The Early Learning Hub serves Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Our 2024 Regional Data Book aims to offer an up-to-date and inclusive overview of the condition and welfare of children and families in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. This report is designed to serve as a basis for encouraging and coordinating strategic efforts to tackle inequalities and promote child well-being in the near future.

View the Regional Data Book 2024

View the Regional Data Book: Executive Summary 2024

The future prosperity of Oregon is reliant upon the future prosperity of the people of Oregon. The Oregon Equity Lens states, "We believe that ending disparities and gaps in achievement begins in the delivery of quality Early Learner programs and appropriate parent engagement and support. This is not simply an expansion of services -- it is a recognition that we need to provide services in a way that best meets the needs of our most diverse segment of the population, 0-5 year olds and their families."

Schools are at the very core of our work and the foundation of our strategic framework for getting children ready for school and supporting stable families. Without strong schools and support for families, our children will not continue to grow into the adults we need them to be for the future.

Linn County:

Oregon KIDS Count 2023 Data: Linn County

Benton County:

Oregon KIDS Count 2023 Data: Benton County

Lincoln County:

Oregon KIDS Count 2023 Data: Lincoln County

Pollywog's Community Asset Mapping Project

What is Asset Mapping?

Asset Mapping, or the process of creating a map of community assets, is a hands-on experience that centers the participants’ experiences and opinions. Over-sized aerial maps of a community are the canvas for community members to share their perspectives on their community and its resources. We hope to learn more about the community that we can’t learn from just looking at a map ourselves.

Pollywog and the EL Hub are conducting a regional Asset Mapping Project in 16 rural Linn/Benton/Lincoln communities. Asset mapping is an innovative tool for community-based participatory research, and with this project we seek to engage and center the voices and experiences of families raising young children in rural communities.

The selected communities are: Brownsville, Halsey, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Mill City/Lyons, Scio, and Sweet Home (Linn County); Alsea, Monroe, and Philomath (Benton County); Depoe Bay, Lincoln City, Newport, Siletz, Toledo, and Waldport (Lincoln County).

These selected communities were chosen because they are similar in size (under 20,000 residents) and have two of these existing assets - a grocery store that sells fresh meats and produce, a library, and a health care clinic.

Host an Asset Mapping Session

With each Asset Mapping session, we ask direct questions about families’ experiences in accessing resources and services in their community and beyond. Their answers show where families encounter gaps in needed support and will translate into data that will inform program funding plans across our region.