April 20, 2022 | Child Care Update

SAVE THE DATE: ELD PROVIDER INFORMATION SESSIONS: MAY 3 AND 5 

Mark your calendar for the May Provider Information Sessions  

Tuesday, May 3, 6 – 7 p.m. (All Provider Types)
Thursday, May 5, 6- 7 p.m.  (Spanish Language)

The agenda will cover the following: 

  • Recap 2022 Legislative Session  
  • Learn about the ELD Programs Team and Preschool Promise  
  • Check in on COVID-19 

An invitation with meeting links is coming soon.   

OREGON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE PROVIDERS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN STATEWIDE SURVEY 

The Oregon Early Learning Division (ELD) would like to hear from early childhood education and care providers and learn about their experiences during the last year (since March 2021). The ELD is asking providers for feedback on how to best to offer support. Center- and family based owners, directors, teachers, assistants, and aides (whether currently employed or not), are encouraged to share their experiences. 

If you are eligible, you will receive an email with a link to the survey. Look for an email from “The Preschool Development Grant” during the week of April 18. Check your spam folders. 

Survey deadline: Monday, May 16, 2022. 

Questions? Didn’t get an email and think you should have?
Contact Denise Ford with OSLC Developments Inc.
Email: denisef@oslc.org Call or text: 916-205-6851 

FEDERAL GRANTS HELP STABILIZE CHILD CARE PROGRAMS IN OREGON DURING THE PANDEMIC 

When COVID-19 struck in 2020, families and child care providers were left to navigate the uncertainty of the virus. Some parents decided to keep their children out of care, while providers struggled to hire and retain staff and keep pace with expenses.  

Thanks to federal funding, the Early Learning Division (ELD) was able to support 3,286 programs with COVID-19 Child Care Stabilization Grants. To receive these funds, a child care program had to be open and providing care and apply before the end of 2021.  

Last week, we introduced three child care providers who used these dollars to remain open, while making program improvements or supporting their staff. Meet the providers we featured on our website, who operate programs in Eugene, Washington County, and Hermiston. 

APRIL IS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH 

Learn how you can celebrate differences, prevent barriers, and foster acceptance for the Autism community by supporting Autism Acceptance Month.  

Oregon’s Early Intervention (EI) /Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program supports the developmental and educational needs of children ages birth to five and their families. Local EI/ECSE programs can provide families a free screening and/or evaluation for children ages birth to five. Click here for more information.  

Use the below resources to celebrate Autism Acceptance in your community:  

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH 

By learning about child abuse prevention strategies and connecting families to services and supports, you can help families be healthy and stable, and keep their children safe.  

Last week, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) shared the following in a news release to mark National Child Abuse Prevention Month:

“Everyone can play a part in strengthening and supporting families,” said Rebecca Jones Gaston, ODHS Child Welfare Director. “While the Child Welfare Division plays a specific role, I want to honor the work that is being done in the larger system of child and family well-being and encourage all Oregonians to be active in preventing child abuse.” 

Click here to read the full news release, which includes a variety of resources for families. ODHS also recognized the work of Relief Nurseries. The Oregon Relief Nursery program serves families in 19 counties across the state and partners with families to establish self-identified goals and build resilience. Visit the Oregon Relief Nurseries website for more information. 

 Another state program, Healthy Families Oregon, offers support and education to families who are expecting or parenting newborns. Trained staff support and empower parents to build nurturing parent-child relationships, learn about child development, and access community resources. Visit oregonearlylearning.com/healthy-families-oregon for more information.

Additional resources and professional development opportunities:  

REMINDERS 

Save the date: 

Provider Appreciation Day is May 6, 2022
Visit https://providerappreciation.org/ for more information.   

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 1 to 7 and Teacher Appreciation Day is May 3, 2022
Visit https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/1407-teacher-appreciation-week-2022-resources for more information. 

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