The Parent Accountability Council (PAC) is an important part of our Early Learning Multnomah initiative. Through PAC parents share their voice and help guide our early learning investments. This year marks PAC's 4th anniversary serving our community. Take a look at all of their incredible achievements.
Just over a year ago, I joined United Way’s Early Learning Multnomah team to help grow membership on the Parent Accountability Council. During this time I’ve witnessed the power parents can have in improving early learning systems and why accountability is key.
It wasn’t that long ago that Lam Hoang felt isolated and alone, having moved to Multnomah County from her home in Vietnam. Since then she's emerged as a parent leader in the community, sharing her experience and voice to ensure children of color have every opportunity to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
Bashir’s family fled violence in his home country of Somalia when he was seven years old. He spent 18 years in a Kenyan refugee camp before his family was able to come to the United States through the refugee resettlement program. Almost immediately after he arrived, he got to work giving back to his new community.
Thanks to Preschool Promise funds facilitated by United Way's early learning hubs, 359 more kids like Yan Soe in Multnomah and Washington Counties have gained access to early learning opportunities this school year. They’re now getting free preschool with high-quality providers who speak their language and know their culture.
On October 17th we're joining millions of people across the world in recognizing International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and our shared commitment to eliminating poverty for kids and families.
Here are four ways we're making schools, families and stronger for kids in our region.
Through Preschool Promise 1,300 kids across the state will now have access to quality preschool. United Way co-leads two early learning hubs that received Preschool Promise funds and are helping to open preschool slots for more low-income kids and kids of color right here in our own backyard.
We believe every kid should arrive at kindergarten ready for school success. Registering on-time is vital to ensuring kids and families have the opportunity to connect with their school and teachers and have access to important summer activities.
Dozens of community leaders gathered on November 9 to officially launch Successful Families 2020, a community partnership designed to improve graduation rates and college preparedness for kids of color in our region.
The evidence is resounding - early exposure to books is critical to a child’s long-term educational success. When kids start school behind, they rarely catch up. A unique partnership between Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Community Action and Early Learning Washington County - an initiative co-led by United Way - is working to close the gap.
Studies show that the development of early literacy skills through early experiences with books and stories is directly linked to a child's success in learning to read. But in low income neighborhoods, there’s an average of just one book for every 300 children.
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