Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) buzzed with excitement as families from across Multnomah County gathered for a third year of learning about preschool options. Hosted by Early Learning Multnomah, a program of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, this event provided families with children under five a day of interactive learning and invaluable information on accessible preschool options.
The significance of early childhood education cannot be overstated, especially for low-income families. Access to high-quality preschool programs has been linked to improved academic outcomes, better social skills, and increased economic mobility in the long run. However, children from low-income families are less likely to enroll in such programs, highlighting the need for initiatives that promote their enrollment.
Recognizing these challenges, the event brought together a coalition of partners, including Head Start programs, Preschool for All, CAIRO, 211, Sunshine Division, and the Multnomah County Library. This collaboration ensured that families had access to a wealth of resources tailored to their unique needs. Such partnerships are essential in leveraging shared resources and expertise, expanding reach and impact, and fostering innovation in early childhood education.
"I want to make sure as a parent that my child is going to a quality preschool. The options available at this event can empower my family in a way that I can make informed decisions about the future of my little kid."
Daniel Evangelista, mother of two in Gresham
For Daniela Evangelista, a mother of two from Gresham, the event was eye-opening. “I came to this interested in learning more about the Preschool for All program and Preschool Promise. I wasn't aware of what they were exactly, but now I understand so much more about these options. The funding that is available to help families get to preschool programs is out there, which takes a weight off me. Basically, I have options. That's what matters for families, that we have the feeling that we have options even though our income may be a key to deciding whether our children will get into a good preschool.”
A standout feature of the event was the Preschool Marketplace website, a user-friendly platform designed to help families in Multnomah County find preschool options that align with their needs. By simply entering their preferences, parents could explore a curated list of programs, ensuring their children have access to quality early education.
Evangelista also highlighted the value of the event's structure. “I definitely feel more informed in the way we were welcomed. This space is very good for families. We have kids that can go and explore and have fun, the dinner that is provided lets us focus on learning about preschool options. I think everything was wonderful. Having dinner, having places for the other children to stay engaged so parents can focus on the information, it's all great.”
Liz Mateo, an ERSEA Specialist at Mt. Hood Community College, emphasized the importance of events like this for preschool providers. “This is awesome, it's so organized. This is the kind of event we need as preschool providers. For us, and other Head Start programs, this is the kind of event we love to attend. We recruit a lot of families into our programs here. It's great to inform families there is this kind of program in the community and they can utilize it.”
CAIRO representatives echoed the sentiment that the event was a success. “I think the event went really well, it was a good mix of people and the event set up let them interact with the exhibits while still learning about preschool options.” Another CAIRO representative added, “The exposure of our program, people learning about us and us being able to answer questions and talk with parents is invaluable.”
The choice of OMSI as the venue added an extra layer of engagement. Children and their parents immersed themselves in hands-on exhibits, blending fun with learning. Such environments not only stimulate curiosity but also provide a communal space where families can connect, share experiences, and build supportive networks. Strong community ties have been shown to broaden children's horizons and boost their confidence.
The Early Learning Multnomah event serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration. By uniting various organizations with a shared goal, the event not only provided immediate resources to families but also strengthened the foundation for ongoing support in early childhood education. As we look to the future, such initiatives will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.
“I want to make sure as a parent that my child is going to a quality preschool. The options available at this event can empower my family in a way that I can make informed decisions about the future of my little kid,” Evangelista concluded.
