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Dear Families,
At NWRESD Early Learning, we believe that children thrive when families feel connected, supported, and valued. Parenting a child with a disability can be deeply meaningful—and at times, it can also feel isolating. That’s why building community with other families who understand your journey is so important.
One wonderful way to connect is through the Northwest Regional Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC is a parent-led group for families whose children receive services through NWRESD. It’s a welcoming space to share experiences, learn from one another, and have a voice in shaping the programs that support our children.
PAC gatherings and events create meaningful opportunities to build friendships, exchange ideas, and strengthen our sense of belonging. Whether you choose to attend a meeting, participate in an event, or simply stay informed, your voice and perspective matter. I encourage you to learn more about the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).
Families can also get involved through the Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) that meets in each of our four counties: Washington, Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook. These councils offer another way to stay informed, share your input, and help strengthen early learning services in your local community. If you’re interested in joining or learning more about the ELAC meetings, just scroll down for more information and how to get connected.
We are better when we are together.
Warmly,
Stacy Rager
Executive Director of Early Learning
Northwest Regional ESD
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The NWRESD Handbook Is Now Available!
We’re happy to let you know that the NWRESD Handbook(click here) is now available for you to view at any time. This handbook is designed to support you throughout your Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education journey. Inside, you’ll find helpful information about services, family rights, program expectations, and resources available to you and your child.
We encourage you to use the handbook as a guide and reference whenever questions come up. If you ever need more support or want help understanding any part of the information, please reach out — we’re here for 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:
There is one more meeting being held in May for the 2025/26 school year. We’d love to have you join us!
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🌲Community Safety Tips for Families🌳
Exploring the outdoors and community settings can be very exciting for young autistic children, but some may leave a safe space unexpectedly, which is referred to as elopement. This behavior is not uncommon and often driven by curiosity, sensory needs, or difficulty communicating, not disobedience. A little planning can go a long way in keeping everyone safe.
Here are some Helpful Safety Strategies
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Prepare before you goTalk about where you’re going and what will happen. Using pictures, a simple schedule, or a short social story can help your child know what to expect.
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Set clear, simple rulesUse short phrases like “Stay with me,” “Hold hands,” or “Stop and wait.” Practice these at home so your child can learn them in a calm setting.
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Use visual supportsVisual cards or pictures for “stop,” “wait,” “come back,” and “all done” can help children understand expectations and communicate their needs.
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Keep your child engagedBring favorite toys, snacks, or comfort items to help keep your child interested and regulated while out in the community.
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Choose safe clothing optionsBright-colored clothing, ID bracelets, or tags with contact information can make it easier to find your child quickly if they wander.
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Practice safety skills at homePlay simple games that practice stopping, waiting, and coming when called. Turning safety into a game can make learning feel fun and positive.
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Celebrate staying closeNotice and praise your child when they stay nearby or follow safety rules. Positive attention helps build these important skills.
Helpful information on Elopement and Safety:
Check out some local library storytime options over Spring Break!
- *From the library: "This preschool storytime is especially welcoming for children on the spectrum and families who are looking for a smaller, more adaptive library experience."
Check out the OPEC BLOG (Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative): Here you’ll find research-based, practical tips about parenting children of all ages. Find information for early childhood, parenting teens, resources for culturally and identity specific needs, and more. Browse new articles, search for a topic, or see all articles in English or Spanish.
Join Hidden Creek and Northwest Regional ESD for this free Sensory Playtime! Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education staff will be on hand to share information about child development, answer basic questions, and provide details about services and supports available to families with children aged 5 and under.
Play is self-led, and adult supervision is required. At least one adult/guardian must remain present at all times.
0-5 years of age | Hidden Creek Community Center
Mondays: 3/9, 4/13, 5/11, & 6/89 am to 11 am
Included with a Play Pass, Family Membership, or Single Visit Fee.Supervising adults attend free. No Registration Required.
Sharing on behalf of Family 2 Family:
“Shared Care: Team Up With Your School Nurse.”
This event will be a panel discussion and Q&A session, intended for “families of pre-school or school age children with medical needs and the professionals who support them.” It is presented in collaboration with Oregon school nurses by the Family-2-Family program, which is part of the OHSU Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs.
Here are the informational flyers in English and Spanish.
If you have questions, please contact F2F at contact@oregonfamilytofamily.org | 855-323-6744.
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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!
Lantern: Because kids don’t come with instructions, we’re here to help one text message at a time.
- FREE, easy, practical tips and information for parents & caregivers.
- Messages timed exactly to your child’s due date or date of birth.
- Information about free services and events based on your zip code.
Text : BRIGHT To: 274 448
Visit https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16SAmudgJt/ for more information
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:
Interested in Free Preschool?
Preschool Application for the 2026/2027 school year will open this spring and will also be available on our website.
Visit our site to learn more about free preschools in your area: https://www.nwresd.org/departments/instructional-services/early-learning-hub
Apply for Preschool Promise here: https://webportalapp.com/.../nwelcoordinatedenrollment25-26
Apply for Head Start here: https://nworheadstart.org/
March 23 - April 3 Program Break
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