What is the Pollywog Program and why is it so successful?
The Linn-Benton-Lincoln Early Learning Hub is a collaborator in the Upstream Initiative. In this video, Executive Director Kristi Collins describes foundational aspects of their Pollywog Program.
I know you share the belief that every child and family is worthy of the opportunity to thrive. All children and families are deserving of having the conditions necessary to foster healthy connection with loved ones, and meaningful contribution to their family.
These are primary values that drive the Upstream Initiative, a statewide movement that seeks to create positive and equitable health and education outcomes for Oregon families by breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma that are fueled by systemic racism and poverty. We know that we can accomplish transformative change by starting upstream and connecting families with the resources they need to thrive during the critical first 1,000 days of life, which includes prenatal to age two.
This is exactly what the Pollywog Program was designed, developed and implemented to achieve. The program is housed in the Linn-Benton-Lincoln Early Learning Hub, an organization that is involved with the Upstream Initiative as a learning community. Learning Communities partner with our five active Design Pilots (KairosPDX, Early Childhood Hub of Lane County, Marion-Polk Early Learning Hub, Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub and Yamhill Community Care). Together we are collaborating across half of Oregon's counties to ensure we have integrated networks of care embedded locally that will ensure every child and family born in our communities have all they need to thrive.
Last month, Kristi Collins and LeAnne Trask gathered virtually with the Upstream Team to describe how they conceptualized this Pollywog Program and why it's been so successful. We packaged some highlights for you in this 3 minute video.
Transformative change requires a broad coalition. If you would like the Oregon Health and Education Collaborative to meet with individuals in organization to discuss alignment and how we can achieve our shared goals, you are welcome to schedule time directly with me by using this link.
In Solidarity,
Chelsea King
Executive Director
