JOHN DAY – The Early Learning and Frontier Hub for Grant and Harney counties is moving forward where the Commission on Children and Families left off.

Patti Wright, coordinator for the hub, said that with the help of state-funded grants the coordinating organization is working to improve kindergarten readiness and assessment scores, early literacy and professional development of providers.

“We are doing this through a variety of early literacy activities, professional development training for preschool teachers and in home care providers and kindergarten transition activities,” Wright said.

Recently, several teachers and providers received training in the use of Creative Curriculum materials. The trainees including representatives from Dayville, Long Creek, Monument, Sonshine Christian School, and one in-home child care provider.

Representatives from John Day’s Families First Parent Resource Center and The Growing Tree Infant Center participated in a Harney County training.

The participants received a curriculum set valued at $1,800, delivered Nov. 5-7, to use in classrooms or child care centers.

“The curriculum is widely used and proficient in Common Core educational principles,” Wright said. “This is a great resource available to economically challenged programs.”