OREGON CHILD DEVELOPMENT COALITION INC Overview

Programs: Migrant Head Start is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty created when families are forced to move from place to place. OCDC?s Migrant Head Start program offers high quality comprehensive early childhood development programs. Programs are center-based, full-day and structured to be individualized and culturally appropriate. The Coalition also provides health and social support services for children from birth to school-entry age.Oregon Head Start is a state-funded program providing comprehensive early childhood development services for low-income children and their families. It serves children ages three and four specifically Washington and Marion counties.Through Migrant Education, a federally funded program, OCDC provides children age five and under, preschool education services, and direct social services for their families where appropriate. This program runs from December to May in Malheur, Klamath, Washington and Hood River counties.In Malheur County OCDC uses Meals on Wheels to enrich the lives of seniors and assists them in maintaining independence by making food, social contacts and other resources easily accessible.Pesticide Program is where OCDC has joined with the Center for Research on Occupational and Environment Toxicology (CROET) at Oregon Health Sciences University to develop a community-based environmental research program to prevent pesticide exposure to migrant farm worker families.Early Literacy Program is a collaborative program involves working with local educators to provide family literacy services. Parents and children are provided free books, educational materials and leisure activities that encourage reading, critical thinking and listening skills. Organized activities include a read-aloud program and how to use the local library.