“I had the incredible opportunity to spend time with leaders in health, human services, and early childhood education across Gilliam, Wheeler, and Sherman counties, people who truly wear many hats to meet the needs of their communities.
Umatilla Morrow Head Start is proud to partner with the Condon Early Learning Center in providing Preschool Promise, Early Head Start, and Head Start services, and the exciting news is, they’re expanding! Hayley Andrews, the Condon Early Learning Center Director, continues to grow the program!
During my visit, I also had the privilege of sitting alongside amazing advocates and champions for Oregon’s youngest learners, including Elena Barreto, Dana Hepper from the Children’s Institute, Liz Farrar Campbell, Chair of the Oregon Early Learning Council, and K’Lynn Lane from The Ford Family Foundation.
There is so much heart, dedication, and innovation happening in rural Oregon. These incredible professionals are driving impact across some of our state’s most frontier communities, proving that when we come together with shared purpose, even the most rural places can lead the way in creating opportunity for children and families.”
- Suellen Whitlock
Applications Open Soon!
Starting April 1st, UMHS will begin accepting applications for the 2025-2026 program year! 🎓 We offer a variety of infant, toddler, and preschool programs for children ages 0-5 years old.
✅ Part-day & Enhanced-day (6.5-hour) programs
✅ Part-year & Full-year options
✅ Home-based learning programs
✅ Classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
📲 Apply online: https://www.umchs.org/o/hsehs/page/early-head-start
📍 Or visit any of our Head Start locations to apply in person.
Give your child the best start—apply with UMHS and watch them thrive! #UMHS #EarlyLearning #HeadStart #PreschoolPrograms #BuildingBrighterFutures
UMHS is committed to serving our mission and supporting our children and families with early childhood care and education, nutrition services, and community-centered programs across eastern Oregon. This remains our focus during this time of transition with the federal administration and any impacts to federal funding.
While this may bring uncertainty as it is an evolving situation, our focus is to remain open, accessible, and serving our communities. We do not anticipate any immediate disruptions to our daily operations. As a reminder, UMHS has diversified funding sources including local, state, and regional that support our various programs. Our senior leadership team is in close communication with our community partners across the state and nationally. We are staying up to date on any emerging developments and will keep you informed as we learn more.
Regarding any other or related issues or matters, please direct your inquiry to our Main Office at 541-564-6878.
Do you have a passion for working with children and families? If so, please consider joining UMHS, Inc. as a Family Advocate!
Family Advocates (FAs) work along side families and their children to develop goals, provide referrals, implement family and community strengthening opportunities, and support comprehensive health services. The FAs are also responsible for recruiting and enrolling families and their children in our preschool programs by being out in the community and promoting our early childhood services.
If you would like to help make a difference in the lives of children and families, please visit our website at umchs.org to learn more about the Family Advocate position!💙#UMHS
¿Le apasiona trabajar con niños y familias? Si es así, ¡considere unirse a UMHS, Inc. como Defensor(a) de Familia!
Los Defensores de la Familia (FA) trabajan junto a las familias y sus hijos para desarrollar objetivos, proporcionar referencias, implementar oportunidades de fortalecimiento familiar y comunitario y apoyar servicios de salud integrales. Los FA también son responsables de reclutar e inscribir a las familias y a sus hijos en nuestros programas preescolares estando en la comunidad y promoviendo nuestros servicios para la primera infancia.
Si desea ayudar a marcar una diferencia en las vidas de los niños y las familias, visite nuestro sitio web para obtener más información sobre el puesto de Defensor(a) de la Familia.💙#UMHS
UMHS, Inc. recently attended the Community Health Foundation Board Meeting to present the Board with a Certificate of Recognition for their generous financial support of our Car Seat Program. We have car seats of various sizes available for Umatilla and Morrow County community members who meet income eligibility. Call 541-564-6878 for more information and eligibility criteria! 💙 #UMHS
Join us on Wednesday January 24th from 4pm-7pm for our Early Childhood Educators Job Fair & Community Event! This is a great opportunity to learn about Head Start and Early Childhood Services, career opportunities, and to apply for preschool! We cannot wait to see you there! 💙 #UMHS #HeadStart #EarlyChildhoodEducation
UMHS launches a NEW Teacher Mentor program! These amazing teachers will support new teachers and teaching assistants as they enter our program through shadowing and feedback!💙#UMHS
In addition to offering evidence based health screenings and OHP application assistance to children and families, our car seat program continues to make a positive impact in communities we serve. We were able to provide 30 car seats to eligible families since our car seat program launched this past May. We are excited to be able to continue our car seat program!💙 #UMHS #headstartawarnessmonth
Family Services focuses on the family as a whole and works together with them to help enhance their child’s learning, develop and achieve family goals, and build partnerships. One way this is accomplished is by hosting Family Nights where children, families, and staff come together to learn and grow together. In September, Hermiston Child Development Center held their first Family Night of the school year where they welcomed families with open arms and completed an activity to help everyone get to know each other.
Attending Family Nights is an amazing way to learn with your child and create a sense of community at each site. #UMHS #HeadStartAwarnessMonth 💙
UMHS had the honor of showing Representative Greg Smith around the Neal Early Learning Center while discussing the importance of early learning and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)! This was an amazing opportunity to show him all the amazing things our programs do! 💙 #UMHS
Last week UMHS had its last Policy Council meeting for the 22-23 program year. Our parent/guardian leaders brought great insights, experience, and new ideas to the table this year. They had the big job of reviewing and approving grant applications, new playground equipment and played a key role in planning for our future. Thank you to each and every one of you for your time and support in early learning.
Looking for books, activities, or education materials for pre-K children? Our Child Care Resource & Referral program has a lending library where you can check out these items.
Check out their inventory at https://uumccrr.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse
We are always taking applications for preschool services! To apply, please visit https://umchs.com/preschool/
February is American Heart Month. This is a great time to focus on cardiovascular health for you and your family. The American Heart Association has some great tips on children's healthy eating and recipes.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/dietary-recommendations-for-healthy-children
