BEND, Ore. – Krissa Harris, the newly appointed director of Central Oregon’s Early Learning Hub, is setting her sights on understanding the unique needs of each community within the tri-county area. Harris, who took over leadership of the organization earlier this year, emphasizes that addressing the diverse challenges and opportunities of local families will be a top priority as she works to expand the Hub’s reach and impact.
The Early Learning Hub oversees a variety of key programs aimed at supporting early childhood development, including the popular Preschool Promise, which provides free preschool to qualifying families. Additionally, Harris will continue the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that sends free books to children under age five, ensuring that young learners have access to the tools they need for early literacy.
Harris, who brings both a personal and professional passion for early education to her new role, believes her experience as a mother has further fueled her commitment to making a difference in the lives of young children. “I think what drew me to the role is — as a mom — I know how important early learning is,” Harris said. “As a professional, I really enjoy working in the partnership space.”
One of Harris’s initial initiatives will focus on providing additional educational resources to local communities. From April 5 through April 11, the Early Learning Hub will distribute educational STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) kits at local libraries across the region. The kits are designed to spark creativity and learning in young children, offering a hands-on way for families to explore key concepts in these critical fields.
Through these efforts, Harris is setting the stage for a future where Central Oregon’s children are better equipped for success in school and beyond. By working to meet the unique needs of each community, she hopes to create lasting partnerships that will continue to benefit families for years to come.
As she moves forward, Harris remains focused on creating a collaborative environment where families, educators, and local organizations can work together to give every child the best possible start in life.
