Building the Case for Culturally Specific Prenatal Through Third Grade (P-3) Strategies in Oregon

Oregon’s early learning and K-12 systems require transformative changes to address racial disparities in school readiness and success. Prenatal through grade 3 (P-3) initiatives are an innovative way to align, strengthen and expand supports for this goal.

Culturally specific organizations (CSOs) are uniquely poised and expertly prepared to meet the needs of communities of color while helping Oregon achieve its goals for reducing disparities in kindergarten readiness and other educational outcomes.

Oregon's Early Childhood Equity Fund, part of the $2B Student Success Act passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2019, moves Oregon closer to narrowing the opportunity gap in kindergarten readiness and school success by investing in culturally specific early learning and family support programs and allocating more resources to organizations implementing school readiness strategies.

Families of color across Oregon deserve access to culturally specific early learning and K-12 experiences that can ensure their children have the opportunity to thrive.