The Caring Closet is Open at Beaverton Early Childhood Center!
The Caring Closet is a free resource available to families in need, offering gently used clothing, new hygiene items, basic household supplies, toys, and books—all provided with care and dignity.
If your family could benefit from support, please reach out to your Service Coordinator, who can help request the items you need. Items can be delivered to your location to make access easy and private.
This resource is made possible through community donations. If you’d like to donate, or have questions, contact Samantha Canfield at scanfield@nwresd.k12.or.us.
We’re here to support one another—because every family deserves to feel cared for.
Save the Date! 2025 Washington County DD Resource Fair
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Garden Home Recreation Center - 7475 SW Oleson Rd., Portland, OR 97223
FACT Oregon - A Series for Families of Children Birth-5 Navigating Early Childhood Services
Are you raising a young child with a disability or developmental delay? You’re not alone—and we’re here to walk this journey with you.
This 5-week series is for parents and caregivers just like you to learn, share, and feel supported. Build your confidence, find your voice, and help your child thrive.
For more information click here to go to FACT Oregon’s website.
Join the Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC)!
The ELAC is a group of parents/caregivers and community members working together to support young children with disabilities in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington County. By joining, you'll connect with other families, share your voice, learn more about Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE), and help improve services in your community.
Interested in getting involved? Contact the representative for your county:
We’d love to have you join us!
September is National Literacy Month, let’s get ready to read!
This month serves as a reminder that literacy is a fundamental right and a vital skill for navigating life. What does this mean for autistic children and families?
Early literacy skills can be challenging for some autistic children due to difficulties with language, social interaction, and paying attention. These challenges can impact a child's ability to engage with early literacy activities.
However, if we prioritize a few key elements when choosing books and adjust our approach to reading, we can make the child’s experience with early literacy activities both engaging and enjoyable.
- Choose books with simple language and colorful engaging pictures.
- Choose books that are easy to follow such as rhyming books with predictable text.
- Choose books that are interactive and have sensory-friendly materials to explore.
- Choose books that are interest-based and that the child can relate to.
Remember to make it FUN! Incorporate silly voices, sound effects, and expressive reactions when reading.
You may also want to consider reading books with your child that have autistic characters, or books on how everybody is different to foster understanding and create a sense of belonging for all. Below is a list of books to get you started if you want to explore this option.
📚Your local Library is a great place to start if you want to check out some of the recommended books. We hope you enjoy exploring books with your child! 📚
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