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Read this newsletter in Spanish.Use Google Translate to view this newsletter in additional languages: http://translate.google.com/translate?u=https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORNWRESD/bulletins/3cf135a 

In This Newsletter

• Letter from the Executive Director
• News and Updates from Early Learning
• Empowering Families: Autism Tools & Resources
• Caregiver Tools and Resources

Letter from the Executive Director

🌟 A New School Year, New Opportunities

Dear Families,

As we begin a new school year, we want to warmly welcome you back—or simply welcome you! Whether this is your first time partnering with us or you’re returning after summer, we’re so glad to be on this journey with you.

Back-to-school season brings big feelings and fresh routines for many families. Helping your child ease into a new rhythm—through simple, predictable routines and plenty of reassurance—can make a big difference. Celebrate the small wins along the way, and know that our team is here to support you through each step.

This time of year is also a great opportunity to get more involved in shaping early childhood services in your community. One way to do this is by joining your Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC). LICCs bring together families, professionals, and community partners to ensure early intervention services meet the needs of all children and families. Your voice and experience are invaluable—please consider joining or attending a meeting! You can express your interest by emailing us at askearlylearning@nwresd.k12.or.us

As part of this month’s newsletter, you’ll also receive the annual notice of Parent Rights and Procedural Safeguards. This notice outlines your rights under special education law and is intended to support your understanding of the process and the services your child receives. If you have any questions after reviewing it, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Finally, a gentle reminder to care for yourselves as you care for your little ones. You are your child’s most important teacher and advocate, and your well-being matters deeply. Whether it’s five minutes of quiet, a walk outside, or a call with a friend—take that time when you can.

Here’s to a year of growth, partnership, and joyful learning.

Warmly,

Stacy Rager

Executive Director of Early Learning

News and Updates from Early Learning

Procedural Safeguards

A copy of the procedural safeguards must be given to parents once per school year and when certain other conditions are met. ODE’s Procedural Safeguards Notices below are aligned with the requirements of IDEA 2004, federal, and state regulations.

The current Procedural Safeguard Notices were prepared prior to the 2020-21 school year, but will remain in effect until districts and programs are notified otherwise. 

To access procedural safeguards in a variety of languages other than the languages listed below click here.

• English
• Spanish
• Russian
• Chinese

Empowering Families: Autism Tools & Resources

Tackling Toileting: It Takes Time!

Potty training is a big step for every child. For autistic children, it may take extra patience and support because differences in sensory needs, communication, and routines can affect when they’re ready. There is no one-size-fits all method and learning to use the toilet may take time—and that’s completely OK!

A few ways that may make the process smoother and less stressful include using visual supports, keeping routines consistent, offering positive reinforcement, and adjusting the environment to support your child’s sensory needs. Check out the information below for some helpful tips. 

*Tips for Toileting Success: 

• Consider Sensory Processing Needs. Some children with autism are sensitive to sounds, smells, or textures. Soft lighting, calming colors, and quiet can make the bathroom feel more welcoming. 
• Consider Interoceptive Awareness: Some children struggle to feel the internal signals (like a full bladder or bowels) that prompt the need to go to the bathroom. This book can be helpful: Listening to My Body
• Provide visual schedules or cue cards for each step.     
  • *FREE toileting sequences *Autism Little Learners
  • *Toileting Sequence: English/Spanish

• Use the same simple phrases each time you go through the routine to build familiarity. 

• Sample script: "Time to go potty! Pants down, sit on the toilet, pee or poop in the potty. All done—get toilet paper, wipe, flush toilet, pull up pants, wash hands. Yay, all finished!"

• Incorporate the child’s favorite characters, animals, or toys: If they love cars, dinosaurs, animals or a specific cartoon character, find ways to incorporate those into the toileting routine. 

• Reinforce positive behavior. Consider using a sticker chart in the bathroom to reward successful attempts. 
• Remember to gradually reduce adult assistance as the child becomes more independent

Additional Information: 

• Potty Training with Autism *Autism Little Learners

• A Parent’s Guide to Toilet Training an Autistic Child *Autism Speaks

• Toilet Training Tool Kit *Milestones Autism Resources

• Toilet Training Took Kit (in Spanish) *Milestones Autism Resources

*Remember to connect with your service provider if you have questions around supporting your child with toileting. 

Caregiver Tools and Resources

We’re excited to share a variety of upcoming trainings, resource fairs, and opportunities to connect, learn, and make your voice heard! Whether you’re looking for guidance, community, or new resources for your family, there’s something for everyone.

FACT Oregon

The Early Years, Together 

A Series for Families of Children Birth-5

Navigating Early Childhood Services

For more information on the training series click here.

DEC2025

Division for Early Childhood’s 41st Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families is happening in Portland. 

October 7-10, 2025

Oregon Convention Center, Portland

For more information click here.

Family Listening Session at the DEC2025 Conference

Please join FACT Oregon and the Division for Early Childhood for an open conversation between families and early childhood professionals about supports and services in IDEA Part C (Birth-3) and Part B 619 (preschool).

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center

(This session is in English)

To sign up for the listening session click here. 

Family Resource Fair

Saturday, October 11, 2025

10 AM - 1 PM

Beaverton City Library

12375 SW 5th St

Beaverton, OR 97005

Beaverton City Library's Family Resource Fair is a place for the community to connect with non-profit organizations that serve families with children 10 and younger. For more information click here. 

Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair

Saturday, October 18, 2025

10 AM - 2 PM

Garden Home Recreation Center

7475 SW Oleson Road

Portland, OR 97223

At the fair, you will be able to learn about available DD services such as attendant care, relief care, behavior consultation, community recreation, educational resources, residential services, employment support, and more. Plus, networking for parents and caregivers. For more information click here. 

Tillamook County Events

Single Parent Celebration

Being a single parent is hard work but you don’t have to do it alone.

For more information click here. 

Tillamook Family Counseling Center and Northwest Parenting  Present: Active Parenting

A comprehensive parent education series for parents and caregivers. 

For more information click here. 

Families in Rural Areas

Department of Pediatrics at OHSU seeking feedback from families who live in rural areas to help improve online parent training programs for families who have young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will receive a gift card for each focus group they attend (up to five total). For more information click here. (Be sure to contact the study team directly via the email provided.)

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