Early Childhood Quarterly | Boletín Trimestral de la Primera Infancia

A woman with shoulder length straight red hair kisses the brow of a young child she holds in her arms.

EARLY CHILDHOOD QUARTERLY
February 2026

Hello families, friends, and partners,

Big changes can feel exciting—and sometimes a little overwhelming—especially in the early years. Whether your child is starting preschool or getting ready for kindergarten, transitions are important milestones for your whole family.

This quarter, we’re focusing on birth-5 transitions and how families can feel informed, confident, and prepared every step of the way. With the right information and support, these changes can be positive experiences that help your child continue to grow and thrive.

Along with tools and practice guides to support you as you plan for what’s next, you’ll also find details about our upcoming Early Childhood Conference and a chance to share your voice through our Early Childhood Community Survey. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore these opportunities!

In community,

Heather Olivier
Deputy Director, FACT Oregon
aRPy Ambassador

Early Childhood Focused Trainings

A group of young children play with instruments in an early childhood setting.

2026 Early Childhood Conference

Saturday, February 28 | 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM | Zoom

A virtual learning day for families of young children with disabilities and the professionals who support them.

Gain practical tools and knowledge to navigate your child’s early education journey with confidence!

Free for families and individuals with disabilities. $50 for professionals, with a certificate of attendance.

Most sessions are in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation. Please request additional language supports or ASL at least 14 days prior to the conference.

Questions? Email program@factoregon.org or call: 503-786-6082 or 541-695-5416.

GO TO THE CONFERENCE PAGE

Transition to Kindergarten

Tues., Mar. 17 | 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Get Ready for Kindergarten!

Kindergarten is a big change! Understand what’s coming next as your child transitions from an IFSP to an IEP.

English session | Spanish session

Take Our Early Childhood Survey

FACT Oregon is gathering input from families about Early Intervention (EI) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services for young children with disabilities.

In 2025, Oregon passed House Bill 2682, requiring a review of how early childhood services are defined and funded. The decisions made now will shape services for years to come, and we will share what we learn directly with state lawmakers so they hear clearly from families about what is working, what is not, and what children truly need to thrive.

If your child is age 8 or younger and has received EI or ECSE services in Oregon, we invite you to complete a short survey about your experience. The survey takes about 15 minutes.

At the end of the survey, you may choose to enter a drawing for one of four $50 gift cards. Entering the drawing is optional. You may also complete the survey anonymously.

Please do not forward this survey to others.

👉 Access the survey here.

Practice Guides for Families

Supporting Smooth Birth-5 Transitions in Oregon: Adapted ECTA Family Practice Guides for Families

Practice Guide #1: Moving from Early Intervention (EI) to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Around your child’s third birthday, they may move from Early Intervention (EI) services into Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). This is an important step, and it’s okay to have questions. This guide helps you understand what happens during the transition process—like attending planning meetings, learning about evaluations, visiting preschool programs, and helping create your child’s IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan).

Practice Guide #2: Moving from Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) to Kindergarten

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—for children and families! This guide helps you prepare for your child’s move from preschool special education into kindergarten. You’ll learn how to work with preschool and school staff, take part in transition planning and IEP meetings, visit the new classroom, and help your child get used to new routines and expectations.

NEW Early Childhood Resources Page

Check out the NEW Early Childhood Resources page for more information!

Give Now to Score Blazers Tickets

A basketball player stands with his arms wide.

Now is a great time to give to FACT Oregon! Make a gift by February 15 for a chance to win 4 tickets to the Timberwolves vs. Blazers game on February 24!

Seats are in Matisse Thybulle’s community section (Section 224).

DONATE TO WIN!

EARLY CHILDHOOD QUARTERLYFebruary 2026