The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) Early Learning Division recently completed a second-round application process for prospective Early Learning Hubs (ELH). Five new ELHs were approved. Two additional applicants were not selected, but were recommended to merge with existing ELHs. The Early Learning Division asked Oregon Consensus to provide technical assistance to help these seven ELH sites achieve outcomes established by the ODE. Meeting the outcomes allows the sites to secure funding to support ELH implementation. OC technical assistance included facilitation and other collaborative governance services.
Early Learning Hubs are a new approach to community-based leadership that brings together schools, education providers, health care, social services and the private sector to build on current approaches to early childhood education. The hubs link families to services that improve educational outcomes, particularly for at-risk children.