Updated on September 2, 2025
This summer, Oregon launched Every Child Belongs (ECB) Connect. ECB Connect is designed to be a simple way for educators to request support. It is part of the Every Child Belongs service that supports educators to help keep young children in early learning and child care programs. The first phase of the ECB Connect service started in Central Oregon (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson), Marion, Polk, Yamhill, and Washington counties. This service will expand across the state through July 2026.
Why Every Child Belongs is Important
Oregon has had high rates of suspension and expulsion in child care and preschool. Research shows that boys, children of color, and children with disabilities are removed from care more often than others. This interrupts learning and creates stress for families, teachers, and child care providers.
In 2021, Oregon passed new laws (HB 2166 and SB 236) to create Every Child Belongs. This service was designed to:
- Prevent suspension and expulsion in early learning,
- Reduce disparities in who is suspended and expelled,
- Provide equitable statewide support to educators,
- Improve child outcomes, and
- Reduce workforce stress.
Purpose and Scope of the Testing Phase
The first phase of ECB Connect is focused on testing the ECB system of supports to make sure providers to easily request help, that requests are sent to the right regional team, and services are delivered and tracked properly.
How ECB Connect Helps
ECB Connect gives child care providers an easy way to ask for help when a child may be at risk of losing care. Supports include:
Classroom Technical Assistance: Specialists can visit classrooms, suggest strategies, share resources, and provide training support.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Consultants work with teachers and providers, to support individual child needs, whole classrooms, or program policies to create healthier learning environments.
Looking Ahead
The launch of ECB Connect is an important step toward making early learning in Oregon more equitable and supportive so that every child has the chance to learn and grow in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
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