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Preschool Promise

Preschool Promise is Oregon’s innovative free preschool program. It is available to families whose income is at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or below. It is open for children who are 3 or 4 years old.

Equity From The Start

ELM is focused on racial equity for good reason—because biases built into our early learning system create barriers for children of color even before they step foot in a school.

Our Strategic Plan

We envision a world where families, healthcare professionals, preschool teachers, principals, policymakers, community leaders, and neighbors work together to give every child what they need to learn and grow.

Calming the Perfect Storm: Six Ways to Change Portland’s Practice of School Suspension and Expulsion

“It reminds me of a tornado,” says Hadiyah Miller. “It’s growing and there are a lot of pieces in the air.” Miller is an early childhood education expert and a member of Portland’s Black Child Development Council. She’s talking about—and taking on—school suspension and expulsion rates which disproportionately impact children of color from a very young age. Learn more about what the council is doing to calm the storm—and how you can help.

Ms. Lydia and Red Re-elected onto Parent-Leader Network Steering Committee

In August 2021, Lydia Gray-Holifield and Kathleen (Red) Holifield were re-elected onto the Parent Leader Network Steering Committee.

Petra, Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson, Ms. Lydia

PAC Leaders and ELM Director Sit on Preschool for All Community Advisory Committee

In August 2021, Lydia and Petra were appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, for their dedication and contribution in successfully passing Preschool for All in Multnomah County.

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child with balloon flower looks at camera as lion dancers dance in the background

PAC Celebration

Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

Parent voice and leadership are central to ELM’s work, and we often refer to the Parent Accountability Council (PAC) as the ‘heart’ of our work to build an early learning system that is free from bias and gives every child what they n

Animated family learning with their children with P-3 Fund supporting families

P-3 funds supporting families

Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

Story Provided by Multnomah County's SUN Service Program and P-3 Coordinators

Supporting Community Partner Vaccination Services Across Oregon

Friday, Jul. 8, 2022

In 2021, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (UWCW) developed a pooled fund to support efforts of community partners across Oregon in vaccine advocacy, access, and education.

group photo of preschoolers in red graduation gowns

Preschool Promise Supporting Families

Friday, Jul. 8, 2022

Our Preschool Promise providers, families, and Coordinated Enrollment team ended the year strong!