Our Mission
We advocate for and implement best-in-class workforce development, provider support, and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) systems in the Mid-Willamette Valley. This initiative will be specifically tailored to Latino communities and working families, incorporating culturally based early learning resources.
Early Childhood Education and Care Provider Development
We understand investing in early childhood education has long-term benefits for both the individual child and society as a whole. Primeros Pasos is committed to reducing barriers for provider development by expanding support systems for early learning and care providers. And including Latino culture learning resources that reflect Latino culture and values.
Early Childhood Education and Care Workforce Development
Workforce is foundational for providing high-quality learning, development and well-being experiences for young children. We support the Early Childhood Education and Care workforce by addressing requirements for initial education and continuing professional development, as well as the working conditions of ECEC staff.
Impact
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) holds tremendous potential for children, families and societies. When children experience success in responsive, high-quality programs they develop essential skills and knowledge. However, when children lack quality early education, they often fall behind their peers in achievement and suffer low self-esteem.
Latinos are on pace to be the largest population in the Mid-Willamette Valley in 20-30 years and eventually in Oregon. However, the future of Latino families is in jeopardy due to income inequality, which causes lack of food security, healthcare, housing, and educational opportunities. A targeted investment in Latino children will be pivotal for enhancing the future prosperity of Latino communities and the region.
Approximately 7,000 preschool Latino children (0-4-year-old) reside in this area. Early learning programs are available to serve only 1-in-8 infants and toddlers and 1-in-4 preschoolers . The dearth of quality programs is due to the lack of available educators and insufficient early childhood care-education providers
Who We Are
In early 2022 a Steering Committee was established to assess and develop strategies for enhancing early learning and care for Latino and Indigena children and families in the Mid-Willamette Valley. The initiative is being implemented through leadership provided by a Consortium that includes: CAPACES Leadership Institute (CAPACES), Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC), Child, Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) – Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Marion-Polk Early Learning Hub (ELH-MP), Yamhill Early Learning Hub (YCCO), and the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation (WVWF).
At Primeros Pasos, we are proud to offer a wide range of resources and services to support existing and aspiring Early Childhood Educators and a thriving workforce.
Join Our Community Partners
Early Childhood Education and Care