Family Connections at Linn-Benton Community College

08/06/2026

Starting child care is a big milestone for both children and families. A little preparation can help make the transition smoother!

Here are a few simple tips:
• Talk with your child's caregiver about routines.
• Keep drop-off routines calm, consistent, and reassuring.
• Send a favorite comfort item, like a blanket or stuffed animal.
• Spend time reconnecting after pick-up and ask about your child's day.

Remember, it's normal for children to need time to adjust. With patience, consistency, and partnership between families and caregivers, children can build confidence and thrive.

08/05/2026

🔥 Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Is It Safe to Play Outside?

Wildfire smoke can change quickly. Before taking children outdoors, check the Air Quality Index (AQI) and look outside to assess visibility. If conditions don't match, always use the more cautious measure.

As air quality worsens:
🏠 Move activities indoors.
⏸ Reduce or postpone outdoor play.
👀 Watch for coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or other symptoms.

Young children are especially sensitive to wildfire smoke, so having an indoor plan is essential during fire season.

08/05/2026

Wildfire season can change quickly, and every child care program should have an emergency plan in place before an evacuation is needed. The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) provides emergency planning resources, templates, and guidance to help providers prepare.

Now is the time to prepare:
✔ Review and practice your emergency plan with staff.
✔ Keep emergency contact information current.
✔ Maintain an emergency "go kit" with essential supplies.
✔ Stay informed by signing up for local emergency alerts and knowing your county's evacuation procedures.

Emergencies can happen at a moment’s notice. Families, caregivers and child care professionals play an important role in emergency preparedness and response. Explore this Emergency Preparedness page for links to resources to guide your planning process.

08/04/2026

📢 Free Virtual TPOT Reliability Training 📢

Are you ready to strengthen your Pyramid Model implementation and become a reliable observer of preschool classroom practices?

Join the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) Reliability Training, an intensive virtual workshop designed for early childhood professionals with prerequisite knowledge of the Pyramid Model. Participants will learn to assess preschool teacher implementation of Pyramid Model practices and, upon successfully meeting reliability standards, will receive a TPOT Reliability Certificate.

🗓 Dates: September 29, 30 & October 1
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
💻 Location: Virtual
💲 Cost: FREE

⚠️ Space is limited, so don't wait to register!

This is an excellent opportunity for coaches, trainers, and early childhood professionals looking to deepen their understanding of Pyramid Model implementation and strengthen their observation and coaching skills.

🔗 Register today using the link in comments!

07/29/2026

07/24/2026

This fall, the Oregon Center for Career Development is holding additional Listening Sessions on the Oregon Registry Steps redesign.
Since the 2024-2025 listening sessions, a group of providers and partners reviewed all your feedback and used it to build a new and improved draft. Now we're asking for your voice again to help us get this right.
Take a minute to fill out a quick survey and help us find the best times and ways to connect with you this fall. Learn more at https://www.oregon.gov/delc/providers/Pages/ECE-support.aspx :~:text=October%20Revision%20Feedback%20Sessions

07/23/2026

Now Hiring: Preschool Promise Instructional Coach

We are seeking a passionate and relationship-centered Preschool Promise Instructional Coach to support early childhood educators and programs across Lincoln County.

This role works directly alongside preschool teachers, family child care providers, instructional leaders, and early learning programs to strengthen high-quality early childhood practices through reflective coaching, classroom support, training, and collaborative goal setting. The coach helps educators build inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments where young children and families can thrive across Lincoln County.

This position is ideal for someone who:
✨ Believes in relationship-based coaching and educator support
✨ Is passionate about early childhood education and equity
✨ Enjoys collaborating with programs to strengthen classroom practice and professional growth
✨ Values inclusion, family partnerships, and culturally responsive learning environments

📍 Primarily serving Lincoln County early learning programs
💼 .75 FTE with comprehensive benefits
🗓 Application deadline: August 10th - Check comments for link to apply!

Join a team committed to uplifting educators, strengthening early learning systems, and supporting children and families across our region!

07/10/2026

Strong Partnerships with Families Start with Strong Relationships

Families are a child's first and most important teachers, and when educators and families work together, children thrive.

The Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University offers a collection of free videos and resources to help early childhood professionals strengthen family engagement and build meaningful partnerships. Topics include:

• Building positive relationships with families
• Understanding and honoring each family's culture
• Encouraging family involvement in children's learning
• Supporting children through strong home-school partnerships
• Resources families can use to continue learning at home

Whether you're looking for fresh ideas, reflective practices, or tools to strengthen communication, these evidence-based resources can support your work with children and families.

🔗 Explore the resources here:
https://www.easternct.edu/center-for-early-childhood-education/teaching-strategies/working-with-families.html

Families are children’s first and most important teachers. Children are best supported when early care and education providers work in partnership with their families.

07/09/2026

Every Child Belongs Is Now Available Statewide!

Supporting young children can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also come with challenges. You don't have to navigate them alone.

Every Child Belongs (ECB) is a FREE statewide support system for Oregon early learning programs, designed to help educators create inclusive, supportive environments where every child can thrive. Whether you're working through challenging behaviors, supporting a child with unique needs, or looking for strategies before concerns escalate, ECB is here to help.

Through Every Child Belongs, you can access:
✔ Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
✔ Technical assistance for early learning practices
✔ Behavioral support strategies
✔ Inclusion supports
✔ Family engagement tools
✔ Professional development and Focused Child Care Networks

Reach out if:
• A child's behavior feels challenging.
• You're unsure how to meet a child's needs.
• You'd like support strengthening your learning environment.
• You want help before challenges become bigger.
• Your program has experienced a traumatic event and needs additional support.

Getting support is simple. Visit everychildbelongs.org, complete a short request form, and a regional Every Child Belongs specialist will typically contact you within 1–2 business days to discuss your situation and identify supports tailored to your program.

Together, we can help ensure every child belongs in a safe, supportive, and inclusive early learning environment.

🔗 Learn more and request support: everychildbelongs.org