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Dear Families,
As summer gives way to fall, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our returning families and a special welcome to those who are joining our Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program for the first time.
Whether your child is just beginning services or continuing their journey with us, we are honored to partner with your family. Every day, our staff is committed to helping children learn, grow, and thrive while building strong relationships with the people who know them best—you.
The start of a new school year brings excitement, fresh opportunities, and new milestones. We look forward to celebrating each success alongside your family, whether it's a first word, a new friendship, increased confidence, or another meaningful step toward your child's goals.
One of the best ways to become involved in our program is by joining your local Early Learning Advisory Committee (ELAC). ELACs bring together parents, caregivers, and community members who share a common goal: supporting young children with disabilities and strengthening services in our communities.
As an ELAC member, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Connect with other families who understand your experiences.
- Learn more about Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education.
- Share your ideas and experiences to help improve services for children and families.
- Partner with us in shaping the future of our program.
Your voice matters, and we would love to have you involved. Further details are available below.
Looking ahead, our team is already beginning to prepare for Oregon's next legislative session. While we're excited about the year ahead, we also know that ensuring children receive the services they need requires continued advocacy. This spring, we'll be reaching out to families with opportunities to help tell your child’s story while helping us advocate for the funding our youngest learners deserve. Family voices are incredibly powerful, and together we can help policymakers understand the lasting impact that early intervention has on children, families, and communities.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of your child's early learning journey. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with your family and look forward to a wonderful year filled with growth, learning, and celebration.
Wishing you and your family a joyful fall season.
Warmly,
Stacy Rager
Executive Director, Early Learning
Northwest Regional Education Service District
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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:
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Setting Up Predictable Home Routines
As the new school year begins, remember that many autistic children do best with consistent, predictable routines. Simple morning and evening routines help children know what to expect and can make each day feel calmer and more successful.
Even with familiar routines, it may take extra time to adjust after summer break. Some days will be easier than others, and that's okay. Consistency and gentle support can help children feel safe, confident, and ready to participate.
Also, visual supports, such as picture schedules, First-Then boards, and routine checklists, help children understand and see what comes next. These tools can reduce stress, support smoother transitions, and build independence during busy parts of the day.
Below are resources and practical tools to help you create simple, visually supported routines that make mornings and evenings more predictable for your family. We hope they help your child get off to a great start this school year!
Review of Support Strategies:
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Use a visual schedule to show the steps for getting ready each morning.
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Keep bedtime and wake-up times consistent to help your child adjust to the school schedule.
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Show the visual before giving directions and use short, simple language.
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Allow extra time so routines feel calm instead of rushed.
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Prep items like clothing the night before to reduce stress.
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Celebrate small successes as your child learns the new routine.
Helpful Resources:
*Reach out to your service provider if you have questions or need support setting up your routines.
Autism Friendly Events and Activities: September
Helpful FACT Oregon Trainings and Articles:
The ABCs for Little Ones in EI and ECSE - Click Here
Your Child’s Journey: Transitioning from EI to ECSE - Click Here
For Kids With Disabilities, Early Intervention Boosts Academics Later - Read Article Here
FACT Oregon Quarterly Newsletter - August 2026 Click Here
Getting Ready for Kindergarten: Eating, Sleeping, and Toileting Routines
As the start of school gets closer, helping your child adjust to school-day routines can make the transition smoother for everyone. Here are a few ideas to help establish daily routines. Start practicing these routines ahead of time. Some children may adjust within a week or two, while others may need a little longer. Share the excitement of this new kindergarten adventure with your child, and encourage them as they learn new habits that will help them be successful at school.
Eating on a Schedule- School schedules generally require children to eat snacks and lunch at specific times. If this will not work for your child, start talking with your child’s special education team ahead of time to make a plan. If your child can adjust to a new eating routine, start working on these habits:
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Set regular meal times- Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at approximately the same times they will eat at school helps their brains and bodies get used to being hungry at those times.
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Reduce snacks- Children are more likely to eat well at mealtimes if they haven't been snacking throughout the day. Offering a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack between meals can better match their school and after-school schedules while still leaving them hungry for meals.
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Keep meal times limited- Children generally have about 20 minutes to eat at school. Help your child practice focusing on eating during mealtimes and recognizing when they have had enough to eat.
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Lunchbox management- As your child is able and if they will be eating packed lunches, help them learn to manage their own lunchbox, food containers, and packaging. Try some packed lunches at home with your child to be sure they can open things themselves and to get comfortable with eating food from a lunchbox.
Establishing Sleep Routines- Start practicing sleep and wake times that match your child's school schedule as closely as possible. If your child has challenges with sleeping and may need accommodations, talk to your special education team ahead of time.
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Darken the house/quiet the house- While the sun is shining, it’s challenging to convince children it’s bedtime. Asking other members of the house to quiet down until the child is asleep and closing blinds/curtains to darken the house after dinner can make bedtime feel more natural.
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Steady routine for sleep- Developing consistent bedtime routines makes it easier on everyone. Follow the same pattern to get ready for bed each day, even as you adjust the time.
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Wake them early- Though it can be tempting to let your child sleep in, it helps to wake them at the time they will need to for school. This helps ensure they are ready for an earlier bedtime and prepared to wake up for the school day.
Toileting in Public- Children who use the toilet may be hesitant to use the restroom at school. For many, this is the first time they will spend a full school day away from home, making it important to feel comfortable using public restrooms. Helping them practice ahead of time can make the experience less intimidating. If your child needs toileting accommodations, be sure to discuss them with their school.
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Practice throughout your day- When you are in stores, restaurants, or parks, take your child to the bathroom to explore. Even if they don’t use the toilet, learning how other toilets work (especially self-flushing toilets!), how to wash their hands in different settings, and how to manage locks can make the experience less scary when they’re on their own.
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Practice independence in all the steps- Locking and unlocking the stall, pulling clothing up and down, flushing the toilet, washing hands, and rinsing off soap are all parts of toileting that adults often help with. As your child is able, encourage them to practice these skills and problem-solve independently while you are there to offer support.
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Northwest Early Learning Hub supports families by investing in community resources, supporting strategic partnerships as well as providing navigation and support when families are looking for early learning opportunities. Our service region is Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook County. Northwest Early Learning Hub houses Northwest Parenting.
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!
Sign up For Lantern: Parenting Tips via Text
…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://mylantern.org/ for more information
Dolly Parton’s 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 all across Oregon!
To sign up, click on the county you live in:
Stay connected! Click here to explore the Early Learning Calendar for upcoming events.
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