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7 Groundbreaking Ways The Kalapuya Early Learning Center Is Redefining Early Education In Oregon

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Opened in 2021, the Kalapuya Early Learning Center (KELC) has quickly become a pivotal hub for early childhood education in Washington County, Oregon, representing a powerful and successful collaboration between the Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) and Washington County Community Action Head Start. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the center is actively implementing high-impact, dual-language, and social-emotional learning (SEL) programs designed to establish a robust foundation for the region’s youngest learners, ensuring equitable access to high-quality PreK services.

This state-of-the-art facility is not just a building; it is a model for integrated early learning, housing the entire TTSD Early Learning Department and serving as a beacon for cultural recognition. Its curriculum is deeply rooted in preparing children for kindergarten success through holistic development, innovative partnerships, and a profound respect for the land’s original stewards, the Kalapuya people.

The Leadership and Legacy of the Kalapuya Early Learning Center

The Kalapuya Early Learning Center (KELC) is a testament to community commitment and visionary educational leadership. While the center itself is the main entity, its success is driven by key figures and a significant historical context that honors the region’s heritage.

  • Center Name: Kalapuya Early Learning Center (KELC)
  • Location: Tigard, Washington County, Oregon
  • Founding Context: Established as a collaborative early learning hub.
  • Official Naming: Spring 2021
  • Primary Partners: Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) and Washington County Community Action Head Start
  • Key Programs: Head Start, Preschool Promise, Dual-Language Preschool Program

Key Leadership Profile: Rory Moore, Principal

A central figure in the center’s operation is Rory Moore. He was appointed to a dual role, serving as the Principal of both Templeton Elementary School (TES) and the new Kalapuya Early Learning Center (KELC). This dual appointment highlights the Tigard-Tualatin School District's (TTSD) focus on creating a seamless transition and alignment between early learning and elementary school programs. Moore’s leadership ensures that the foundational principles and curriculum established at KELC directly feed into the K-5 experience at Templeton, promoting continuity in the students' educational journey.

The center’s name, Kalapuya, is a deliberate and powerful choice. It honors the Kalapuya Tribe, the Indigenous people who historically inhabited the Willamette Valley and surrounding areas, including the land where the center now stands. This naming decision, formalized in 2021, reflects a commitment to cultural preservation and recognition within the Tigard-Tualatin School District 23J and the broader Pacific Northwest educational landscape.

Integration of High-Impact Early Learning Programs

The KELC’s operational model is built on a foundation of integrated and universally accessible services, aligning with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE)'s goals for early childhood success. The center effectively merges multiple state and federally funded initiatives under one roof, creating a comprehensive resource for families in Washington County.

The Power of Dual-Language and Preschool Promise

One of the most innovative offerings is the dual-language Preschool Promise PreK program. This initiative is crucial for supporting the linguistic diversity of the community, providing young children with the cognitive benefits of bilingualism. By offering instruction in two languages, the program helps close achievement gaps for priority populations and prepares students for a globalized future.

The center also hosts Head Start classrooms, a federal program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income families. This collaboration with Washington County Community Action Head Start ensures that high-quality early learning is available equitably to all PreK students in the TTSD area. The fusion of these programs—Head Start, Preschool Promise, and the dual-language model—makes KELC a unique and powerful early learning hub.

Curriculum Focus: Social-Emotional Learning and Brain Science

The KELC curriculum is not solely focused on traditional academic readiness; it places a significant emphasis on holistic development, using modern brain science and social-emotional frameworks to build resilient learners. This focus is critical for long-term student achievement and well-being.

Prioritizing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

A core component of the KELC model is the dedicated Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum. SEL teaches children essential skills such as self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship building. For young learners, mastering these skills is a powerful predictor of academic success and future mental health. The center's staff, including contacts like Kristina Kurtz, are trained to integrate these principles into every aspect of the school day.

Utilizing the Vroom Brain-Building Initiative

In line with its commitment to evidence-based practices, the Tigard-Tualatin School District’s Early Learning Department, based at KELC, promotes the Vroom initiative. Vroom is a nationwide program that provides parents and caregivers of children aged 0-5 with simple, science-based tips to turn everyday activities—like mealtime, bathtime, or playtime—into brain-building moments. This initiative extends the learning environment beyond the classroom, empowering parents as their child's first and most important teacher.

The Kalapuya Cultural Connection and Future Outlook

The center’s name is more than a geographic marker; it is an educational commitment. By choosing to honor the Kalapuya Tribe, the center signals its dedication to a culturally responsive and inclusive environment.

A Commitment to Cultural Responsiveness

Although the KELC is distinct from the Native Education Program (NEP) offered at other schools, its very existence and name contribute to a larger conversation about cultural integration in Oregon's education system. The naming serves as a constant reminder of the land’s heritage and encourages a deeper understanding of the local American Indian / Alaska Native history among all students and staff. This cultural awareness is a vital part of the TTSD’s mission to provide an inclusive education for all students, including those who are descendants of a Federally recognized tribe.

A Model for the Future of Early Learning

The Kalapuya Early Learning Center is a shining example of the modern, collaborative early learning model. Its adherence to the Integrated Guidance Framework from the ODE, its focus on language and communication development, and its seamless partnership with Washington County Community Action make it a blueprint for other districts. With the Tigard-Tualatin School District continually reviewing and updating its 2024-2025 Board Goals, the KELC remains at the forefront of the district’s commitment to closing performance gaps and ensuring that every child has the necessary building blocks for a successful academic career. The center’s success demonstrates that by employing best practices, policy, and research, high-quality early learning can be universally accessible and deeply impactful.

kalapuya early learning center
kalapuya early learning center

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