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. The session runs five weeks, from February 5 to March 10. 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.
A crucial aspect of addressing Oregon’s deep-rooted issues of housing and addiction starts by creating equitable pathways for all children. We can do this by:
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- Making economic well-being possible for more families through Employee Related Daycare and expanding funding for child care facilities.
- Providing inclusive education opportunities for our youngest learners through supporting the Birth to Five Literacy Plan and underfunded Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education programs across the state.
- Stabilizing services that help families thrive including Relief Nurseries and programs through Nurse Family Partnership.
As a coalition of early childhood advocates, we urge Oregon to continue its progress and keep promises from previous sessions to invest in a brighter future for every child. We may have a short session ahead, but the policies and programs on this agenda have critical implications for the long-term.
Read the full agenda today and stay tuned for updates on the session via our social media channels. Thank you for your support and care for children!