IRCO's Preschool Expansion
We’re thrilled to share how our former Community Partner, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), has leveraged the research and business planning we completed through our capacity building partnership, and is on track to exponentially grow its preschool program!
From 2016 to 2018, SVP and IRCO joined forces to enhance early childhood education for immigrant and refugee families. Together, we:
Produced a comprehensive landscape assessment of culturally-responsive preschool programs.
Conducted a community-driven study to identify the unique needs and priorities of these families.
Developed a business plan to launch a new preschool program, with a vision for future growth.
Through this partnership, we aimed to create a preschool environment that honored diverse languages and cultures, ensuring a strong foundation for young learners.
In 2018, IRCO's journey to provide quality early childhood education began with a single pilot preschool classroom. From humble beginnings in a church space, the program then expanded to an elementary school in Aloha.
Today, we're excited to announce the next chapter: a dedicated preschool building at IRCO's first co-developed affordable housing site in NE Portland. Thanks to generous backing from supporters, such as the $1.1 million grant from the Preschool For All Facilities Fund, IRCO Early Beginnings at Glisan Landing will open its doors in 2026, providing a nurturing environment for young learners. This new facility is more than just a building; it's a symbol of our community's commitment to providing children with the early experiences they need to thrive.
