Early Childhood Hub of Lane County

06/11/2026

June is more than summer fun. It’s a time to celebrate, reflect, and learn. 💛 From the powerful roots of Pride Month to the history and resilience behind Juneteenth, these stories matter, for our children and for us.

In our latest blog, we share why understanding this history is essential, how it shapes the world our kids are growing up in, and ways you can show up with confidence, pride, and purpose as a parent or caregiver.

Let’s keep these legacies alive together. ✨
👉 Read more on our blog: https://www.earlychildhoodlane.org/blog/free-and-proud-do-you-know-the-story

It's June, and that means the end of the school year, summer camps, and pool days with your little ones are in full swing. In previous blogs, I talked about skin care and hair maintenance for exactly these moments, however since June only comes once a year, I want to talk about two of its most signi

06/09/2026

Fatherhood, Unfiltered
Honest conversations about the realities of being a dad.

Being a dad comes with real moments, the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. This monthly virtual gathering offers a judgment-free, confidential space for fathers and father figures to pause, reflect, and connect through open, honest conversation.

Whether you're a new dad or have years of experience, you’ll find shared stories, practical tips, and genuine support from others who understand.

📅 Second Wednesdays
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
💻 Virtual (Zoom)
✅ Open discussion
✅ Shared experiences
✅ Practical tips

🎟️ Reserve your spot:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fatherhood-unfiltered-tickets-1983470632054

🔗 Learn more: ofsn.org

06/08/2026

🌎💛Time in nature helps children build love, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility for the world around them.

In the blog post “Instilling a Love of Nature,” Megan McQueen offers simple ways families can nurture that connection, such as slowing down, stepping outside, and noticing everyday wonders.

🌿 Read the full blog post to explore more ideas and inspiration: https://www.earlychildhoodlane.org/blog/instilling-a-love-of-nature

🤍 Originally published by the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC) and shared with permission.

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🌎💛Pasar tiempo en la naturaleza ayuda a los niños a desarrollar el amor, la curiosidad y el sentido de la responsabilidad hacia el mundo que los rodea.

En la entrada del blog "Inculca el amor por la naturaleza", Megan McQueen propone formas sencillas para que las familias fomenten esa conexión, como tomarse las cosas con calma, salir al aire libre y fijarse en las maravillas cotidianas.

🌿 Lee la entrada completa del blog para descubrir más ideas e inspiración: https://www.earlychildhoodlane.org/blog/instilling-a-love-of-nature

🤍 Publicado originalmente por Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC), The Early Childhood of Lane County tiene permiso para compartir el artículo original.

We know our children will inherit environmental challenges, but raising them with cynicism and a dark mindset will not help them (or us) work toward meaningful solutions. For them to understand the urgency and the purpose behind the work, they must have a deep love and connection to nature. We ar

06/04/2026

Happy Pride Month from United Way and the Early Childhood Hub! We’re proud to uplift and empower the LGBTQ+ community in Lane County, and we believe that our differences make us stronger, together 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
 
We’re thrilled to sponsor this year’s Eugene Pride Festival on Saturday, June 27 at the Lane Events Center. Stop by our table and say hello - we can’t wait to see you there!

06/03/2026

🎉 Celebrate the last day of school with family fun!🚀 Reading Can Take You Kid to the Moon and Beyond! 🌙📚

We’re happy to help spread the word about this fun, family-friendly event hosted by Creswell Library and the Creswell Family Resource Center!

📅 June 11
⏰ 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 Holt Park
👧🧒 Ages 3–13

Plus, families can sign up for summer reading while they’re there! 📚
Reading over the summer helps kids stay on track, build confidence, and be ready to learn when school starts again.

💙 For families with infants and little ones looking to make reading a daily adventure, explore videos and resources designed to support children from infancy through preschool here:
👉 https://www.earlychildhoodlane.org/reading-resources

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🚀 ¡Celebra el último día de clases! ¡La lectura puede llevar a tu hijo a la Luna y más allá!🌙📚

¡Nos alegra compartir este evento para toda la familia, organizado por Creswell Library y el Creswell Family Resource Center!

📅 11 de junio
⏰ 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 Holt Park
👧🧒 Edades 3 a 13 años

Además, las familias pueden inscribirse en el programa de lectura de verano. Leer durante el verano ayuda a las niñas y los niños a mantenerse al día, fortalecer su confianza y llegar preparados para el regreso a clases.

💙 Para familias con bebés y niños pequeños que buscan hacer de la lectura una aventura diaria, exploren videos y recursos diseñados para apoyar a niñas y niños desde la infancia hasta la etapa preescolar aquí:
👉 https://www.earlychildhoodlane.org/reading-resources

06/02/2026

✨Dream. Connect. Grow!🤝🌱

We had a wonderful time meeting with our Family Resource Center coordinators in person this month! The Hub convenes Family Resource Center coordinators on a monthly basis for shared learning, resources, and community building.

