In This Newsletter
Dear Families,
As the winter season approaches, we want to take a moment to celebrate the diversity, traditions and cultures that make our community so vibrant. Whether you mark this time with cherished holidays, seasonal rituals or moments of quiet reflection, we wish you and your loved ones warmth, joy and connection.
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in supporting your remarkable children. Their curiosity, resilience and unique perspectives inspire us every day, and we feel honored to be part of their learning journeys.
Thank you for contributing to the rich fabric of our community. Together, we create a welcoming and inclusive space where every child and family can feel valued and supported.
Wishing you a wonderful winter season and a bright New Year filled with hope and possibility!
Warmly,
The Northwest Regional Education Service District Early Learning Team
Parents, your voices are needed to help us advocate for adequate EI/ECSE funding! Please consider sharing your voice at one of our upcoming events:
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January 27th, 5:30-7:00, in-person advocacy workshop at Washington Service Center located at 5825 NE Ray Circle, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Childcare and dinner provided!
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February 5th, 5:30-7:00, virtual advocacy workshop, online. Same content as the in-person workshop, but delivered in an online format for those unable to attend the in- person event.
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February 26, time TBD, in-person advocacy day in Salem, Oregon. Come share your family's story with local lawmakers in advance of the legislative session. Your voice and experiences can make a difference!
We will send a separate mailing with more information in advance of the first event in January. Please partner with us as we help our legislators understand the importance of EI/ECSE services!
Learn more about these upcoming opportunities.
 All parents and caregivers of children who are receiving Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education are invited to attend a winter holiday party hosted by our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). You'll have the opportunity to learn more about the work our PAC is doing and how to get involved. The festivities will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 at our Washington Service Center in Hillsboro.
We'll enjoy an evening of fun, crafts and food. Dinner will be provided. Activities will include a hot cocoa station, a gingerbread house station, a painting activity and a bouncy house.
Learn more about this event.
✈ Autism Travel Tips & Connecting with Family/Caregivers ✈
“Autism is a journey, and every person’s experience is unique.” –Stephen Shore
Are you planning on flying soon with your child? Below you will find some helpful information and tips on supporting autistic individuals when flying out of Portland International Airport.
“To help children with sensory needs, Portland International Airport has partnered with a pair of local organizations — the Autism Society of Oregon and the Portland chapter of the national nonprofit KultureCity — to create a sensory room (pictured below).
The airport has also implemented an innovative program to help visitors with hidden disabilities, who can opt to wear a Sunflower Lanyard to indicate they may need extra help while traveling”
Sunflower Lanyards are available at these locations:
- All airline ticket counters
- Travel Oregon Welcome Center in baggage claim
- Lanyards will also be available a minimum of 14 days’ advance notice of future travel by contacting the Autism Society of Oregon by email: Info@AutismSocietyOregon.org.
Additional Resources to Support Family & Caregiver Connections!
“It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the village.” –Elaine Hall
Free class series for parents and caregivers:
Why Was 6 Afraid of 7? Because 7 - 8 - 9!
Introducing math to your child doesn’t have to be difficult. Without even noticing it, we use mathematical language all the time – from using size comparison words like big and little to counting the number of utensils to put out for a family meal.
Here are some simple (and fun!) ways to start thinking and talking about math skills with your little one.
Note: In this article math is referred to as “maths.” Maths is the preferred term in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and other English-speaking places.
Promoting Resilience in Young Children through the Play and Learning Environment:
Young children are sensitive to their surrounding environment. Their behavior and their development are affected by how we arrange both our indoor and outdoor spaces. When designing classroom environments, it is important to take into consideration the likes, dislikes and cultures of the children and families enrolled in the program.
The same is true for the home environment. Well-designed spaces that allow for movement, active, imaginative, and quiet play contribute to children’s overall development and well-being.
Read more about how to build resilience in your child.
How Parents Can Reduce Children’s Challenging Behaviors
Hey, parents! Don’t FLIP OUT, use FLIP IT! Are you interested in finding a way to stay calm, be consistent and support your children (ages 3-8) when they are challenging you?
FLIP IT is a strategy that offers a simple, kind, and commonsense process to address children’s challenging behavior. Check out this one-hour webinar designed just for parents/families, all about this four-step strategy.
Watch the video.
Sensory Santa - Join the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District Dec. 14-15 for a free event especially for children with sensory needs. Children can enjoy up to 10 minutes of private time with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment with no lines and no crowds. Holiday treats will also be available.
Registration is required and begins at 9 a.m. on Nov. 12. Register at THPRD.org/portal or call 503-629-6312.
2024 Festive Holiday Events on the Oregon Coast
Keep it Local Columbia County Holiday Events
Winter Festivals & Events Hillsboro Oregon
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