IMPORTANT UPDATE: COVID-19 CHILD CARE STABILIZATION GRANTS
We are experiencing delays in sending out grant agreements for the COVID-19 Child Care Stabilization Grants. These grants require a different process than previous Emergency Child Care grants.
We recognize child care providers are depending on these funds to serve Oregon’s children and families. We anticipate most of the approved applicants will receive their grant agreements in the next few weeks.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
For information and ongoing updates, visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/child-care-stabilization-grants.
CHILDREN AGES 5 AND OLDER ELIGIBLE FOR COVID-19 VACCINES
On November 3, Governor Kate Brown announced pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine are approved for use in Oregon for children ages 5 through 11.
“This is great news for Oregon children, parents, and families. Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said Governor Brown. “With today’s review by leading doctors, pediatricians, and health experts, Oregon parents and children can be confident in the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 5-to-11-year-olds.”
Initially, the supply for pediatric doses will be limited. Please be patient with our health care providers and pharmacies.
If you have questions, check out Oregon Health Authority’s blog or reach out to your health care provider.
VACCINE BOOSTERS AND THIRD DOSES AVAILABLE
All three vaccines are available as a booster dose for early care and education (ECE) employees. If you are an ECE employee and received the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, you are now eligible for a booster dose. The CDC recommends everyone who received the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine get a booster or second dose of J&J at least two months after the first dose. A third dose of Moderna is recommended for immunocompromised people at least 28 days after the second dose. Click here for more eligibility information and resources.
Find a vaccine location near you.
SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER PROVIDER INFORMATION SESSIONS
Join ELD for upcoming provider sessions in December. These are virtual events. Registration and agenda coming soon.
Wednesday, December 1 | 6 to 7 p.m.
All provider types. (Interpretation available)
Thursday, December 2 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Spanish language. (All types)
TEMPORARY PERMANENT RULE CHANGE
The Early Learning Division (ELD) updated some of the rules for Certified Family (CF), Certified Center (CC), and Registered Family (RF) child care providers. These rules, which were temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic, are now permanent under Oregon Administrative Rules.
Click below to review the updated rule changes. If you have questions, please contact your licensing specialist or email the Office of Child Care at ProviderContact@ode.oregon.gov.
- Nov. 4, 2021 Provider Letter
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STATE OF OREGON SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE FOR WORKING FAMILIES
The Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program helps eligible, working families pay for child care, including registration and enrollment fees. ERDC is a subsidy program, which means some families, depending on their income, may be required to pay a copay.
Effective Oct. 1, 2021, families who renew or apply for the ERDC program will see their child care costs significantly decrease, making child care more accessible across the state.
“We know that access to quality, affordable child care that meets families’ needs continues to be out of reach for many families across the state,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Early Learning System Director of the Early Learning Division. “Reducing the copays for eligible families will not only allow more families to find care, but also provide additional stability for our child care providers who accept subsidies.”
For more details, read the latest joint press release by the Oregon Department of Human Services and Early Learning Division.
EMPOWERING OREGON’S YOUNGEST READERS FOR SUCCESS: A VIRTUAL LITERACY SUMMIT
On October 21, SMART Reading celebrated the organization’s 30th anniversary by hosting a “Virtual Literacy Summit.” This Summit was an opportunity to engage in conversations with state education leaders, experts in literacy instruction and social-emotional development, and community-based organizations. Alyssa Chatterjee, Oregon’s Early Learning System Director, participated in the Summit as a panelist.
“Ultimately, we need to be able to stabilize families and get them access to the resources they need to be successful,” said Chatterjee. “How can we really look at those wrap-around supports? How can we look at those other sectors (e.g., human services, housing, health), and the role that they play in supporting these families. And making sure that these programs have connections to those resources. Or have additional funding to make sure we are meeting the children who have disabilities or who are experiencing delays so they can be successful, and get the support they need as they are heading into those early grades going forward.”
Click here to watch a recording of the Summit.
SMART Reading is a “children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest need schools with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: one-on-one reading time and access to books.”
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.