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Oregon Early Childhood Inclusion


Inclusion is not a place. Inclusion is about belonging.

At the Oregon Department of Education, we believe:

  • Disability is to be appreciated as a natural part of the human experience that makes our families and communities stronger.
  • Families have the right to enter into relationships with early care and education providers trusting their child will be welcomed, loved, and seen in all of their human dignity, including their culture, race or disability.
  • All learning environments for young children and their families should be inclusive, culturally responsive, and identity affirming.
  • Every child should learn and thrive together with their peers, friends, and neighbors.
  • Children achieve their best self when nurtured by empowered families, providers, and communities.
  • The Early Care and Education system is enhanced and strengthened through a network of parents, professionals, and community members.

The agency's mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with families, educators, partners, and communities.

Several state education agencies make up the early learning system: the Early Learning Division, the Oregon Department of Education, and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Together with family advocacy networks and policy change makers, the state of Oregon collaborated with the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) to provide technical assistance for implementing, sustaining, and scaling-up high-quality inclusive preschool settings. This critical work joins existing promotion, prevention, and intervention efforts to empower professionals, parents, and community members. They can build knowledge and develop skills to advocate for, support, and implement inclusive practices in early care and education environments. These efforts include, but are not limited to the following:

Acknowledgements:

This work is made possible by the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of families, community partners, early learning providers, and early intervention staff. For more details about State and Regional Partners, view our partners’ pages. This coalition of change makers continues to grow. Please contact Oregon Department of Education staff and partners for more information on how to get involved.

Resources and helpful links:

Contact:
Meredith Villines