EPHC is proud to share the findings of our Community-Centered Early Literacy Needs Assessment for Latine Families, conducted from March – June 2025. Through focus groups, interviews, and surveys with more than 90 parents, educators, and childcare providers across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties, the project highlights both the strengths and challenges shaping early learning experiences for Oregon’s Latine community.

The assessment reveals that families deeply value bilingualism, cultural identity, and storytelling as part of early literacy, yet face significant barriers such as high childcare costs, limited bilingual programs, and transportation challenges. Providers echoed these needs and emphasized the importance of culturally responsive materials and Spanish-speaking educators.

EPHC’s findings outline seven key actions for advancing equity and access – from expanding bilingual programs and growing the Spanish-speaking educator workforce to creating community-based literacy hubs and culturally grounded curriculum.

These insights will guide EPHC’s future partnerships and early learning initiatives, ensuring that every child in our community can see themselves, and their families, in the stories they read.

This project was made possible through a grant from the Oregon Department of Education, under the Birth Through Five Literacy Plan (HB 3198), developed in collaboration with the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and consultants Allison Lugo Knapp (Conexiones Consulting LLC) and Sara Curiel Paez (Capacity Building Partnerships).