Receiving $15,436 from Oregon! Ready to Learn Initiative, of the Oregon Community Foundation, Southwestern Oregon Community College will be able to further support the training and mentoring of childcare providers in children's language, literacy, and social and emotional development.

CARE Connections, the supervising program for childcare education at Southwestern, strives to provide education and support to families and care providers in Coos and Curry counties. To better meet the community's needs, CARE Connections is collaborating with multiple partners, including the North Bend and Myrtle Point public libraries, Even Start and the Southwestern Family Center.

“Increasing children's school readiness, combined with positive interaction with their caregivers, improves dramatically their future success in school, and ultimately, the work place,” said CARE Connections Director Laura Nier.

The Oregon Community Foundation is partnering with the Lora L. and Martin N. Kelley Family Foundation trust for phase two of the Oregon! Ready to Learn Initiative.

The initiative is designed to expand access to proven early childhood programs that promote literacy and language development, so children enter school ready to learn. In February, 12 grants were awarded totaling $223,017.

The OCF, established in 1973, manages charitable funds donated by individuals, families and businesses to enhance and support the quality of life in their communities.