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IMESD is currently highlighting our Early Learning Services Department. To learn a little about the Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub, we recently interviewed Erin Bartsch, Operations Coordinator of the Hub.

Can you briefly describe the mission of the Hub?
The Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub was designed to ensure collaboration and coordination between all early learning and early childhood (prenatal to 8 years old) entities in the areas of health, safety and education. The Hub seeks to increase services to children considered at-risk in order to promote Kindergarten Readiness and overall child and family well-being. 

The Hub provides Community Grants and Quality Improvement Grants, can you describe those grants and give an example?
Community Grants go to fund local projects that support school readiness, family engagement and professional development. Example: currently we have a school district providing quarterly family nights to re-engage community families and connect with incoming children. 

Quality Improvement Grants are designed for small childcare providers to purchase materials and furniture to increase their Quality Rating (SPARK). 

Who are the Hub partners?
The Hub is co-led between IMESD and Umatilla-Morrow Head Start. Our Governance Board includes representation from early learning (0-8 years old), health, safety, businesses and families. We also ensure that all three counties we serve have representation. 

How would you describe the impact of the Hub in Eastern Oregon?
The Hub brings opportunities to align and collaborate on early learning practices. We provide funding and technical support for programs looking for new ways to support children and families. We also work to streamline the process for families who are trying to access early care and education services; and collect data and seek feedback from families to better understand the needs of families and share that with partners. 

One of our more recent projects was to take on a Coordinated Enrollment system to support families who aren’t sure where to go to find resources for 0-5 year olds. Blue Mountain Kids is our platform for families to apply for free preschool and home visiting programs.

How many employees work in the Hub?
We have four full-time employees and three part-time employees 

Is there anything else you would like to add?
We have free resources for teachers and families -- take a look on our website or follow us on social media to learn about what you can request.

The Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub website can be accessed at this link: www.bluemountainearlylearninghub.org