NeighborImpact to open Head Start classrooms on September 8
OSU-Cascades has leased a portion of the Little Kits building and hopes to confirm an additional tenant after the new year.
OSU-Cascades is welcoming NeighborImpact to campus as a new tenant of the Little Kits building. NeighborImpact will operate two toddler classrooms for children ages one to three and one preschool classroom for children ages three to five. The program is free to participating families, and eligibility is determined through several factors, including income, housing and utility costs, disability, family circumstances and available enrollment flexibility. Families who are interested are encouraged to apply so staff can help determine whether they qualify.
What is the Little Kits building?
Little Kits is a facility that was built using federal funds to help address the childcare crisis in Central Oregon. OSU operated a childcare facility known as Little Kits in the building from August 2025 through June 2026 before ending the program due to financial challenges. OSU Cascades is committed to meeting its obligations to the agencies that provided funding for Little Kits, including Deschutes County, the State of Oregon and the federal government.
What is OSU's role in the new program?
OSU-Cascades is renting a portion of the space to NeighborImpact, via a community good lease, to support increasing childcare opportunities in Central Oregon. The programs will be managed entirely by NeighborImpact’s experienced team. The rent will help offset OSU-Cascades operating costs for the building, but will not generate net revenues for the university. OSU-Cascades will continue educating early childhood professionals, via degree programs, internships, and partnerships.
What will the new program cost?
These state and federally subsidized programs are free for eligible families. NeighborImpact’s existing Head Start program serves 601 children in Bend, Redmond, Prineville and La Pine with high-quality care and preschool as well as nutrition, health screening and family support.
What are the income limits or eligibility guidelines for families seeking care from NeighborImpact Head Start?
Eligibility is determined through several factors, including income, housing and utility costs, disability, family circumstances, qualifying public assistance participation such as SNAP, and available enrollment flexibility. Families who are interested are encouraged to apply so staff can help determine whether they qualify.
How can I apply?
NeighborImpact is now enrolling children and hiring staff for a fall opening planned for September 8, 2026. Families and childcare professionals can find more details and apply online at www.neighborimpact.org.
Might there be additional providers in the OSU Little Kits building over time?
OSU is continuing conversations with other potential childcare or preschool providers, in hopes of confirming an additional tenant who can offer high-quality childcare to diverse segments of Central Oregon’s population. While we have been having meaningful conversations with other providers, we don’t expect to announce a second tenant before the new year.
For childcare and preschool providers interested in learning more, please contact us admin@osucascades.edu.