Professionals Unite in The Dalles to Champion Early Childhood Wellness

May 16

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Four Rivers Family Early Learning:

By Nicol Reel

The Dalles, Ore., May 16, 2025 — On Tuesday, April 22, nearly 100 attendees gathered at The Dalles Civic Auditorium for the 2025 Children’s Wellness Summit—a full-day event focused on promoting the wellness of children from birth to age five and honoring the professionals who serve them.

The free event brought together educators, health professionals, caregivers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue around early literacy, family wellness, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices. Keynote speaker Doreen Dodgen-Magee, Psy.D, award-winning author and psychologist, delivered a compelling talk titled “De-Vicing Early Childhood: How Screens Impact Kids & Their Caregivers & How to Mitigate the Harm.” Her message underscored the importance of mindful technology use during a child’s early developmental years. Attendees explored best practices for fostering resilience, addressing behavioral health needs, and supporting holistic development for young children. The summit emphasized the value of community-based approaches and the critical role of professionals and caregivers in shaping healthy futures.

This year’s summit was inspired in part by the Birth to Five Early Literacy funds, provided by the State of Oregon through the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). “It’s vital to start literacy work as early as possible—even prenatally,” organizers noted. “This event was about equipping the people who are naturally connected to young children and their families with the tools they need: from early literacy strategies and perinatal wellness to trauma-informed approaches.”

“We were thrilled by the strong turnout and the enthusiasm for learning and collaboration,” said event organizers. “It’s clear that our community is deeply committed to the well-being of children and families.” The event was made possible through support from PacificSource, GOBHI, The Next Door Inc., Oregon Department of Human Services, Hood River County Prevention Department, Mid-Columbia Center For Living, and Four Rivers Family Early Learning & Parenting.

For more information on future events or to get involved, visit fourriversfamily.org or contact 4relh@cgesd.k12.or.us.