A MESSAGE FROM ELD’S MIRIAM CALDERON
This week marks my final week serving as the Early Learning System Director for the state of Oregon. Before I go, I wanted to take one final opportunity to acknowledge you for the incredible work you do for Oregon’s children and families. And, to say thank you for all that we have accomplished together in my nearly four years in this role.
Since starting in 2017, I could not have imagined how far we could go to elevate early childhood in Oregon, and to advance toward a more equitable early learning system. It has been an honor and privilege to serve in this role.
I will carry all of my experiences here to my next role – the successes and the challenges, the many lessons, especially from this last year of COVID-19, and my passion for young children, families, caregivers, and early educators in Oregon. I think we are in a unique moment in our field, and I am excited to take this experience and contribute at the federal level. I look forward to helping shape federal policy for Oregon and other early learning and child care systems in our nation.
In closing, I want to thank Alyssa Chatterjee for stepping in to lead at this important time for early learning and child care in Oregon. I have nothing but excitement and hope about the future direction for early childhood in this state, and have no doubt that the best days yet are soon to come.
With Gratitude,
Miriam
NEW RESEARCH SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF CHILD CARE FOR OREGON FAMILIES
For Oregon families, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges. It also increased existing barriers to high-quality, affordable early care and education. In Fall of 2020, the Early Learning Division (ELD) contracted with Portland State University’s Center for the Improvement of Child and Family Services and OSLC Developments, Inc. They conducted a statewide survey and listening sessions with families about their child care services, supports, and experiences during the pandemic.
To learn more about the impacts of COVID-19 on families’ experiences with child care, click here.
REMINDERS:
- Share feedback on Oregon’s draft Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State Plan for 2022-2024. ELD invites you to participate in a public hearing on April 27 OR submit a comment through a public feedback form. Learn more: oregonearlylearning.com/administration/state-plans/
- National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (May 7) and National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3 to 7) are coming up! Join ELD in recognizing the MANY ways Oregon educators have made a difference in the lives of children and families. Encourage your community to join in celebrating! Check out these ideas from Child Care Aware of America (click here) and National Parent Teacher Association (click here).