Policy Trends
Strengthen Early Learning and Care in Oregon!
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A Message from Kali Thorne Ladd: Policy Change for Families, Lessons from History and Hope for the Future
In this message, Kali Thorne Ladd highlights the urgent need for systemic change to better support children and families in the United States, and emphasizes the critical importance of these issues for the nation’s future prosperity.
Advocates Push for Early Childhood Solutions on Capitol Hill
Recently, Children's Institute connected with other advocates in Washington, D.C., for a two-day event focused on policies for young children and families. While there, the team also met with with members of Oregon's Congressional delegation to discuss how to solve children's issues in Oregon.
Early Learning Partners Reveal Resources, Funding to Support Oregon’s Early Literacy Plan
This week, Children's Institute and state early learning partners hosted a webinar to elevate the importance of an intentional focus on early literacy strategies for early child care providers, educators, and families; and share funding updates.
Oregon Prepares to Fund Early Literacy Efforts
In 2023, Oregon lawmakers passed the early literacy success initiative in an effort to support reading proficiency in young children. Now, the state is poised to distribute those funds.
Short and Sweet: Oregon’s 2024 Legislative Session
As the Oregon 2024 Legislative Session ended this year, the Policy and Advocacy team at CI let out a deep breath of gratitude, relief, and excitement for the year ahead. Short sessions often prove frustrating for what can be accomplished, but this year built on the chaotic momentum of 2023’s session, clearing the path for early childhood advocates to make great strides forward.
The Oregon Early Childhood Summit
Held on Friday, March 22 at Portland State University, the Oregon Early Childhood Summit brought together early childhood professionals from across the state and across sectors to collectively envision a better future for children’s social-emotional health. The event was produced by Children's Institute and Trauma Informed Oregon.
Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms Support All Children
The CI Communications team sits down with Liane Chappell, principal at the Hillsboro Early Childhood Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, to talk about Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education. The goal of the Early Childhood Center is to serve kids who have delays and disabilities, and to help them make progress in the areas where they need support. As the 2024 legislative session continues, we want to emphasize the importance of Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education opportunities for children across Oregon.
The 2024 ECC Legislative Agenda
The 2024 legislative session is almost here! And it is with excitement and determination that we share our Early Childhood Coalition priorities for this year. After a chaotic regular session in 2023, the Oregon Legislature has unfinished business in prioritizing young children prenatal through age 5 in this year’s short session. Providers, families, and early childhood advocates from across Oregon will be calling for urgent investments to support early learning, child care infrastructure, and early childhood health.
Supporting a Strong Start for Children with Disabilities
We often talk about how investing in a child’s earliest years can set them up for long-term success. In order to build a strong foundation during this period of rapid brain development, it's important to connect families with the tools needed to support their child’s development as early as possible.