Envisioning a Different Kind of School
Kids begin learning before they’re even born. By the time children start kindergarten, their brains are already 90 percent developed. Children’s Institute believes our education system can do more for kids during this critical period of development. Neighborhood schools can serve children long before they enter kindergarten and provide meaningful support to parents and families before and during elementary school.
Our Early Works initiative demonstrates what happens when school districts, community partners, parents, and funders come together with a shared vision to support the early learning and healthy development of young children: Kids arrive at kindergarten ready to learn, parents feel welcome at the school and empowered to support their children’s learning, and the school community flourishes.
A Peek Inside Yoncalla Elementary
Located near Interstate 5 in Douglas County, approximately 1,100 residents call Yoncalla home. The elementary school has been a focal point in the community since 2013 when Yoncalla Early Works first began. Thanks to the resilience and tireless efforts of community members from the region, Yoncalla is thriving, and the school community has committed to a thoughtful, caring, and engaging early childhood experience for children and their families.
The story of Yoncalla is one of transformation through community resilience. A group of parents, families, and educators with a commitment to community driven education regenerated an entire district. In the past decade, family driven early learning, including expanded high-quality, no cost preschool, has grown and evolved into an essential opportunity for children in the community and now serves every 3- and 4-year-old in the district. Today, Yoncalla’s investment in early education creates the foundation for an ecosystem of care for children, families, and future generations.
A Peek Inside Yoncalla Elementary
Located near Interstate 5 in Douglas County, approximately 1,100 residents call Yoncalla home. The elementary school has been a focal point in the community since 2013 when Yoncalla Early Works first began. Thanks to the resilience and tireless efforts of community members from the region, Yoncalla is thriving, and the school community has committed to a thoughtful, caring, and engaging early childhood experience for children and their families.
The story of Yoncalla is one of transformation through community resilience. A group of parents, families, and educators with a commitment to community driven education regenerated an entire district. In the past decade, family driven early learning, including expanded high-quality, no cost preschool, has grown and evolved into an essential opportunity for children in the community and now serves every 3- and 4-year-old in the district. Today, Yoncalla’s investment in early education creates the foundation for an ecosystem of care for children, families, and future generations.
- Community Needs Assessment focused on Early Learning / Ages 0-5
- Initial community conversation about how to prepare for elementary before age 5
- First Community partner event Sponsored Event: Dr. Suess Night
- Yoncalla Engaged Parents established- a parent group dedicated to supporting teachers, children and families at the elementary level
- School-based preschool launched B4 Early Learning Center collocated at Yoncalla Elementary School
- Regional Health complexities research with PSU began
- Parent Child Playgroups established
- Parent Education Series
- Increased number of families engaged in decision making with school district through community meetings
- Pre-K and kindergarten teachers offer universal home visits
- Health Complexities findings shared Community Health and Needs Assessment shared with community.
- Secured public funding for Pre-K through Preschool Promise. 18 slots funded.
- District invested in P-3 Coordinator for Early Learning Alignment- PreK through 2nd grade
- Aviva Health Clinic opens in region, prioritizing feedback from the CHNA Yoncalla parents and families.
- ECSE classroom co-located in Yoncalla Early Learning Center
- Increased professional development for primary level teachers to support instructional improvements in the areas of: inclusion, early literacy, math, and social emotional learning
- Expanded access to preschool promise – 30 slots funded through state grant
- Yoncalla Engaged Parents expand to include Yoncalla Middle School and High School
- Partnership established between Yoncalla School District and ODHS to serve children and families with complex needs
An Initiative Based On Partnerships
The Early Works initiative brings together parents, schools, and communities to meet the needs of children from birth to age 8. Many partners, including the David Douglas School District, Mt. Hood Community College Head Start, and Multnomah Early Childhood Program, have come together to provide high-quality early learning programs and supports starting at birth, parenting education to engage families, and health supports and other social services for families. Children’s Institute provides the vision and leadership for the initiative and Portland State University conducts ongoing assessments.
1. Children’s Institute
2. South Central Early Learning Hub
3. Family Relief Nursery
4. The Ford Family Foundation
5. Portland State University
6. Adapt
7. Umpqua Valley Breastfeeding Coalition
8. Aviva Health
9. Head Start / Early Head Start
10. Yoncalla School District
11. Yoncalla Library
1. Children’s Institute
2. South Central Early Learning Hub
3. Family Relief Nursery
4. The Ford Family Foundation
5. Portland State University
6. Adapt
7. Umpqua Valley Breastfeeding Coalition
8. Aviva Health
9. Head Start / Early Head Start
10. Yoncalla School District
11. Yoncalla Library
A pivot point was asking families to engage in conversations that explored resistance to preschool programming and then create a governance committee to help guide school administration in co-creating a program. We needed to listen to the community and respond to its needs and values. Many people were engaged in that work of problem solving, planning, and collaboration!
Erin Helgren
Principal, Yoncalla Elementary School
“A pivot point was asking families to engage in conversations that explored resistance to preschool programming and then create a governance committee to help guide school administration in co-creating a program. We needed to listen to the community and respond to its needs and values. Many people were engaged in that work of problem solving, planning, and collaboration!”
Erin Helgren
Principal, Yoncalla Elementary School
Strategies that Drive Change
Informed by research and guided by local data and community input, Early Works demonstrates a new approach to supporting families and young children. This includes offering early learning experiences that are aligned with elementary school so that kids transition seamlessly from preschool into kindergarten and beyond. The initiative provides early learning and health supports while engaging families and sharing leadership amongst a variety of stakeholders.
