Stories from the Field
Stories from the Field showcases the journeys and successes of child care professionals in Oregon, celebrating their contributions and insights into the industry.
Columbia Gorge student earns ECE degree with the help of professional development navigator and credit for prior learning
By Rhianna Byrd | Child Care Partners
Holly moved to the Gorge three years ago with over a decade of experience in early childhood education, working in inclusive classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Her passion for supporting children with diverse needs led her to Columbia Gorge Community College's Early Childhood Education program. Although she couldn’t enroll in ECE234, Inclusion of Children with Special Needs’, in winter 2023 due to work priorities, she later connected with the Professional Development Navigator, who helped her fast-track her degree using previous college credits. Now in an inclusion specialist role, Holly supports early educators in universal design and inclusive practices. She graduated with her associate degree in spring 2025 and will transfer to Western Oregon University in fall 2025 through the Consortia grant program.
Published October 14, 2025
‘I’m so happy’: State seeds retirement accounts for 900 child care providers
By Sami Edge | The Oregonian/OregonLive
All of Oregon’s 2,300 registered and certified child care providers were eligible to receive a chunk of the retirement funds, but slightly fewer than half opted in. About 200 of them are still in line to receive their funds.
Published February 20, 2024
Early Child Care Business Accelerator Series Launched in September
By Holly Mar-Conte | Onward Eugene
An innovative child care business training program launched this September at the Lane Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with local Child Care Resource and Referral agency, Quality Care Connections (QCC). This free program is made possible by funding and support from Lane Community College, JTMF Foundation, and City of Eugene, and is aimed at addressing the lack of child care in the region.
Q&Q With Newberry Child Care in Downtown Eugene
By Rob Bennett | President, Downtown Athletic Club
Located in downtown Eugene, Newberry Child Care at the Downtown Athletic Club provides quality care for preschoolers, ages 2 1/2 to 6 years of age. They recently expanded their program by adding a classroom and opening 13 new slots for children ages 2 ½ to 4 ½ years.
Published June 7, 2023
