ORAEYC ECE Summit
The 2026 ORAEYC ECE Summit brought nearly 200 early childhood educators, leaders, faculty, advocates, students, and partners from across Oregon together at Embassy Suites Portland Airport for three days of learning, connection, and celebration.
Together, we explored new ideas, shared experiences, strengthened relationships, and considered what comes next for early childhood education in Oregon. From inspiring keynote speakers and engaging professional learning sessions to the Grand Articulation Summit, Books & Bites, Estamos Aquí Celebración, and our 60th/100th anniversary celebration, the Summit created opportunities to learn from one another, celebrate our profession, and build momentum for the work ahead.
Thank You for Making the 2026 ECE Summit Possible!
The 2026 ORAEYC ECE Summit was made possible by the generosity, expertise, and commitment of so many people who believe in Oregon's early childhood community.
A special thank you to our keynote and featured speakers, Marica Cox Mitchell, Alissa Mwenelupembe, Elliot Haspel, Elsa Jones, Jamie Cho, Ninderjit Gill, Dennis McGregor, and Beth Wood, for sharing their knowledge, perspectives, and inspiration. Each helped us think more deeply about our profession, the children and families we serve, and the future we are working to create together.
We are grateful to all of our session presenters who shared their expertise and practical strategies, our volunteers who helped everything run smoothly, and our vendors and exhibitors who brought valuable resources and opportunities for connection to the Summit.
Special appreciation goes to the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) for their partnership in hosting the Grand Articulation Summit.
With Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to our 2026 ECE Summit sponsors:
The Ford Family Foundation
Preschool for All Multnomah County
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Their support helped bring Oregon's early childhood community together for meaningful professional learning, connection, and celebration.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended. Your energy, conversations, questions, and commitment to children, families, and one another are what made these three days so special. We look forward to continuing the connections and conversations throughout the year!