UPDATED “CHILD CARE PROVIDER COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS”
On September 7, Early Learning Division (ELD) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) published an updated version of “Child Care Provider COVID-19 Requirements and Recommendations” with the latest health and safety practices for early care and education (ECE) programs.
The changes are effective immediately. The update includes statewide protocols that were put in place to address increasing COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant. Changes include both the statewide indoor and outdoor mask mandates, along with the school-based vaccine requirement for all teachers, educators, support staff, and volunteers in K-12 schools to be fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021. This requirement applies to early learning and child care programs located in K-12 school settings.
Click below to download the updated version (Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese translations coming soon).
- Sept. 7, 2021
EnglishSpanishRussianVietnameseChinese
FREE SUPPLY BUNDLE FOR OREGON CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
Due to the recent change in requirements, ELD is again offering Oregon child care providers an opportunity to order a free supply bundle, which includes adult and child face coverings.
To order supplies, complete the form on the ELD website and have your license/provider number ready. If you have questions, please contact your licensing specialist or email the Office of Child Care at ProviderContact@ode.oregon.gov
SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER PROVIDER INFORMATION SESSIONS
Oregon child care providers – you’re invited! Join the Early Learning Division for the first of three provider information sessions. This is a virtual event. Registration and agenda coming soon.
September 29, 2021 | 6 to 7 p.m.
All provider types. (Russian and Spanish interpretation available)
September 30, 2021 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Spanish language. (All types)
INTRODUCING ELMO: THE EARLY LEARNING MAP FOR OREGON
ELMO (Early Learning Map for Oregon) is an interactive planning tool now available on the ELD website. Use this tool to explore indicators related to: Child and family characteristics; Early care and education program types, quality, capacity, and availability; Early learning workforce characteristics; School readiness and school success indicators; Family participation and availability of other resources; and Community risk and resiliency factors. Consider using data available in ELMO in your local planning and needs assessment processes.
Visit oregonearlylearning.com/PDGAssessment#ELMO to navigate ELMO and learn more about Oregon communities. Questions? Contact: EarlyLearningMap@ode.oregon.gov. ELMO was created in partnership with Portland State University’s Center for the Improvement of Child and Family Services (PSU) and Oregon Social Learning Center (OSLC).
COVID-19 CHILD CARE REOPENING GRANT: APPLICATIONS OPEN
On August 30, the Early Learning Division announced a grant funding opportunity through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
Child care providers who stopped providing services between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, and reopened after June 30, 2021, or are interested in reopening, are invited to apply for the COVID-19 Child Care Reopening Grant. The application period for this grant is open until November 30, 2021.
HANDLE WITH CARE: A NEW TOOL FOR EARLY EDUCATORS
Oregon Department of Education (ODE) recently added a new tool on their “Care and Connections” webpage. Created by two innovative educators in Missouri, Handle with Care is a template for educators to add their contact information and send to parents and guardians.
The note reads: “If your family is experiencing difficulties at home, I would like to provide additional support at school…If your child is coming to school after a difficult night, morning or weekend please text me ‘Handle with Care.’ Nothing else will be said or asked. This will let me know that your child may need extra time, patience or help during the day.”
Click here to download the template in English.
The template is currently being translated and will be available in several other languages. For updates and additional resources, visit ODE’s “Care and Connections” webpage.