Hello from the Early Childhood Hub!

September brings change—new routines, shifting schedules, and maybe even a little rain. In this month’s newsletter, we’re celebrating Latine and Hispanic Heritage Month with a special reading recommendation, plus updates from our Activity Calendar and Seasonal Family Fun section.

We’re also excited to share two new parenting blog posts—one from the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative and another from our newest guest writer, Ayisha Elliott.

September is also National Preparedness Month. Get your family “Two-Week Ready” with this helpful 12-week emergency preparedness guide from Lane County.

And in honor of Grandparents’ Day, we’re recognizing grandfamilies—grandparents and relatives raising children. Check out Oregon Kinship Navigator, a statewide resource supporting these incredible caregivers.

We’re so glad you’re here with us!

Are you looking for things to do with your kids this month? The Hub's Activity Calendar is here for you! Check out local one-time events, storytimes, and ways to connect with other parents.

Our seasonal Family Fun section is back! Look for pumpkin patch, fall hikes and family-friendly Halloween activities here.

September Reading Recommendations

15 Picture Books That Celebrate Hispanic & Latine Heritage

Spark conversations and connections with colorful kids’ books that recognize Hispanic and Latine peoples' histories, cultures, and contributions.

Niño Wrestles the World illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales

Señoras y señores, put your hands together for the fantastic, spectacular, one of a kind . . . Niño!

Fwap! Slish! Bloop! Krunch! He takes down his competition in a single move!

No opponent is too big a challenge for the cunning skills of Niño—popsicle eater, toy lover, somersault expert, and world champion lucha libre competitor!

Niño Wrestles the World is in English with Spanish vocabulary, and is a fun, colorful story about a boy wrestling with imaginary monsters (including an Olmec Head and La Llorona) and adversaries like his younger sisters. This is a joyful picture book from Yuyi Morales about imagination, play, and siblings.

Parenting Blog Posts

Local Resources

Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibit

Join Adventure! Children's Museum from September 2 to November 2 for a special Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit. Exhibit opening celebration September 13 at noon with Mariachi Cuervo, crafts, and prizes.

Additional performances:

• September 20, 2 pm: Corazón Oaxaqueño

• September 27, 2 pm: Ballet Folklorico Colibrí

• October 11, 2 pm: ¡Azúcar! Estudio de Danza Cubana y Latina

Welcoming Festival

Welcoming Festival 2025

Bring the whole family and join the fun—the Y's 4th annual Welcoming Festival is Sunday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 5 pm! This free event celebrates the many cultures that make up our vibrant local community, showcasing foods, traditions and performances from across the globe.

Parent-Toddler Workshop

Parker Learning Gardens

Join Parker Learning Gardens this fall for hands-on, nature-based learning for all ages!

From toddler & parent programs to after school youth farm clubs and homeschool enrichment, we have something for every budding gardener, young naturalist, and curious mind.

Financial Assistance Available through our Seeds of Success program.

IEP Advocacy

Vanessa Ries

Vanessa has spent her career supporting children with developmental disabilities, with a focus on trauma-informed care. She enjoys creating safe, nurturing environments that promote healing and growth. In the nonprofit sector, Vanessa has played key roles in program development, volunteer coordination, and community outreach. With experience as a Wildfire Recovery Specialist and Community Health Worker, she is passionate about connecting our community members to valuable resources. A native Oregonian, she enjoys spending time outdoors gardening, camping, and being by the water. A lover of art, sunsets, and time spent with her 3 kids. 

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. Newsletter edited by Lisa Milton.