Text Size: A+| A-| A   |   Text Only Site   |   Accessibility
occf banner
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
Early Childhood Matters
Oregon’s framework for a statewide birth-through-5 early childhood system
 
A Call to Action
 
Envision an Oregon in which young children are healthy, safe and thriving in nurturing families and caring communities.
 
The Oregon Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:
 
  • Children are our future;
  • Healthy children and families are of fundamental importance to the vitality of Oregon;
  • Children are entitled to safety and health;
  • All children deserve love, respect and guidelines for responsible behavior;
  • Families should be supported and strengthened;
  • Communities provide the context for healthy children.
                                                                                            Revised Statute 417.305
 
 
On March 20, 2008, Gov. Ted Kulongoski convened Oregon's first-ever summit on Early Childhood. Gov. Kulongoski introduced "Early Childhood Matters:" Oregon's framework for a statewide birth-through 5 early childhood system.
 
The Early Childhood Matters framework guides early childhood public and private partners, parents and communities as we work together to develop an accessible, quality system.
 
The Early Childhood Matters framework is available here.
 
A Summary Report of the Governor’s Summit is available here.
 
An Executive Summary Report of the Governor’s Summit is available here.
 
A summary of ideas for action steps generated at the Governor's Summit is available here.
 
 
The framework is built around three focus areas:
 
Health Matters: Promote physical, social and emotional development and improve access to community-based health and behavioral health services.  View or download the Health Matters Issue Brief.
 
     A summary of this committee's priorities is available here. 

Family Matters: Strengthen services that support parents and family safety and stability.  View or download the Family Matters Issue Brief.
 
     A summary of this committee's priorities is available here. 

Early Learning Matters: Ensure that high-quality early care and education settings are affordable and accessible for all.  View or download the Early Learning Matters Issue Brief. 
 
     A summary of this committee's priorities is available here. 
 
 
For more information contact:
Pat Pitman
Director of Programs and Initiatives
(503) 378-4658
 

 
Page updated: February 02, 2009

Click here to go to the Oregon Dept. of Veterans' Affairs outreach contact form

Get Adobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Reader is required to view PDF files. Click the "Get Adobe Reader" image to get a free download of the reader from Adobe.