Our program is designed to support and uplift early childhood educators—providing them with the tools, training, and resources they need to give every child the best possible start in life. We believe that all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserve access to high-quality early education and care. By partnering closely with educators and community organizations, we are building a stronger, more equitable future—starting with those who care for and teach our youngest learners.
Our Story
In early 2022, a group of dedicated leaders from across the Mid-Willamette Valley came together with a shared goal: to ensure that Latino and Indígena children and families have access to high-quality early learning and care. From this vision, a Steering Committee was formed—rooted in community, driven by equity, and focused on long-term impact.
​
This collaboration gave rise to Primeros Pasos, a community-powered initiative led by a strong and diverse Consortium:
CAPACES Leadership Institute, Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC), Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) – Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Marion-Polk Early Learning Hub, Yamhill Early Learning Hub, and the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation.
​
Together, we work to strengthen the capabilities of these partners and expand access to state-wide resources—creating pathways to high-quality early learning for Latino families in our region.
​
At the heart of Primeros Pasos is the belief that every child is unique and full of potential. We strive to build a supportive, inclusive community where educators feel empowered, diversity is celebrated, and equity is a guiding principle.
​
By investing in educators and early childhood care providers—one step at a time—we’re helping to build brighter futures for children, families, and the communities they call home.
Meet Our Consortium
Jennifer has been a part of Yamhill CCO since its inception as co-chair of its Community Advisory Council in its earliest days. In late 2014, she accepted a job with YCCO coordinating its Early Learning Hub and has since built a team of six who work alongside local partners to create a community that supports school readiness and healthy families. She has a B.A. from George Fox University and currently lives in Vancouver, WA.
Jennifer Laine
Early Learning Director -
Yamhill Community Care
Mike and his wife Mary Ann own and operate Fairsing Vineyard. Mike is a founding Director of the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation. Prior to discovering the bountiful nature of the Willamette Valley, for over 20 years Mike worked as a corporate executive with energy companies.
Mike McNally
Foundation Secretary -
Willamette Valley Wine Foundation
Lisa works with and on behalf of the Marion & Polk counties to ensure that children are ready for kindergarten and academic success, with a focus on coordinated and aligned systems and family stability. Lisa has over 20 years of experience at the state level, focusing on early childhood, child welfare and organizational development policy initiatives. She was involved in work at the policy and structure level to create early learning hubs that are visible around the state. Working in the community where she lives, works and plays provides her great energy and satisfaction.
Lisa Harnisch
Executive Director -
Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub
Jenna Sanders is the Director of Child Care Resource and Referral of Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties, and has worked for the program since 2015 in various roles. Jenna has a masters degree in Counseling Psychology and is currently working on her EdD in Educational Leadership from Portland State University. In her Director role, Jenna focuses on recruitment and quality improvement for early learning programs in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.
Jenna Sanders
Program Director -
MWV Community Action
Jaime is a proud migrant from Las Ranas, Michoacan, Mexico. He has over 34 years of experience working in Oregon’s Farmworker movement—doing just about everything. Some of his favorite roles have included: Tour guide, smiles provider, peace maker, convener, agitator (with a smile), story teller, smoothies maker, wannabe graphic designer, and handy person—with Mickey Mouse skills. Jaime enjoys running, spending time with family, volunteering, and watching sports. He’s been happily married for 15 years to his beautiful wife Aracely and is a proud parent of four daughters.
Jaime Arredondo
Executive Director - CAPACES
& Chair of Primeros Pasos ECEC
Donalda Dodson, has been with OCDC for over 18 years. She has decades of experience in Management and Administration of Public Health programs. Donalda was the Public Health Manager for the 4th largest county in Oregon for 27 years. She then took a position with the State of Oregon as the Administrator for the Office of Family Health, Oregon Department of Human Services. The state position included administrative and fiscal oversight for the state WIC program, Child and Adolescent Health, Prenatal and Women’s Health, Oral Health, and Immunizations.
Donalda Dodson
Executive Director -
Oregon Child Development Coaltition
Expertise and Experience
We believe that collaboration is key to achieving our mission. We work closely with community partners to provide families with a comprehensive network of resources. By building strong relationships with local non- profits, public agencies, schools, and other organizations, we can ensure that educators have access to the support they need to thrive.
Our team has decades of experience in early childhood education and care. We are passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices to ensure that we provide educators with the highest quality resources. Whether you're an aspiring educator or a seasoned educator, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Accountability
We are committed to transparency and accountability, providing educators with accurate and reliable information about Early Childhood Education and Care. We value feedback from our community and are always looking for ways to improve our services.
Early Childhood Education and Care