Growing Stronger Together: Our 2025–2026 Early Learning Journey

As we close our 2025–2026 school year, we are filled with gratitude as we reflect on all that our children, families, and educators have accomplished together. 

This year, our classrooms were filled with curiosity, laughter, discovery, and growth. Across our programs, children received more than 5,669 hours of bilingual early childhood education, creating countless opportunities to learn, explore, build friendships, and develop the skills that will support them for years to come. 

This spring we celebrated the 49 preschool graduates who are prepared to begin kindergarten. Watching these children confidently step into their next chapter was a powerful reminder of how much can happen during the early years when children are surrounded by caring educators, engaged families, and a community that believes in their potential. 

Family partnerships remain at the center of everything we do. Throughout the year, approximately 135 families participated in our Early Childhood Education programs. To support learning at home, families received monthly literacy engagement bags with bilingual books, storytelling materials, and hands-on activities tailored to each child's developmental stage.  

Our commitment to supporting the whole child also included close collaboration with NWRESD to ensure children with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) received the services and support they needed to thrive. Through developmental screenings, ongoing assessments, and strong partnerships with families, we worked together to help every child reach their fullest potential. 

This year was also one of growth for our educators: 47 early childhood professionals participated in ongoing professional development focused on infant and toddler development, the Pyramid Model, and culturally sustaining practices. We were especially proud to celebrate two teachers who earned Associate of Arts degrees and one teacher who earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Their accomplishments reflect the dedication, passion, and commitment to learning that they model for children every day. 

Beyond the classroom, families came together for workshops, conferences, Parent and Child Together (PACT) activities, literacy events, and celebrations that honored children's growth and our community's rich cultural diversity. One of the highlights of the year was our annual Children's Farmers Market, hosted in partnership with our Nutrition Team and Pacific Oaks Early Learning Center. Through hands-on exploration, children learned about healthy foods, community connections, and the joy of discovery. 

As the school year came to a close, each classroom hosted a special celebration to honor the children's accomplishments. At our Dolores Huerta Early Learning Center, families were welcomed into an "Under the Sea" celebration filled with music, movement, and joy. Children proudly sang songs and danced alongside their teachers, sharing the confidence, creativity, and excitement they had developed throughout the year.  

With Gratitude

Jeanny Tafoya, our Early Childhood Education Manager, expresses her heartfelt thanks for another successful year. “At the heart of our work are the children, whose curiosity, joy, and growth inspire us every day. We are deeply grateful to the families and caregivers who entrust us with their children and share their voices, cultures, and experiences with our community.” 

“We thank our teachers for their unwavering commitment to child development, their belief in the power of play, and the love, empathy, and care they bring to every classroom. We are equally grateful to our Nutrition and Family Engagement teams for enriching the lives of children and strengthening our connections with families.”  

“This work is only possible because of the collective commitment of our community partners at Hillsboro School District, NWRESD, OCDC, Lifeworks, ELSI, CCLD, and DELC, whose collaboration helps children and families thrive. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Stranahan Foundation for its trust and continued investment in high-quality early childhood education. Together, we are building joyful, culturally sustaining learning communities where every child and family belongs.”