Rural Coaching
Strengthening early learning to early grades alignment in rural communities
Children’s Institute’s Rural Coaching model offers specialized, hands-on support to rural school districts working to strengthen early learning from preschool through third grade.
Why it matters?
Rural schools have the capacity to create strong, connected early learning systems rooted in community. We recognize that rural communities have unique strengths and face distinct challenges related to size, staffing, and resources.
Our approach: Strengths-based coaching tailored to each community
What is the focus?
Some focus areas include:
- Advancing culturally responsive and equity-centered practices
- Aligning vertically across preschool through 3rd grade
- Launching or expanding high-quality early learning programs
- Navigating funding opportunities (such as Preschool Promise)
- Strengthening family and community engagement
- Strengthening literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning
- Supporting attendance, climate, and school culture improvements
How does it work?
- Customized coaching: Each participating district receives 2–4 years of high-intensity, tailored support from a coach with expertise in rural communities.
- Access to resources: Rural districts also gain entry to Early School Success Academy professional learning sessions—with additional, personalized support from their coach.
- Deep listening: We start with a community-driven needs assessment to understand local strengths, needs, and goals.
- Hands-on partnership: Districts receive regular site visits, virtual meetings, and ongoing thought partnership throughout the school year.
This work builds on our Early Works partnership in Yoncalla, where we supported the development of a strong, aligned early learning system rooted in community.
Today, Rural Coaching supports districts across Oregon, led by Erin Helgren, providing tailored coaching, professional learning, and implementation support.
Click to view 2026-2027 flyer.
Interested in learning more?
