Early Learning System Initiative

🎉REGISTER TODAY for Bridges to Belonging!

Bridges to Belonging is a free monthly virtual learning series on building bridges and inclusive practices for ourselves, the adult learners we support, and children and families. This event is for DELC-funded TA Professionals and CIT/CLT Leads.

🎤 Throughout the 2026-2027 school year, we will be featuring: Dr. Rosemarie Allen (Center for Equity and Excellence), Lori Cohen (Lori Cohen Consulting), Ilsa Govan, and Richard Kim (Cultures Connecting)

Reserve your spot today - we're excited to learn together! ✨

In a world that often asks us to do more, move faster, and give more of ourselves, this month's invitation is different.

Pause.
Breathe.
Be Present.

Let good enough be enough.

Save the Date!

ELSI Coaching Core invites you to their in-person Coaching Summit on September 23-24th, 2026 at the Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry in Salem, Oregon.

We are offering two learning tracks: Practice-Based Coaching and Advanced Coaching Extension.

Registration is coming soon! If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

As we move through the summer season, consider what helps you feel grounded, connected, and renewed.

There is no right answer. Wellness looks different for each of us.

What is nourishing you these days?

📣 New newsletter alert!

This month's ELSInsider is packed with summer updates and upcoming learning opportunities. Don't miss future editions—subscribe to receive the latest news straight to your inbox: https://earlylearningsysteminitiative.substack.com/

July invites us to move a little more gently.

This month, consider offering yourself the same care, patience, and compassion that you so often extend to others.

What is one way you can slow down this month?

We are at the The Research Institute at Western Oregon University TRI Leadership Conference this week! ELSI team members, Kendall and Jasmin, co-facilitated a session today with Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education - OCCD on Navigating NAEYC Together. We hope to connect with you today/tomorrow!

Not a checklist.
Not another thing to do.
Just a few gentle invitations.

Take what supports you. Leave what doesn't.

Whether it's stepping outside, taking a mindful sip of water, or reaching out to someone you trust, small moments of care matter.

What is one small way you're caring for yourself this week?

New Free Professional Development Series Supports Early Learning Providers Across Oregon The Oregon DELC is launching free professional development series for child care providers to improve behavior management and relationship-building techniques, available in multiple languages.

Summer is made of tiny, shining moments — the ones we usually breeze past. This season, we invite you to look for the glimmers: warm light on your face, watching a flower bloom, or the hush of a slow morning. ✨

Here’s to a summer of intentional noticing, slow joy, and sun‑soaked gratitude — an open invitation to look up, look around, and let the little things light you up.