IN-PERSON LICENSING VISITS TO RESUME IN NOVEMBER
The Early Learning Division (ELD) will be resuming routine, in-person licensing visits starting
November 1, 2021. The agency suspended most in-person visits in September due to rising COVID-19 cases linked to the Delta variant. This period allowed state employees time to receive vaccines, per Governor Kate Brown’s vaccine requirement. If you have questions, please contact your licensing specialist or email the Office of Child Care at ProviderContact@ode.oregon.gov.
SOME CHILD CARE PROVIDERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE VACCINE BOOSTER
Governor Brown recently announced the state’s plan for delivering booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine. Earlier this year as part of the vaccine rollout, early care and education (ECE) employees were grouped in “Phase 1b” by the Oregon Health Authority. If you are an ECE employee and received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, you are now eligible for a vaccine booster.
Providers can learn more about vaccine boosters on the Oregon Health Authority website:
https://govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-booster-covid-19-vaccine
- October 7, 2021
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SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER PROVIDER INFORMATION SESSIONS
Join ELD for upcoming provider sessions in October. These are virtual events. Registration and agenda coming soon.
Wednesday, October 27 | 6 to 7 p.m.
All provider types. (Interpretation available)
Thursday, October 28 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Spanish language. (All types)
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL HEAD START AWARENESS MONTH
Launched in 1965, the Head Start model was designed to support families facing difficult circumstances and reduce obstacles to learning in the early years. Today, Head Start continues to provide health, nutrition, and school readiness to families.
ELD BLOG: “A PARADE DOWN MEMORY LANE: OREGON STATE REPRESENTATIVE SHARES HEAD START STORY”
In honor of National Head Start Awareness Month, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with Oregon Rep. Mark Meek, who recalls his time as a Head Start student.
“If I hadn’t had that background and early exposure, I would have struggled much more,” said Meek. “This experience was life changing,” said Meek. “Over the years, as I reflect on the wonderful learning experiences I had, Head Start was the foundation for all my other learning opportunities.”
Click here to read the blog story.
HUNT INSTITUTE PANEL DISCUSSION: “CREATING A SHARED VISION: ALIGNING STATE EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEMS AND HEAD START”
Alyssa Chatterjee, Oregon’s Early Learning Systems Director, recently participated in a panel discussion hosted by Hunt Institute. Chatterjee joined other national, state, and Head Start leaders to discuss ways to connect child care systems, increase investments, and strengthen supports for children and families. A recording of the webinar will be posted on Hunt Institute’s YouTube channel. Watch for updates!
REMINDERS:
APPLY NOW FOR THE FOLLOWING GRANTS:
COVID-19 Child Care Reopening Grant
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.
COVID-19 Child Care Stabilization Grant
Oregon received approximately $224 million in grant funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to be paid directly to eligible providers struggling during the pandemic. You must complete a brief application online and meet eligibility criteria to be considered for a grant. The application period for this grant is open until December 31, 2021.