Early Learning System Initiative

As we move through the summer season, consider what helps you feel grounded, connected, and renewed.

There is no right answer. Wellness looks different for each of us.

What is nourishing you these days?

📣 New newsletter alert!

This month's ELSInsider is packed with summer updates and upcoming learning opportunities. Don't miss future editions—subscribe to receive the latest news straight to your inbox: https://earlylearningsysteminitiative.substack.com/

July invites us to move a little more gently.

This month, consider offering yourself the same care, patience, and compassion that you so often extend to others.

What is one way you can slow down this month?

We are at the The Research Institute at Western Oregon University TRI Leadership Conference this week! ELSI team members, Kendall and Jasmin, co-facilitated a session today with Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education - OCCD on Navigating NAEYC Together. We hope to connect with you today/tomorrow!

Not a checklist.
Not another thing to do.
Just a few gentle invitations.

Take what supports you. Leave what doesn't.

Whether it's stepping outside, taking a mindful sip of water, or reaching out to someone you trust, small moments of care matter.

What is one small way you're caring for yourself this week?

New Free Professional Development Series Supports Early Learning Providers Across Oregon The Oregon DELC is launching free professional development series for child care providers to improve behavior management and relationship-building techniques, available in multiple languages.

Summer is made of tiny, shining moments — the ones we usually breeze past. This season, we invite you to look for the glimmers: warm light on your face, watching a flower bloom, or the hush of a slow morning. ✨

Here’s to a summer of intentional noticing, slow joy, and sun‑soaked gratitude — an open invitation to look up, look around, and let the little things light you up.

As calendars fill and energy runs thin, this season also invites gentle slowing. A brief pause to reflect, check‑in, and simply be. These small acts of presence help restore what the constant go, go, go can easily drain. Even in the busiest weeks, there is room for calm — and every tiny moment of care adds up. 💛

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the ELSI Wellness Team is excited to share a new biweekly well-being series each Friday.

May is also a very busy month as we wrap up the school year. During this busy season, it can be easy to forget to care for ourselves. We invite you to take a few minutes to care for YOU. What is one tiny way you can support your mental well-being at work?

Cheering you on,
ELSI Wellness Team