EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Helping Children Succeed Through Early Intervention:
2009-10 Annual Investment of $5.2 Million in 18 Programs

These programs offer early intervention, parenting education and access to immunizations and health screenings so Portland’s at-risk children reach kindergarten healthy and prepared to succeed.

Research shows children who receive early childhood education develop enhanced cognitive and language skills, as well as positive social and emotional traits that increase the likelihood they will succeed in school, work and life.

EARLY CHILDHOOD OUTCOMES (from 2008-09)

On Track
Based on results of more than 1,600 child development screenings performed on children in Levy programs, 79 percent of the children were meeting key milestones in growth and development. The remaining 21 percent were making progress toward meeting those milestones.

On Task
99 percent of children at nine child care centers with access to mental health consultants were not removed from their preschool setting because of
behavioral problems.

On Target
Our funding is helping some of the city’s most vulnerable children by boosting the quality of childcare centers and home-based childcare providers, as well as providing “scholarships” for 97 low-income children for quality childcare.

On Course
Of those parents assessed, a majority increased appropriate parenting skills and knowledge to better manage their children’s behavior; interacted more positively with their children; and improved their use of social support services such as community centers, parks and schools.