Family Newsletter

The magic ratio is a research-based principle that for every negative or corrective interaction with a child, we should have at least 5 positive interactions. This is a great idea to keep in mind as you interact with your child on a daily basis. In parenting, there are times you will need to make corrective statements to your child, but balancing that out with lots of positive statements will help you and your child maintain a healthy relationship. Research also shows that praise is such a strong motivator for children that the 5:1 ratio helps improve child behavior.

Examples of positive statements with kids:

Thank you for listening.

Wow, you're working so hard on that puzzle. Good job!

I love you.

I like spending time with you.

You're a great helper!

I'm proud of you.

We have two more fall playdates scheduled with Adventure! Children's Museum at the Valley River Center in Eugene. Join us for free play time for families currently receiving services with Early Childhood CARES, from 9-11 am on Thursday October 15 and Thursday November 19.

Please note that Adventure! is not able to offer free play times to our families at times other than the scheduled group playdates. However, Adventure! participates in the Museums for All program, offering discounted admission rates for families receiving EBT benefits. Visit this link to learn more about general admission to Adventure! Children's Museum.

Join a welcoming space each second Wednesday of the month, 6-8 pm. Connect with parents, learn about resources with Escudo Latino and Bridging Communities, and discuss special education with FACT Oregon. Contact Rosa Belem Ochoa Consulting to learn more: (541) 601-9113 rosabelemochoaconsulting@gmail.com

Understanding Special Education: IDEA, IEPs, and Communicating with Your Team. Thursday October 8, 12-1 pm online. Karen Trombley, Support Specialist at FACT Oregon, will help you understand and take part in the special education process! Learn the basic concepts of IDEA, a federal special education law. Discover how to work well with your school team. And feel confident and prepared for your child’s next IEP meeting! Click here to register.

Activate your Advocacy for Parents and Caregivers (Fall 2026 cohort). Begins Monday October 18 and continues through Friday December 18. This free, virtual series is for parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities. It's for families who are ready to lead. Tap into your lived experiences and voice to create lasting change for families across Oregon. AYA mixes self-paced learning with live online sessions where families meet, learn, and practice new skills to use in your community and in larger systems advocacy. You don't need any past leadership or advocacy experience. You just need to be ready to learn and act. Click here to learn more and register.

For the full list of FACT Oregon trainings, visit their website here.

• The Arc Lane County will host a 6-week Ready and Prepared Workshop series to help youth and adults with disabilities and their parents or supporters prepare for emergencies.

  Learn how to build a person-centered emergency plan using Cognitopia’s accessible planning tools.

  Self advocates will receive:

  • $50 per session

  • Dinner at each session

  • Access to Cognitopia’s software

  Ready & Prepared Workshop Series

  When: Tuesdays, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17

  Time: 6–8 p.m.

  Where: Mahonia Community Room, 120 Shelton McMurphey Blvd., Suite 230, in Eugene

  Space is limited to 10 self-advocates, along with their parent/caregiver or supporter. Don’t wait—register today! Email Laura or call 541-343-5256 ext. 113.

Celebrate the start of Fall with the Family Relief Nursery! This free event welcomes all children and families in the South Lane/North Douglas Area! Link to more info. 720 N 14th St, Cottage Grove, on Saturday, October 3rd from 11am - 3pm. English and Spanish flyers attached.

A Petting Zoo with 4H OSU Extension Service Lane County, Live Mural Painting with Pudding Art Studio, Live Music with the Harlan Rivers Duo, Family Competition Games to find out River Road's #1 family! Fall themed Arts and Crafts, Free Bike Checks and Simple Repairs with SHIFT Community Cycles, Outdoor programing and Fun with Beyond Toxics. Here’s a link with more info. October 4, 1 – 4pm at Emerald Park, 1400 Lake Dr, Eugene.

Discover simple, engaging ways to nurture a love of reading in your child. Explore the benefits of early literacy, how to find great books through libraries and online resources, effective reading strategies, activities that extend learning beyond the story, bibliotherapy, and ways to support reluctant readers. You can sign up for this free parenting workshop on The Family Connect website. Tuesday, October 6 from 6pm - 7:30 pm on Zoom

Wraparound is a planning process to help children and their families realize their hopes and dreams. This introductory training will help families gain an understanding of the Wraparound process, including the 10 Wraparound principles, the value of family voice and choice, and how Wraparound can be used to improve outcomes for youth and families with high-level mental and behavioral health challenges. You can register for this training on the training's eventbrite webpage. WHERE: Online; WHEN: Tuesday, November 3 from 6:30 pm - 8:30pm

This is really two classes in one...Yoga class for you and a fun FitKid class for your little one. See attached flyer. For children ages 18 months to 6 years with a parent. Class runs on Wednesday mornings from 10-11 am, October 7 - November 11 at Kidsports in Eugene. Cost is $85 for one parent and one child. Here’s the link.

Safe Lane Transportation Coalition provides offers free child passenger safety checks to families in Lane County. Caregivers can schedule an appointment for a one-on-one safety check. See this page to submit a request for an appointment.

Need help finding emergency shelter? Lane County has a Shelter Finder website to assist individuals and families looking for shelter. Click here to visit the site.

Parenting Now has a comprehensive community resource guide available for families with information on basic needs, counseling, family education & support, and more. You can download a PDF of their 2026-27 resource guide below.

Email: eccares@uoregon.edu
Website: https://earlychildhoodcares.uoregon.edu
Location: 1500 West 12th Avenue, Eugene, OR, 97402 USA
Phone: (541) 346-2578
Facebook: facebook.com/earlychildhoodcares