Greetings!

We hope your family is enjoying these last days of summer and finding respite from the wildfire smoke. In this edition, you will find:

• 🏫2026 Back-to-School Resources & Events Guide: Find free school supplies, school readiness resources, and community opportunities for families.

• Kindergarten Registration: Is your child turning 5 by September 1? Learn how to get ready for kindergarten and find your local school district.

• 📚 Early Literacy Matters: Discover simple ways to help your preschooler build strong reading skills through everyday conversations and play.

• Choosing a Child Care Program: Read our latest Hub blog with tips for selecting the best child care option for your family.

• 👨‍👧Check out parenting classes and local fun family fairs

• Celebrate local cultural events: Scandinavian Festival (August 13-16) & Oregon Aloha Festival (August 21-22)

We’re so glad you are here.

2026 BACK-TO-SCHOOL RESOURCES AND EVENTS LIST

Back-to-school is around the corner, so check out ODHS's guide to events, free school supplies, community opportunities and more.

Is your child turning 5 on or before September 1? If so, it’s time to register for kindergarten! Get Ready for Kindergarten with us.



👉Need help finding your local school district? Search your home address here.

Let's Read!

Discover how you can help your preschooler get ready to read!

This video shows how a warm, fun environment filled with talking, listening, and new words helps your child build strong early reading skills.

Parenting Blog

Choosing a Child Care Program

"For parents, finding the right child care program for your family is an important decision. Here are important things to consider when choosing where to enroll your child or children."

Check out our latest Hub blog, from contributor Aoife Rose Magee here.

Local Resources

NURTURING FATHERS PROGRAM

WHEN: Starts September 1, Tuesdays, 5pm – 7pm

WHERE: Virtual!

Join Oregon Family Support Network for the Nurturing Fathers Program! The Nurturing Fathers Program is an evidence-based, multi-week training course designed to teach parenting and nurturing skills to fathers and father figures. Each 2-hour class provides proven, effective skills for healthy family relationships and child development.

Cultural Spotlight

Oregon Aloha Festival

Alton Baker Park, Eugene, Oregon

August 21 & 22

12 - 9 pm

A fun and inclusive experience for the whole family, featuring activities for kids, cultural workshops, and interactive exhibits— all at no cost to attend. Dive into the vibrant traditions, music, dance, and storytelling of the Pacific Islands, including Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and more.

The Scandinavian Festival

195 W 5th Ave, Junction City

August 13-16

The Festival is free for visitors and is always the second Thursday-Sunday in August. During the event, many local nonprofits participate as vendors, so you can support the community with your visit! Entertainment is free, and various performances are featured throughout all four days.

Thanks for reading our newsletter! We would love to hear your feedback on the content of our newsletter, questions, or recommendations on what you would like to read about next time. Feel free to send us an email at education@unitedwaylane.org.

Thanks to Crosscultural Now for Spanish translation. (Some translation provided by DeepL.) Deep appreciation to the team at ODHS for keeping our community connected. Newsletter edited by Lisa Milton.

The Early Childhood Hub of Lane County is your local early learning and parenting education hub.

Our mission is to ensure all parents in Lane County have the knowledge, tools, and support to nurture their child’s optimal development for success in school and life.