An OCF Metropolitan Portland Regional Action Initiative in Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River and Washington Counties
Parents are a child’s first teachers. Given that 90 percent of brain development happens by the time a child is six years old, parents are also a child’s most important teachers.
That’s why the Metropolitan Portland Regional Action Initiative Committee is focused on helping parents understand their critical role in early brain development.
On October 26, 2009, the Committee hosted a forum comprising more than 65 leaders. As a result of this meeting, the Committee decided to investigate methods for improving access to parenting services and information in the Metro region.
In June 2010, the Committee gave a grant to Portland State University’s Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services to take an inventory of parenting education resources in the four-county region. The completed directory of these resources has been incorporated into Oregon’s 211info database.
The Committee noted the valuable role 211info plays as the region's community help line and opted to expand service to Hood River County. Now, parents can dial "211" to access educational information and resources.
In March 2011, the Committee commissioned the Seattle-based consulting firm Dovetailing — which has a wealth of experience in early childhood education, K-12 education and strategic philanthropy — to make recommendations for strengthening parenting education. Dovetailing met with regional groups and conducted surveys to determine how to establish a better parenting education system in the Metro region. In December 2011, the results of this research were presented at a breakfast meeting at the Oregon Zoo. The RAI Committee appreciates the valuable comments it received from participants and will share next steps early in 2012.
Research materials produced by Dovetailing for the Metro Portland RAI Committee:
Representatives from the Portland Children’s Levy and Social Venture Partners Portland have been engaged and thoroughly collaborative throughout this process. In addition, both organizations have provided financial support for this project.
To get involved or contact us
If you are interested in supporting or learning more about OCF's Metropolitan Portland Regional Action Initiative, please contact Mary Louise McClintock, Early Childhood Program Director: mlmcclintock@oregoncf.org or 503.227.6846.