The Story of
Yoncalla Early Works
How an Early Childhood Project Became the Driver for Transforming Rural Education and Community Vitality
Eastern Oregon Early Learning Hub
December 8, 2025
Welcome
Yoncalla, OR (pop. 1,032)
North Douglas County towns of:
Region of Focus
Yoncalla Early Works (YEW) is a prenatal to third grade, rural demonstration project that started in 2012
YEW Project Overview
A partnership with the Yoncalla community, Yoncalla School District, Childrens Institute, The Ford Family Foundation, and Portland State University
Theory of action: supported and engaged parents, schools and communities can help young children be ready for and successful in school.
Creation of a preschool for the community
Re-opening of a shuttered healthcare clinic
Over time, scaled key concepts into K-6 building
Yoncalla Early Works: Guiding Principles
Key Lessons Learned
Questions
How is your community similar or different to the Yoncalla story? What parts challenge you to think differently?
Is early learning (or PreK) an identified priority in your community? Why or why not?
Is it hard to open a health clinic?
How might these principles support your community?
ee
What local partners come to the table to support wellbeing in your community? Who are your “non traditional” community leaders?
Are there “tensions” or decisions you are tasked with making that could be benefitted by family input?
What other questions or wonderings do you have?
Resources
Scan QR code to view project summary
Insights on Yoncalla Early Works
Children’s Institute Rural Coaching
Scan QR code for more info
Key local/regional stakeholders that support this project
Connect with us
Erin Helgren, Remote Rural Coach
at Children’s Institute
erin@childinst.org.
Socialize with us!
Children’s Institute
Visit childinst.org