Alignment, Coordination, and Equity through Oregon’s “Tight-Loose Model”
Oregon’s statewide early learning system balances state and local priorities through a framework which is based on a collective impact model. The state has developed three high level goals for the system, and local partners have leeway to design programs, collect their own data, and attend to their own local issues and needs. Host Karen Ponder delves into the details of this with Denise Swanson, the Early Learning Hub Manager in the Early Learning Division, and Kristi Collins, the Early Learning Hub Director in Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties which includes the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
El sistema de aprendizaje temprano en el estado de Oregon equilibra las prioridades estatales y locales a través de un marco basado en un modelo de impacto colectivo. El estado ha desarrollado tres metas de alto nivel para el sistema, y los socios locales tienen margen para diseñar programas, recopilar sus propios datos y atender sus propios problemas y necesidades locales. La anfitriona Karen Ponder profundiza en los detalles de este sistema con Denise Swanson, la Gerente de los Centros de Aprendizaje Temprano en la División de Aprendizaje Infantil de Oregón, y Kristi Collins, Directora del Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano en los condados de Linn, Benton y Lincoln, que incluye las tribus confederadas de indios Siletz.
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Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research September 1, 2026
Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution. Updated September 1, 2026.
Where We Stand on Head Start
Blog August 18, 2026
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.
Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness
Blog July 27, 2026
At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.