At Portland State University's College of Education, we are proud to support early childhood educators through the Indigenous First Steps Program, a professional pathway designed to advance culturally sustaining early childhood education practices. This initiative centers Native language, culture, histories, and oral storytelling traditions to support the recovery and sustainability of Indigenous cultures in early learning settings.

The Indigenous First Steps Program is open to individuals who work in early childhood or are interested in working with young children 0-5 years of age in licensed early childhood programs or family child care homes and have a demonstrated commitment to working within or alongside Indigenous communities to support children and families. Participants can self-select into the cohort that best reflects their professional focus:

• Community-Led Cohort – For educators working within Indigenous communities who seek educational opportunities focused on Indigenous early childhood education and culturally sustaining practices. This cohort emphasizes Indigenous perspectives, knowledge systems, and community-centered approaches in early learning.

• Collaborative Partnerships Cohort – For educators working alongside Indigenous communities who wish to deepen their understanding and application of culturally sustaining early childhood education practices.

This initiative is made possible through a multi-agency funding collaboration that includes Multnomah County's Preschool for All, the Oregon Department of Education’s Grow Your Own program, and the Oregon Community Foundation. With their support, we are embedding education, professional development, and mentorship opportunities into early childhood programs to strengthen belonging, retention, and success for racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse educators.