Press Release
Professionals Unite in The Dalles to Champion Early Childhood Wellness
THE DALLES, Ore. – On Tuesday, April 22, nearly 100 attendees gathered at The Dalles Civic Auditorium for the 2025 Children’s Wellness Summit—a full-day event focused on promoting the wellness of children from birth to age five and honoring the professionals who serve them.
The free event brought together educators, health professionals, caregivers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue around early literacy, family wellness, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices. Keynote speaker Doreen Dodgen-Magee, Psy.D, award-winning author and psychologist, delivered a compelling talk titled “De-Vicing Early Childhood: How Screens Impact Kids & Their Caregivers & How to Mitigate the Harm.” Her message underscored the importance of mindful technology use during a child’s early developmental years. Attendees explored best practices for fostering resilience, addressing behavioral health needs, and supporting holistic development for young children. The summit emphasized the value of community-based approaches and the critical role of professionals and caregivers in shaping healthy futures.
This year’s summit was inspired in part by the Birth to Five Early Literacy funds, provided by the State of Oregon through the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). “It’s vital to start literacy work as early as possible—even prenatally,” organizers noted. “This event was about equipping the people who are naturally connected to young children and their families with the tools they need: from early literacy strategies and perinatal wellness to trauma-informed approaches.”
“We were thrilled by the strong turnout and the enthusiasm for learning and collaboration,” said event organizers. “It’s clear that our community is deeply committed to the well-being of children and families.” The event was made possible through support from PacificSource, GOBHI, The Next Door Inc., Oregon Department of Human Services, Hood River County Prevention Department, Mid-Columbia Center For Living, and Four Rivers Family Early Learning & Parenting.
For more information on future events or to get involved, visit fourriversfamily.org or contact 4relh@cgesd.k12.or.us.
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About Four Rivers Family Early Learning and Parenting Hub
Housed within the Columbia Gorge Education Service District, Four Rivers Family Early Learning and Parenting Hub works in collaboration with local community partners across Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties to connect families with resources and programs that ensure better overall outcomes for young children. The hub focuses on three key goals: preparing children for kindergarten, promoting stable and attached families, and coordinating and aligning services. The Hub is a program within the Columbia Gorge Education Service District, which provides a wide array of education-related services from PreK through high school, many in close partnership with school districts and community organizations.
You can find out more about Four Rivers Family by visiting www.fourriversfamily.org.
Learn more about Preschool Promise, please visit: https://fourriversfamily.org/preschool-connection
