The Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) was established to ensure interagency coordination and to support the ongoing development of quality services for young children with disabilities and their families.

Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) are the programs that provide individually designed special education services for children from birth to kindergarten to enhance physical, cognitive, communication, social or emotional and/or adaptive development.

What does the Early Learning Advisory Council do? 

We are a diverse group of people who are interested in making sure young children with disabilities are thriving in ways that are meaningful to them and their families. We advise, advocate and collaborate on state, local and individual levels to maximize each child’s unique potential and ability to participate in society. We work to improve the quality of life, according to each family’s value system. 

The ELAC is the local interagency advisory council for Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties and includes families, professionals and community partners.

This group:

• connects families of young children with disabilities with resources and information.
• builds, maintains and strengthens connections within the early childhood community.
• gains a better understanding of the EI/ECSE programs.
• increases awareness of concerns affecting our local and statewide EI/ECSE programs.
• advises on the improvement of services.
• represents parents of young children in the EI/ECSE program.
• advocates for all children with disabilities in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.

Who can join?

This committee is open to people living in Clatsop, Columbia, Washington and Tillamook counties representing the following groups:*

• Parents of children 12 years old and under receiving, or who previously received, EI/ECSE services
• Home visiting associations
• Department of Human Services
• Child care
• Office of the Coordinator of Education of Homeless Children and Youth
• State foster care
• Mental health
• Head Start / Early Head Start
• EI/ECSE providers
• Any interested person or organization

*Oregon statute defines these members as eligible 

How can I be involved?

Joining the Early Learning Advisory Council has many benefits.

• Build your support system: By joining the ELAC, you’ll network with parents and representatives from your community.
• Access more resources: You will be part of a group actively connected with the State Interagency Coordinating Council, working with others to solve problems creatively.
• Assist in cost-saving opportunities: Support fundraisers to offset childcare costs for parent trainings and education.

How much time do I need to commit?

This is typically a 4-hour per year commitment. 

We meet four times per school year, for about 1 hour each meeting. All meetings are in-person and virtual so you can join wherever however is most convenient for you!

Meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of each month in the afternoon.

Questions?

If you are interested in participating in any of the following ways:

• Participating in meetings
• Receiving email updates
• Helping with special projects and/or fundraisers
• Advocating for young children

Email askearlylearning@nwresd.k12.or.us.