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Dear Families,
Whether your child is starting kindergarten this fall or you’re just beginning to explore what comes next, this season brings a wonderful opportunity to support your child’s growing independence and curiosity.
In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll find helpful tips and tools to ease the transition into kindergarten, from when and how to register to everyday routines that build school readiness. Simple activities like reading together, practicing self-help skills, and talking about what school might be like can go a long way in helping your child feel confident and excited.
And while kindergarten is a big step, it’s just one of many important milestones in the early years. From first words to first steps, potty training to making friends, every stage of development is worth celebrating. No matter your child’s age, we’re here to walk alongside you with encouragement, resources, and support.
Let’s continue to celebrate these incredible early years—together!
Warmly,
Stacy Rager
Executive Director of Early Learning
Northwest Regional ESD
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Kindergarten Registration Is Coming Soon!
It’s almost time to register for kindergarten! Children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2026, are eligible to start kindergarten in the fall.
Each county and school district sets its own registration dates, but most begin enrollment in late winter or early spring. Families in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties should keep an eye out for announcements from their local school districts.
We encourage caregivers to check their local school district website for updated registration dates and steps.
If you need help finding your district’s kindergarten registration information, reach out to your Service Coordinator — we’re here to support you!
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:
Meetings are still being held in February and May. We’d love to have you join us!
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💗Showing Love and Connection💗
💗February is a month we think about love and connection. Families show love in many ways; through hugs, words, routines, laughter, and shared moments. For families with autistic children, connection may look a little different, but it is just as meaningful and powerful.
Autistic children often experience and express connection in unique ways. Some may seek closeness through movement, shared play, or routines rather than words, eye contact or even hugs. Others may show love by bringing you an object, repeating a favorite phrase, or wanting you nearby while they play. When you tune in to how your child connects, the relationship can grow stronger and your child will feel safe, understood, and valued.
Here are some ways we can connect and show love:
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Play together at their level -follow their lead and join in their favorite activity.
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Use gentle touch or high fives -if your child enjoys it, simple gestures can show affection.
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Share special routines -reading a book, rocking together, a greeting routine, or a consistent bedtime ritual.
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Celebrate achievements -smile, clap, or cheer for small successes.
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Spend quiet time together -sitting side by side, watching, or exploring something new.
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Use their interests to engage -if they love trains, cars, or blocks, use that to connect.
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Talk or narrate -describe what’s happening or how you feel, even if they don’t respond verbally.
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Using simple language, responding to all forms of communication, and respecting sensory preferences also build trust and understanding.
Remember, being present, noticing your child, and meeting them where they are shows love in powerful ways. These everyday moments of connection support emotional safety, regulation, and growth.💗
Autism Friendly Events and Activities:
Reminder: FACT Oregon Early Childhood Conference February 28, 2026. Click here for more details.
Helping Your Child Get Ready for Kindergarten
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Start routines early: Set a regular bedtime and practice morning routines a few weeks before school starts.
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Talk about school positively: Point out the school, read books about starting school, and let your child know teachers are safe, supportive adults.
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Build independence: Practice skills like putting on coats, tying shoes, and opening lunch containers; give simple chores at home.
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Explore and connect: Read together often and visit places like parks, libraries, or the school playground to spark curiosity and confidence.
These small steps can help your child feel confident, comfortable, and excited about starting kindergarten!
Looking for Ideas to Help Your Child Grow and Learn?
Pathways.org is a wonderful resource for families with babies and young children. Their website offers easy, fun activities, games, and videos that help support development and build important skills. You’ll find tools to encourage movement, communication, play, and everyday milestones — all created with guidance from pediatric experts.
Whether you're looking for tummy-time ideas, language-building activities, or ways to support your child’s motor skills, Pathways.org provides simple, trusted support for every stage of development.
Explore more at Pathways.org to help your little one learn and thrive! Click here for the website.
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Northwest Parenting Updates: Northwest Parenting is a regional collaborative that delivers parenting education programs, educational workshops, family engagement opportunities and support for school success to families in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.
For more opportunities visit our Facebook page and calendar !
Upcoming parenting supports:
Virtual Make Parenting a Pleasure: Mondays Starting February 16th
12:00- 2:00 pm via Zoom Sign up here: forms.gle/eCTp7cxnyWLD78rc8
Parent Cafes Wednesdays at the St Helens Community Center: More info Here
Café con Padres Thursdays at the St Helens Community Center : More info Here
Kaleidoscope Play and Learn groups are going strong in Clatsop County.
Mondays 10:30am-12:00pm at Warrenton Library : https://www.nwresd.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/8530/681?curm=12&cury=2025
Fridays 10:30am-12:00pm at Wickiup Community Center : https://www.nwresd.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/8536/681?curm=12&cury=2025
To explore other amazing opportunities in your county—like Parent Cafés, the Super Dads Group, and Play and Learn sessions—be sure to visit our calendar or follow us on Facebook!
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by providing families with free books. Children from birth to age five are eligible in Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook Counties. Funding for this program is provided by performer Dolly Parton, Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization, Northwest Early Learning Hub, United Way of Columbia County and donations from local community partners.
To sign up, click on the county you live in:
We value your input and are here to help! Use this email address to share your thoughts, ask questions, or stay updated about our agency. Your feedback is important to us!
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