Date: Friday, Oct. 8
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm – 5:30 pm EDT)
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Moderator:
Brian Stewart, VP Director of Client & Community Relations, Oregon/Washington, PNC Bank
Panelists:
Leslee Barnes, Director, Preschools for All, Preschool and Early Learning Division Director, Department of County Human Services, Multnomah County
Jilian Saurage Felton, Housing Development Director, Community Partners for Affordable Housing
Rick Ruzicka, Senior Operations & Policy Analyst, Oregon Housing and Community Services
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Description:
Recently approved Oregon legislation and a voter approved universal preschool measure in Multnomah County suggest new opportunities for the integration of early childhood learning centers in affordable housing developments. HB 5011 directs OHCS and the Oregon Department of Education Early Learning Division to produce a research study by winter 2022 and then develop a pilot grant proposal to support the co-location of affordable housing and early learning or childcare centers. Housing developers see opportunity to provide a critical resource for residents and neighbors by adding commercial spaces to accommodate early childhood learning centers in new housing developments. Hear from governmental, developer and preschool administrator perspectives on the challenges and opportunities related to expanding childcare services for low-income households throughout Oregon.