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Dec. 1, 2021
Greetings -
Happy December to you and your families. As the winter holidays approach, I want you to know I am grateful to each and every one of you. Parents and caregivers are their child’s first and best teacher, and Northwest Regional is honored to work alongside you to help your child thrive. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, please know that we are committed to supporting you and your child.
I am so pleased to share some important work our educators are embarking on this year. Part of educating, equipping and inspiring children to achieve their full potential and enriching their communities is making sure our education workforce is empowered to interrupt racism, oppression and microaggressions. That’s why our organization has launched a multiyear project that aims to reduce racism and make our schools a safer place for everyone.
This year, dozens of our educators are taking part in equity learning teams to help equip them with the tools they need to become antiracist educators. Part of this work is acknowledging that racism continues to harm many of our community members and children. We are capable and committed to working collaboratively to educate ourselves about how we can be better. I look forward to sharing more about this work with you in the future. In the meantime, please know that students are at the heart of this project. As always, I’m available if you have any questions. Please email Sabine Eaton at seaton@nwresd.k12.or.us to get in touch.
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In solidarity-
Johnna Timmes
Executive Director of Early Learning
P.S. Northwest Regional ESD is hiring! We have dozens of job openings across the region. If you are looking for a flexible schedule, we are also hiring substitute teachers and support staff. We offer a generous benefits package for full-time positions, including full medical benefits, generous leave, access to a pension and access to various tax-sheltered accounts. We are also proud of our continuous commitment to becoming an antiracist, multicultural organization. Visit our careers page.
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If your family receives early intervention or early childhood special education services from Northwest Regional ESD or if you are a child care provider with a student who receives services from us, we want to make sure you are getting the most out of these services and supports. Our service providers and specialists want to work with you to try new strategies in a way that works for the child and your routine.
As service providers, we are committed to helping your child succeed in areas where they are struggling. That might mean they need to learn new skills or strategies. As a parent or caregiver, you can use strategies to help your child make progress. Use the questions below before starting a new skill, routine or strategy with your child or student:
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What is the best time to start this new practice? For example, if the child is practicing sounds, maybe a good time to practice those sounds would be in front of the mirror while brushing their teeth in the morning or the evening.
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What are the challenges that might come up when introducing a new routine? For example, if a routine like going outside is often a challenge, think about how you might help the child learn the steps of how to get ready. Most people enjoy knowing what’s coming next, so be sure to tell your child what is happening!
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What skills might help me or my child/student be more successful with this new strategy? You might ask yourself what specific thing the child could learn to help them get through that routine more easily. For example, if a child gets upset often, they need support to learn how to regulate their emotions.
Learn more about Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education at Northwest Regional ESD.
If you are an educational provider and have seen something that really works, please email communications@nwresd.k12.or.us to have your tip featured.
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From Referral to Eligibility: An Introduction to the Special Education Evaluation Process
Dec. 2, 2021 - 6-8 p.m.
This free training session is for preschool providers and child care professionals who want to know more about the process for referring children for a special education evaluation.
Parenting Skills Workshop for Families in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties
They say being a parent is the most important job in the world. But parenting takes practice and building a strong and loving family doesn’t just happen. That’s why Northwest Parenting, a program of Northwest Regional ESD, is now offering a free parenting skills workshop for all families in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties. This course will help you improve your parenting skills in a supportive environment. Use this link to let us know you are interested, and we will work with you to find a time that works with your schedule.
This training is currently only available in English.
To see the latest events, you can always visit our events calendar.
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Resources: Children’s Books for Every Family
The approaching holidays offer a great opportunity to diversify the books in your little ones’ lives. It is important for all children to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Check out this article from Mother Mag about why we all need to read diverse books to our kids. Thank you to Mother Mag and Colours of Us for curating these book lists.
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These 40 books feature characters with autism, Down Syndrome, limb differences, blindness, deafness, stuttered speech and more. Go to the book list. |
These 70+ books celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino/a/x people. Titles include historical figures as well as fictional stories. Go to the book list. |
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Check out these 100+ children’s titles that celebrate Black history. There are stories about well-known and lesser-known people. Go to the book list. |
Take a look at these 100+ children’s books that celebrate LGBTQI+ families and children. Go to the list. |
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Teach your children about Indigenous culture with these Native American children’s books for all ages. Go to the book list. |
Take a look at these 40 Filipino American books for children and teenagers. Go to the book list. |
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Families in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties: Do You Need Books for Your Child?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program for children from birth to age five. Each month, an age-appropriate book is mailed directly to the enrolled child's home at no cost to the family. Families in Clatsop, Columbia or Tillamook County can enroll using the links below:
Books are available in English and Spanish. Learn more about the Northwest Early Learning Hub.
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Free Texting Service Offers Practical Parenting Tips
All families in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties are invited to sign up for Bright by Text, a free texting service that provides easy, practical parenting tips in English and Spanish. The service provides parents and caregivers tips and activities for children prenatally through age 8.
Text ELHKIDS to 274448 or go to bbtxt.org/3mgH5Q6 to sign up.
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About Early Learning at Northwest Regional ESD
Our Early Learning programs support children, families and child care providers. Our Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education programs focus on children ages birth to 5 who are experiencing disabilities. These programs work with children and families who live in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties.
We also operate three programs that support child care providers and families in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties. Our Child Care Resource and Referral program works to strengthen the skills of child care providers and builds child care capacity in the region. The Northwest Parenting Hub offers classes and support to parents and families. Our Early Learning Hub works to ensure children are ready for kindergarten.
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