Our Mission
We advocate for and implement best-in-class workforce development, provider support, and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) systems in the Mid-Willamette Valley. This initiative is specifically tailored to Latino communities and working families, incorporating culturally relevant early learning resources to ensure lasting, positive impacts.
Early Childhood Education and Care Provider Development
At Primeros Pasos, we are dedicated to empowering early childhood educators by reducing barriers and providing essential support to help them thrive. Through tailored resources, business coaching, computer classes, and partnerships with institutions like Clackamas Community College, we equip educators with the tools they need to enhance their skills, grow their businesses, access grants, and create a culturally relevant learning environment for children.
Early Childhood Education and Care Workforce Development
The workforce is the cornerstone of providing high-quality learning, development, and well-being experiences for young children. At Primeros Pasos, we are committed to supporting the Early Childhood Education and Care workforce by addressing the needs for initial education, ongoing professional development, and improving working conditions for ECEC staff. By ensuring that educators have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow, we help foster a thriving environment for both the workforce and the children they serve.
Impact
Access to high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is one of the most effective strategies for improving lifelong outcomes for children—especially in historically underserved communities. Responsive, culturally relevant, and high-quality early learning experiences help children build foundational skills, foster self-confidence, and prepare them for long-term academic success.
Unfortunately, without access to quality early education, many children fall behind their peers, often struggling with academic achievement and low self-esteem. This is especially true for Latino children in the Mid-Willamette Valley, where the need continues to outpace the availability of services.
Latinos are projected to become the largest population in the Mid-Willamette Valley within the next 20–30 years, and eventually, in Oregon as a whole. Yet, income inequality, housing insecurity, limited healthcare access, and a lack of culturally responsive educational opportunities continue to place Latino families at a systemic disadvantage.
According to a 2019 study by the National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families:
-
Infants and Toddlers (under age 3): Only one-third of Hispanic children from immigrant households and less than half from non-immigrant households were enrolled in ECE programs.
-
Preschoolers (ages 3 to 5): Over half of Hispanic children from both immigrant and non-immigrant low-income households participated in ECE services.
These numbers clearly reveal a critical gap in access—especially for Latino infants and toddlers—driven by a shortage of qualified educators and a lack of available, culturally responsive ECEC providers.
​
In the Mid-Willamette Valley alone, there are approximately 7,000 Latino preschool-age children (ages 0–4). Yet, early learning programs are currently only able to serve 1 in 8 infants and toddlers and 1 in 4 preschoolers.
​
This scarcity underscores the urgent need for investment in provider development, workforce expansion, and culturally aligned educational resources. By addressing these gaps now, we can create stronger foundations for Latino children, their families, and the future prosperity of the entire region.
Who We Are
In 2022, a collaborative effort was launched to expand access to early learning and care for Latino and Indigenous children in the Mid-Willamette Valley. United by a shared vision for equity and community support, a Steering Committee came together to identify needs and reduce barriers for vulnerable families.
This work is led by a committed Consortium, including: CAPACES Leadership Institute, Oregon Child Development Coalition, Child Care Resource & Referral – Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Marion-Polk Early Learning Hub, Yamhill Early Learning Hub, and the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation.
At Primeros Pasos, we are proud to offer a wide range of resources and services designed to support both existing and aspiring Early Childhood Educators. Our commitment is to help build a thriving, empowered workforce that nurtures the growth and development of young children in our communities.
Join Our Community Partners
Early Childhood Education and Care