Oregon Head Start Association

The meetings and trainings held by Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) during 2023 had a total attendance of 675 people. OHSA staff were able to provide training and updated information to Association members and the public. OHSA's Specialist Conference provided Head Start staff with up-to-date information in their component areas.

OHSA's Charitable Checkoff Grant program is funded through the Oregon Charitable Checkoff Commission. The Commission is charged with approving charities to receive donations from taxpayer designated refunds. OHSA offers funding on a grant basis to Head Start programs, primarily for projects relating to safety and health, such as playgrounds, wheelchair ramps, and roof repairs. Money is generally granted in the fall for projects that occur the following Spring and Summer. Programs are prevented from receiving funds two years in a row to ensure more equitable distribution of resources. Funds in 2023 were awarded to- Eastern Oregon University HS New Flooring project, $8,000- UCommunity Action Team Paint Exterior Walls project $7,000- Klamath Family Head Start-Landscaping project $4,212

OHSA's advocacy activities are important part of OHSA being a leader and a politically powerful voice in early childhood issues at the state and national level. OHSA employs professional staff to help develop an annual legislative platform and support legislation for the constituency served by the Association. OHSA's efforts on the state level have resulted in state funding being higher than federal, allowing us to serve more families in need. OSHA has an active advocacy network with 1957 members.