
Early Learning System Initiative
Early Learning System Initiative
Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families
The Early Learning System Initiative (ELSI) was developed to increase early access to high-quality, professional learning opportunities and technical assistance for the early learning and care professionals in Oregon.
We are engaged in three core areas of work

Professional Learning Core
Develop a training and technical assistance plan to expand access to high-quality, competency aligned professional development opportunities for early educators.

Coaching Core
Develop and refine a Mentor Coaching Framework aimed at supporting early childhood coaches in their work with a focus on anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Impact and Evaluation Core
Create a systematic evaluation and measurement plan to inform continuous improvement of ELSI’s activities and goals in partnership with community stakeholders.
Oregon Inclusion Initiative

The Oregon Inclusion Initiative was developed to implement and improve access to high-quality professional learning opportunities, coaching, and training to ensure early care and education providers have the comprehensive supports needed to fully include all children in their programs. This program is housed alongside ELSI within the Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families.
Download the Oregon Inclusion Initiative one-pager.
For more information from each team, please contact
Administrative: Megan McClelland (Director) or Tammy Winfield (Program Coordinator)
Professional Learning Core: Alexis Tracy (Team Lead)
Coaching Core: [email protected]
Impact and Evaluation Core: Chris Gonzales
Oregon Inclusion Initiative: [email protected]
ELSI in the news
Nov. 21, 2023
How do instructional coaches prepare to effectively support early childhood educators?
Jan. 24, 2023
ELSI: Oregon’s Higher Education Partner for Early Education
Jan. 19, 2023
New Coaching Competencies Guidance for Early Learning Educators in Oregon
Sept. 20, 2022
It takes a village to raise a child, but who supports the village?
Want to learn more about Oregon’s early learning workforce and other facts about early care and education?
All education happens on Indigenous land. Oregon State University is located within the traditional homelands of the Mary's River or Ampinefu Band of Kalapuya. We acknowledge the land on which we each live, serve, and educate.
In order to begin healing, we encourage our partners to build knowledge of the people and history of the land we call home.
“The Importance of Land: Land is something sacred to all of us, whether we consciously appreciate it or not — it is the space upon which we play, live, eat, find love, and experience life. The land is ever-changing and ever-shifting, giving us — and other creatures and beings on the earth — an infinite number of gifts and lessons.”