April 2025 Newsletter
Contents: Announcements | Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities | Recommended Free Resources | Well-being in the Workplace
Happy April from the Early Learning System Initiative (ELSI)! We are so happy you are all here and excited to share some of the things we have been working on!
📣 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Professional Learning Core
STEAM Camp 2025 Applications are Open!
STEAM Camp is a FREE multi-day event on OSU’s Corvallis campus from June 25-27th. This event is designed for pairs (or small groups) of coaches and the early educators they support. Join us for 2 ½ days of hands-on activities, fun, and outdoor learning with 11 hours of ORO-credit available. We will provide meals and free lodging and Spanish interpretation is available for every session, too!
APPLY NOW at this link! Applications close on April 30th.
If you'd like to learn more, please reach out to Kiki at kiki.omoto@oregonstate.edu or visit our website.
Download and share our flyer in English and Spanish
Inclusion Initiative
eModule Update
The free Infant-Toddler and Preschool ePyramid Modules are now available in English and Spanish for early childhood professionals who work in Oregon!
To receive an access code for:
The English Infant-Toddler ePyramid Module, fill out this form.
The Spanish Infant-Toddler ePyramid Module, fill out this form.
The English Preschool ePyramid Module, fill out this form.
The Spanish Preschool ePyramid Module, fill out this form.
When you complete the form, you will receive an access token on screen with additional instructions on how to use the code. The instructions and additional information can be found here.
We are eagerly awaiting the release of the Inclusion eModule and will distribute it as soon as we are able!
What we’re listening to:
The Early Link Podcast highlights national, regional, and local voices working in early childhood education and the nonprofit sector. The podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Rafael Otto, Children’s Institute’s director of communications.
Napcast is a podcast co-hosted by two male educators of color working with our youngest citizens.
🗓️ UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
STEAM Camp 2025
June 25-27 | Three days of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) hands-on learning, free resources, community-building, and play on OSU’s campus in Corvallis, Oregon! Applications for coaches and educators are open now until April 30th at this link! If you'd like to learn more, please reach out to Kiki at kiki.omoto@oregonstate.edu or visit our website.
2024-25 Pyramid Model & Inclusion Frameworks Professional Development
2024-2025 professional development opportunities to support the Pyramid Model and Inclusion Frameworks are now available on the Oregon Early Childhood Inclusion (OECI) website.
People of the Global Majority Affinity Space
Every second Wednesday of the month, 3-4 PM PST | The term People of the Global Majority highlights the fact that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) collectively represent the majority of the world’s population. This empowering and inclusive term shifts the narrative, centering our strength and shared humanity while moving away from labels that suggest being less than or on the outside. The People of the Global Majority Affinity Space will focus on:
Building Community: Fostering meaningful connections and relationships among members.
Providing Support: Offering a soft and affirming space for members to share, listen, and uplift one another.
Driving Advocacy: Amplifying the voices and needs of our community to inspire change and promote equity.
We welcome all who identify with the global majority to join us on this journey as we co-create a vibrant and affirming community. For more information and to register, please email daphnee.nicolas@oregonstate.edu or dominic.paz@oregonstate.edu.
ELSI’s Coach Community of Practice
Every first Tuesday of the month, 1-2:30 PM PST | If you or someone you know would like to get connected to this CoP, please email elsicoaching@oregonstate.edu.
🖇️ FREE RESOURCES & PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES
ONREP Workshops
Check out these upcoming free spring and summer outdoor education workshops from the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP). ELSI is partnering with ONREP and Corvallis Parks & Recreation to offer a workshop on May 2 - Nature as Home: Inspiring Outdoor Early Learning Through Sensory Connection. More information and registration here.
OPEC Training Academy Workshops
Our friends over at the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC) have a few more upcoming free Spring Training Academy workshops! See all upcoming workshops and registration details on the Training Academy website.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Happy April! Looking for an outdoor activity to celebrate Spring and Earth Day? Download our free Earth Day Scavenger Hunt - play with a friend, share with a colleague, or explore with the young learners you support!
🫶 WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE
What is your Play Personality? Read through these six types - which types of play sound fun to you? Which types of play do you typically gravitate towards? What other activities would you add to your play personality type(s)?
Looking for ways to add more play in your life? Check out our FREE Workplace Well-being Guide! Disponible en español.