An Update on Preschool for All Multnomah County with Leslee Barnes

By Rafael Otto | Jun 13, 2022

On this segment of The Early Link, we're following up with Leslee Barnes, Director of the Preschool and Early Learning Division at Multnomah County, who gives us an update on the implementation of Preschool for All (PFA) in Multnomah County. Barnes is a fourth-generation Oregonian who grew up in Northeast Portland, and a leading figure working alongside commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson, in the development of Preschool for All which was approved by voters in November 2020.

Community Engagement Early Works Featured Programs Preschool

Early Works has Changed my Community

By CI Guest | Jan 7, 2022

Yoncalla's partnership with Children's Institute has changed our community.

Community Engagement Early Works Featured Programs Parents and Families

Because of Early Works, I Know my Voice Matters

By CI Guest | Jan 6, 2022

Thanks to Early Works, I've had opportunities to become a leader in my school and help other families.

Preschool Child Care

Preschool for All Ensures High-Quality Early Learning for Children in Multnomah County

By Rafael Otto | Dec 21, 2021

On this episode, host Rafael Otto speaks with Leslee Barnes, the director of the Preschool and Early Learning Division at Multnomah County.

Federal Policy Child Care News Preschool

From CAP: Build Back Better Act Will Allow Parents to Choose Faith-Based Child Care and Pre-K

By CI Guest | Dec 16, 2021

Despite claims to the contrary, the Build Back Better Act envisions an important role for faith-based child care providers.

Preschool Early Works Health and Development

Earl Boyles’ Neighborhood Center Nurtures Community and Connection

By Celeste Yager-Kandle | Oct 11, 2021

In 2010, Earl Boyles became the first site for Children’s Institute’s community-centered Early Works initiative, an approach to early learning and healthy development built on partnerships, innovation, and engaged families.

Oregon Policy News Preschool

Oregon’s Legislature Invests in Young Children and Families

By Celeste Yager-Kandle | Jul 2, 2021

Oregon lawmakers concluded the 2021 legislative session shortly after 5:30 p.m. on June 26, 2021 — a day ahead of the constitutionally mandated deadline. In the final days of a challenging and unusual five-month virtual legislative process, Oregon’s Early Childhood...

Preschool Early Works News

A Glimpse of How Yoncalla’s Youngest Learners Spend Their Day

By Celeste Yager-Kandle | Jun 4, 2021

We visited the Early Learning Center at Yoncalla Elementary on a warm, May morning to see how some of Yoncalla's youngest learners spend their day. Located about 2.5 hours south of Portland, Yoncalla is a close-knit, rural community in Douglas County that sprawls...

Oregon Policy News Preschool Equity

No Such Thing as a Bad Preschooler: Dalia Avello on Senate Bill 236 and the Dangers of Misrepresentation in Early Childhood

By CI Guest | May 28, 2021

Dalia Avello, MA, IMH-E, serves on the board of Directors of the Oregon Montessori Association. She trained as a psychologist, is a certified Montessori teacher, has expertise in the education and international development fields, and has the Endorsement®...

What We're Reading Benefits of Preschool Federal Policy National Research News Policy Trends Preschool Equity

Boston Study Findings Support Continued Investment in Public Preschool

By Ashley Walker | May 13, 2021

It has long been known that a child’s earliest experiences, both positive and negative, have effects that last a lifetime and show up as disparities in physical and mental health, socioeconomic status, and educational attainment. High-quality preschool can provide...