560, would make it easier to open child care facilities by lifting current zoning restrictions, and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. Another, HB 2682, would establish a state committee to review and recommend updates for how Oregon delivers Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) services. This bill is headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.  

While we celebrate these successes, the reality is that federal disruptions are creating uncertainty for bills that require new dollars. The latest state budget forecast indicates that Oregon will have $500 million less to spend than previously expected. This means critical state-funded services and programs that support children and families, like Relief Nurseries and Employment Related Day Care, may not receive needed funding, and legislation like Oregon’s Momnibus, is in jeopardy—and puts Oregon children at further risk.  

Even in uncertain times, the path forward is clear. Oregon lawmakers are facing tough choices and tighter budgets. As the state weighs its investments, Children’s Institute and the Early Childhood Coalition continue to call on the Legislature to choose children. 

Take Action! 

In light of the state budget shortfall and anticipated cuts at the federal level, our voices are more critical than ever! Find your Oregon representatives and tell them to choose children and families now. 

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Lessons from ESS: Student Voice Shapes Stronger Classrooms

Lessons from ESS: Student Voice Shapes Stronger Classrooms

by | Feb 12, 2025 | Educators and Workforce, Professional Learning, Successful Students, Early School Success

Nearly 50 educators from across Oregon met at Vose Elementary School for a learning lab in partnership with Early School Success (ESS), an initiative through Children’s Institute that provides coaching and support to educators working with students from preschool through fifth grade.

The learning lab focused on how centering student voice, which means prioritizing students’ ideas and feelings, is a powerful tool to strengthen classrooms and help students feel like they are part of the school community. 

Children’s Institute CEO Kali Thorne Ladd shared opening remarks, with inspiration from Italian educator Loris Malaguzzi. Malaguzzi founded the Reggio Emilia approach, a teaching method and philosophy that encourages educators to wonder and explore with children about what they experience, think, and feel. 

“It’s our job [as educators] to listen to children—to watch them, to heed them, and to guide them,” said Thorne Ladd. “The idea isn’t that we are just telling them everything, but that they have something to give us.” 

Talisa Timms, a continuous improvement specialist at Children’s Institute, facilitated the learning and emphasized that students are more likely to participate in school when they feel like their voice matters. 

“If a student feels like their voice is being heard, they’re more likely to use it,” said Timms. “So that will increase student engagement and attendance.” 

Talisa Timms, continuous improvement specialist, facilitated the learning lab.

Early School Success in Practice

As an exercise in practice, learning lab participants held empathy interviews with fifth graders, creating a space for students to share their thoughts on their school experiences. The interviews helped educators understand students’ perspectives on what makes them feel included and engaged at school. 

A few key themes that emerged from empathy interviews with students included the importance of collaboration, connection, and belonging; relationships with peers and teachers; and having choice in their own learning experience. 

Learning lab attendees worked in groups to identify themes from empathy interviews.

Themes were similar across groups and emphasized connection and collaboration.

Attendees also had the chance to observe ESS strategies in action, including Habits of Mind, a set of behaviors that guide students in approaching problems with curiosity and critical thinking. Another key strategy, Playful Inquiry, uses hands-on exploration to answer real-world questions. 

“It has really helped us take our priority of having an equity lens to our work and combine that with research and best practices,” said Vose Elementary Principal Monique Singleton. “This approach helps us support students both where they are now and where we want to help them grow.” 

Vose Elementary School Principal, Monique Singleton

Ultimately, ESS learning labs are designed to empower both teachers and students. By providing educators with tools and strategies, they can create more opportunities for student growth, engagement, and voice in the classroom. 

Learn more about Early School Success: