After a year of intensive planning and stakeholder interaction, we’ve completed a schematic design (see below) that illustrates the preliminary plans for transformation of a building on our administrative campus into an early learning center. When this new center opens in fall 2024, it will help fill an immense need in our community by expanding culturally responsive services to children ages birth to 5 and their families, and providing cooperative training opportunities for all those who serve our youngest learners.
The early childhood center will be an inclusive space where all feel welcome, heard and supported, and provide additional support to underserved populations, including those experiencing poverty, those experiencing disabilities and families who speak languages other than English.
A range of culturally responsive services and amenities, including parent education and training services, child care, interpretation services and multilingual signage, a nursing space and inclusive restrooms, will make the center a community space where equitable opportunities are achieved for ALL children and families.
The center will incorporate rooms and spaces for early learning professionals to observe live instruction, collaborate and advance best practices.
We periodically share in-person status updates on the project with key regional stakeholders, and held one such opportunity last week for regional elected officials.
We continue to be grateful to the Oregon Department of Education for allowing a one-time use of early learning funds for the purchase of this building that will make such an impact in our community. Stay tuned for continued updates as the work of renovating begins!
Schematic designs
Project timeline
Click image to enlarge