As part of our time together, coordinators were invited to create collages inspired by the prompt, "What does the future of your FRC and community look like?" The beautiful collages they created reflect the heart of FRC's spaces, where families can feel supported, inspired, and connected. 🎨🤝❤️

At Family Resource Centers across Lane County, we believe small steps can lead to big wins for children and families. Whether it’s access to: Family Resource Centers are building stronger futures, one connection at a time.

Find your local FRC 📍 and see how they can support your family today! ❤️🏡
👉 https://www.earlychildhoodlane.org/family-resource-centers

06/01/2026

☀️ Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens! ☀️

This summer, all youth ages 18 and under can enjoy FREE lunch, Monday to Friday from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, from June 22 through August 21. 🍎🥪

✅ No cost
✅ No registration required
✅ Meals must be eaten on-site

This is a great way to keep kids nourished and energized all summer long 💛

👉 Find locations and daily menus here: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/food/summer-food-program/

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☀️ ¡Almuerzo GRATIS para los peques del hogar! ☀️

Este verano, todos los jóvenes de hasta 18 años pueden disfrutar de almuerzo GRATIS, de lunes a viernes de 11:30 AM a 12:30 PM, del 22 de junio al 21 de agosto. 🍎🥪

✅ Sin costo
✅ No se requiere inscripción
✅ Las comidas se deben consumir en el lugar

💛 Una excelente opción para apoyar a las familias durante el verano

👉 Encuentra los lugares y el menú diario aquí: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/food/summer-food-program/

05/21/2026

🎉 Get ready for an afternoon full of fun, community, and celebration at the We Are Bethel Celebration! ☀️🎉

🗓 Saturday, May 30
⏰ Noon – 4:00 PM
📍 Petersen Barn (870 Berntzen Road)
🎪 60+ booths with activities
🎶 Live performances
🚒 Fire truck
🍔 Food trucks
🏃 Gunny sack races & more!

👋 The Early Childhood Hub of Lane County will be there! Stop by our table to say hello! We’ll be giving away FREE books 📚 and sharing helpful resources and support for families with young children.

✨ Fun for the whole family! don’t miss it!

We can’t wait to see you there 💜

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🎉 ¡Prepárate para una tarde llena de diversión, comunidad y celebración en el evento We Are Bethel Celebration! ☀️🎉

🗓 Sábado, 30 de mayo
⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Petersen Barn (870 Berntzen Road)
🎪 Más de 60 puestos con actividades
🎶 Presentaciones en vivo
🚒 Camión de bomberos
🍔 Variedad de comida para disfrutar
🏃 Carreras de sacos y mucho más

👋 El Early Childhood Hub of Lane County estará presente aportando nuestro grano de arena a la comunidad. ¡visita nuestra mesa para saludarnos! Estaremos regalando libros 📚 y compartiendo recursos y sobre todo, apoyo para familias con niños pequeños.

✨ ¡Diversión para toda la familia! No te lo puedes perder!💜

05/15/2026

Respect starts early, and every child deserves bodily autonomy.

Our latest blog post explores an important truth: every child deserves respect, dignity, and bodily autonomy.
For many Black and biracial children, something as common as people touching their hair without permission can be one of their first experiences with bias and it can have a lasting impact.

As parents, caregivers, and community members, we all have a role to play:

✅ Protect children’s boundaries
✅ Honor their cultural identity
✅ Speak up when those boundaries are crossed

Let’s create a community where every child feels safe, respected, and valued.

👉 Read the full blog: https://www.earlychildhoodlane.org/blog/your-child-is-not-a-zoo-animal


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El respeto comienza desde temprano, y cada niño merece autonomía sobre su propio cuerpo.

Nuestro post más reciente en el blog explora una verdad importante: cada niño merece respeto, dignidad y autonomía corporal.Para muchos niños negros y birraciales, algo tan común como que alguien toque su cabello sin permiso puede ser una de sus primeras experiencias con el prejuicio y puede tener un impacto duradero.

Como padres, cuidadores y miembros de la comunidad, todos tenemos un papel que desempeñar:

✅ Proteger los límites de los niños
✅ Honrar su identidad cultural
✅ Hablar cuando esos límites se cruzan

Creemos una comunidad en la que todos los niños se sientan seguros, respetados y valorados.

👉 Lee el blog completo: https://www.earlychildhoodlane.org/blog/your-child-is-not-a-zoo-animal

05/15/2026

Free family event this Saturday! 🎉

Meet community helpers, ask questions, and learn together.
🗓 May 16 | 11 a.m.
📍 Downtown Library

Perfect for kids ages 3–9!

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¡Evento familiar gratuito este sábado! 🎉

Disfrute de la oportunidad de conocer a quienes apoyan a la comunidad, hacer preguntas y aprender en familia.

🗓 16 de mayo | 11 a.m.
📍 Biblioteca del Centro
¡Perfecto para niños de 3 a 9 años!

Ages 3-9 with your grown-ups: come meet and learn about community helpers at the Downtown Library this Sat., May 16, 11 a.m. Free!
Find out about neighbors who help us and their work. Our visitors will include dentist Dr. Mercedes Del Valle, a sanitation worker from Sanipac, a postmaster from the U.S. Postal Service and a health care professional from Oregon Integrated Health. Bring your questions!