Early Childhood Education (ECE) Reflection on 2024 

As we prepare to welcome a new year, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible accomplishments, moments of joy, and deep connections that defined this past year. At the same time, we look ahead with hope, determination, and a steadfast commitment to the children, families, and community we serve. 

Our Vision for Children in the New Year 

The start of a new year often brings new challenges, but through it all, our vision at Adelante Mujeres remains clear: to build a community where all families thrive. For the year ahead, we are recommitting to our values and ensuring that every child in our care grows in spaces where they feel seen, valued, and loved. We believe that all children deserve to be in environments that celebrate their whole selves—their identities, their curiosity, and their limitless potential. 

We will continue to: 

  • Model hope, justice, and courage in everything we do, showing our children and families that a better future is not only possible but attainable. 

  • Strengthen our collective community, ensuring that families feel happy, supported, and safe within our communities. 

  • Center children in all our efforts, creating spaces where they can thrive as the wonderful, inquisitive, and capable young people they are. 

    Through play, learning, and love, we build a foundation where children feel embraced for all parts of their identities, knowing they are valued members of our community. 

 Celebrating Our Children 

Our children are at the heart of everything we do, and this year, they have brought immeasurable joy, curiosity, and life to our classrooms. 

  • We hosted 11 end-of-year celebrations, honoring the incredible milestones our children achieved. 

  • Our classrooms are fully enrolled, a testament to the trust and commitment of our families and community. 

  • We hosted our 2nd Annual Children’s Farmer’s Market, where children explored the value of healthy choices and local connections while shopping for fresh vegetables, fruits, tamales, local honey, and flowers. 

To our children: thank you for reminding us why we do this work. Your laughter, questions, and discoveries light up our classrooms and make our mission worthwhile. 

Celebrating Our Families 

This year, our families have continued to show up in extraordinary ways. 

  • From participating in classroom activities and events to attending workshops and celebrations, your involvement has been invaluable. 

  • Whether it’s reading to the children, sharing treats with our team, or simply checking in, you’ve reminded us that we are stronger together. 

To our families: thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering belief in the importance of early childhood education. You are our biggest supporters, and we are grateful for the ways you enrich our community. 

Celebrating Our Teachers and Leaders 

This year, our teachers and ECE leaders have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the children and their own professional growth. 

  • We are proud of our teachers and leaders who participated in the Early Learning Conference, those who led trainings, co-created curriculum, and presented at conferences. 

  • Together, we opened a new classroom at Tamarack Elementary, expanding access to high-quality early learning. 

To our teachers: thank you for your commitment, creativity, and the love you bring to your classrooms every single day. Whether you’re in the classroom, continuing your education, or representing us at conferences, you are shaping the future, one child at a time. 

To our ECE leaders: thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and focus on teacher wellness. Your work helps build strong foundations for our team to grow and thrive. 

To our Family Engagement team: thank you for creating opportunities for family education and engagement. 

 Celebrating Our Partners and Communities of Support 

This year, we’ve been fortunate to work alongside many organizations, individuals, and communities who share our passion for early education. Their collaboration, resources, and belief in our mission have been instrumental in helping us support children and families. 

  • Hillsboro School District (HSD) continues to be an invaluable partner, not only creating spaces for our programs but also welcoming us into their campuses with open arms. They support our inclusion in K-12 programs and bilingual classrooms, invite us to participate in their trainings, and ensure we feel valued as part of their educational community. We are grateful for their commitment to fostering collaboration and belonging. 

  • Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) has provided critical support for our Infant and Toddler Program in Forest Grove, ensuring that even our youngest learners have the resources and care they need to thrive. 

  • Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) specialists have worked tirelessly to support our children and families with care, expertise, and resources that honor the unique needs of each child. 

  • Early Learning Washington County has enriched our programs through thoughtful contributions, including STEM activity bags for infants and toddlers and backpacks for preschoolers, giving our children tools to spark curiosity and learning. 

  • Department of Human Services (DHS) made thoughtful contributions, including diaper donations to support the needs of our High School Pregnant and Parenting Program, which ensures young families have the resources to succeed. 

  • Spirit Mountain Community Fund (SMCF) is part of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their meaningful contributions to our program. Thank you for recognizing and supporting our work. Thank you for your generosity. 

  • Children’s Institute has been a steadfast supporter of advocacy efforts, helping us amplify the importance of early learning and creating opportunities for culturally based organizations to participate and lead in this work. Their dedication to equity and systemic change strengthens our collective mission. 

  • SMART Reading has helped instill a love of reading by bringing books into the hands of our children. Their efforts not only spark joy but also promote literacy and learning in our communities 

  • The Nutrition teams and maintenance staff help ensure that children have access to nutritious meals and safe, welcoming classrooms every day. 

To all of the organizations, individuals, and communities of support who invest in children through donations, advocacy, and encouragement: thank you. Your generosity and partnership make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. 

Finally, we extend our gratitude to Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) for their steadfast commitment to children and families, ensuring that early education continues to be a priority in our state. 

Together, We Move Forward!

As we enter the new year, we are reminded that this work is not ours alone. It takes all of us—children, families, teachers, partners, and leaders at all levels—working together to create a world where every child can dream, grow, and thrive. 

We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, let’s continue to build spaces of hope, belonging, and possibility for our children and families. 

Here’s to a year of courage, community, and love! 

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2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

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New Board Members 2024