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.