ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE GUIDANCE UPDATE
With record COVID-19 case numbers and spread of the Omicron variant across Oregon, we know there are many questions about child care and potential updates to the child care guidance. Unlike for K-12 settings, the CDC has not yet updated its guidance for child care. However, the CDC and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) continues to direct all individuals who cannot safely wear a mask indoors and who will be eating in shared spaces should continue to isolate and quarantine for 10 days, as outlined in the September 2021 version of Early Learning Division’s (ELD) “Child Care Provider COVID-19 Requirements and Recommendations.”
Encouraging children two years and older, who are able to safely wear a mask while indoors, will further reduce risk of COVID-19 and promote health equity. Programs should consider adaptations and additions to infection prevention strategies to best serve children with disabilities.
If the CDC provides updated guidance for child care, the ELD, in partnership with the OHA, will share an update with providers.
The CDC also recommends that individuals remain up to date with their vaccines, which includes additional doses for those who are immunocompromised or booster doses at regular time points. Those who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination include:
- Individuals 18 or older who have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.
- Children 5–17 years who have completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
Providers with questions can reach out to their licensing specialist or email us at ProviderContact@ode.oregon.gov.
REMINDER: Child Care Nurse Hotline
Child care programs can access the toll-free Child Care Nurse Hotline, 1-833-647-8222, for assistance with COVID-19 questions and concerns. The hotline is available to providers and staff seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information:
- Child Care Nurse Hotline FlyersOption 1:
EnglishSpanishRussianVietnameseChineseOption 2:EnglishSpanishRussianVietnameseChinese
SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY PROVIDER INFORMATION SESSIONS
Join ELD for upcoming provider sessions in February. These are virtual events. Registration and agenda coming soon.
Tuesday, February 1 | 6 to 7 p.m.
All provider types. (Interpretation available)
Thursday, February 3 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Spanish language. (All types)
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES CHILD CARE PROVIDER RATES ARE INCREASING EFFECTIVE STARTING JANUARY 1, 2022
Payment rates are increasing for child care providers who are caring for children from families receiving Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) assistance with child care costs. Click here to view the new rates. Child care rates are based on a statewide Market Price Study to ensure families have equal access to quality child care. This change will not change family copayment amounts.
HEY! I AM FIRST HEADING LINE FEEL FREE TO CHANGE ME
If you have questions regarding child care payments, please call the Direct Pay Unit at 1-800-699-9074. For more information, visit oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/CHILD-CARE/Pages/index.aspx.
EMPLOYMENT RELATED DAY CARE (ERDC) PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY: INCOME LIMIT INCREASE
The initial income limit for the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program is increasing from 185% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Effective January 1, 2022, this new ERDC income limit aligns with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and expands access to child care assistance for Oregon families. Click here to view the income limits. Share this update with families in your early learning community.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/child-care/Pages/index.aspx
or contact your local office: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/Self-Sufficiency.aspx.
UPCOMING SURVEY FROM THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF CHILD CARE EMPLOYMENT (CSCCE)
Oregon will be participating in a study called the Supportive Environmental Quality Underlying Adult Learning (SEQUAL) conducted by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) at the University of California, Berkeley. As part of the study, eligible licensed child care providers in Oregon will be asked to complete a SEQUAL survey. Complete the survey and share your thoughts on how your work environment can support your efforts to provide the best early learning experiences for children in your program.
Watch for an email from CSCCE with a link to the survey in the next few weeks. This research was made possible by the Early Learning Division.
CHILD CARE COST OF QUALITY WEBINAR AND ALTERNATIVE RATE METHODOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
On January 6, lead researchers Simon Workman and Jeanna Capito reviewed the results of the Child Care Cost of Quality study. Click here to watch a recording of the webinar and download the presentation slides. This webinar also covered how ELD will use these results to transition child care provider rates for the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program to an approved alternate rate-setting structure, one that sets ERDC payment rates based on the true costs of delivering high-quality early care and education.
ELD is currently seeking members for the Alternative Rate Methodology Advisory Committee. Apply today and help develop and shape the principles and framework. For more information and to apply, visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/administration/state-plans/#1640630473764-cf0564d9-32f6