- Neighborhood Center
- Preschool Operations Committee
- Family Engagement Team
- Summer Learning Team
- Service Coordination Committee
- Ongoing program evaluation that looks at child and family outcomes and system-level changes
- Community needs and health assessments
- Connections to health and dental care
- Developmental screenings and referrals
- Connections to housing support
- Programs that develop parent leaders
- Parent-teacher home visits
- Culturally relevant and inclusive services
- Family partnerships to reduce chronic absence
- Infant and toddler play groups
- School-based preschool
- Early Kindergarten Transition program
- Summer literacy program
- Professional development
- Neighborhood Center
- Preschool Operations Committee
- Family Engagement Team
- Summer Learning Team
- Service Coordination Committee
- Ongoing program evaluation that looks at child and family outcomes and system-level changes
- Community needs and health assessments
- Connections to health and dental care
- Developmental screenings and referrals
- Connections to housing support
- Programs that develop parent leaders
- Parent-teacher home visits
- Culturally relevant and inclusive services
- Family partnerships to reduce chronic absence
- Infant and toddler play groups
- School-based preschool
- Early Kindergarten Transition program
- Summer literacy program
- Professional development
- Neighborhood Center
- Preschool Operations Committee
- Family Engagement Team
- Summer Learning Team
- Service Coordination Committee
- Ongoing program evaluation that looks at child and family outcomes and system-level changes
- Community needs and health assessments
- Connections to health and dental care
- Developmental screenings and referrals
- Connections to housing support
- Programs that develop parent leaders
- Parent-teacher home visits
- Culturally relevant and inclusive services
- Family partnerships to reduce chronic absence
- Infant and toddler play groups
- School-based preschool
- Early Kindergarten Transition program
- Summer literacy program
- Professional development
“Early Works aims to be a catalyst for change in Oregon. By expanding available resources and working together to create solutions, we can fight for better outcomes in partnership with communities across the state. This program thrives thanks to the ingenuity and dedication of families and educators endeavoring to create equitable futures for the children in their care. Through fostering collaboration and implementing diverse programs in the early years, we are reshaping the state’s learning landscape, paving the way for children’s futures in Yoncalla and beyond.”
Kali Thorne Ladd
CEO, Children’s Institute
“Early Works aims to be a catalyst for change in Oregon. By expanding available resources and working together to create solutions, we can fight for better outcomes in partnership with communities across the state. This program thrives thanks to the ingenuity and dedication of families and educators endeavoring to create equitable futures for the children in their care. Through fostering collaboration and implementing diverse programs in the early years, we are reshaping the state’s learning landscape, paving the way for children’s futures in Yoncalla and beyond.“
Kali Thorne Ladd
CEO, Children’s Institute
An Ecosystem of Care and Community
The story of Yoncalla showcases the remarkable transformation of a community in Oregon. Faced with economic misfortunes and limited support access, the educational environment in Yoncalla encountered significant setbacks in student and teacher success. However, by recognizing the importance of building trusting relationships with families, Yoncalla Elementary witnessed a surge in parent involvement and volunteering, fostering a more inclusive and supportive school environment despite the challenges. By integrating teaching practices from preschool into higher grade levels and embracing trauma-informed and compassionate approaches, students embarked on improved learning journeys, experienced fewer discipline issues, and found increased joy in the classroom. The Yoncalla Engaged People group and booster club also played vital roles in empowering families and addressing community needs. These inspiring efforts by educators, local organizations, and families underscore the enduring benefits of investing in preschool and early education, which positively impact students during their formative years and throughout the rest of their lives. Read Yoncalla Early Works: An Ecosystem of Care and Community to learn more.
The story of Yoncalla showcases the remarkable transformation of a community in Oregon. Faced with economic misfortunes and limited support access, the educational environment in Yoncalla encountered significant setbacks in student and teacher success. However, by recognizing the importance of building trusting relationships with families, Yoncalla Elementary witnessed a surge in parent involvement and volunteering, fostering a more inclusive and supportive school environment despite the challenges faced. By integrating teaching practices from preschool into higher grade levels and embracing trauma-informed and compassionate approaches, students embarked on improved learning journeys, experienced fewer discipline issues, and found increased joy in the classroom. The Yoncalla Engaged People group and booster club also played vital roles in empowering families and addressing community needs. These inspiring efforts by educators, local organizations, and families underscore the enduring benefits of investing in preschool and early education, which positively impact students during their formative years and throughout the rest of their lives. Read Yoncalla Early Works: An Ecosystem of Care and Community to learn more.
Stories from Yoncalla
A Closer Look at Yoncalla Elementary
%
of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
%
of incoming kindergarteners had formal preschool.
%
of students meet math benchmarks.
%
of students meet third grade English benchmarks.
%
of students are absent on a regular basis.
The Impact of Early Works: 2013–23 Evaluation Highlights
+ Yoncalla entering kindergartners have made steady gains over the past three years in early literacy skills, despite the pandemic.
Yoncalla teachers reported a 55% increase in getting supports for their professional growth and 83% of staff report feeling engaged in their work (up from 62%).
+ Parents report feeling welcome in the school, and parents have more leadership opportunities and influence on school and district decisions.
+ Stronger early literacy skills at kindergarten entry predicted higher third grade literacy, math, and
writing scores, underscoring the effectiveness of preschool.
+ Students report feeling challenged at school and that teachers are setting higher expectations compared to previous years.
+ 60% of 3rd graders are now at or above their grade reading level per the DIBELS literacy assessment.