PRESCHOOL PROMISE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
The Early Learning Division (ELD) is working to finalize details for the release of a Preschool Promise Request for Applications (RFA) in the next few weeks. The RFA will be available to existing Preschool Promise grantees hoping to expand their programs and to new applicants who are looking to offer Preschool Promise in their programs. Watch for announcements on the ELD website, and get the latest updates on ELD’s Facebook or Twitter.
PERMANENT FIRE SAFETY RULES ADOPTED FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE
During the past year, the Early Learning Division (ELD) worked with providers, early learning advocates, and other government organizations to strengthen fire safety rules in family care settings. The goal was to create cost-effective alternatives to requiring automatic sprinklers statewide.
The Early Learning Council voted to adopt the permanent rules on May 25, 2022. In the coming months, ELD will provide technical assistance and coaching to help providers come into compliance with these rules.
Some of the key rule changes for all Registered Family and Certified Family child care programs include:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the home and where children nap.
- Create a plan to describe how exit paths will be illuminated during night care.
- Mount or store fire extinguishers in a visible location and designate their location on an evacuation map. Fire extinguishers may be stored in a closet or cabinet, but there must be a sign indicating the extinguisher is inside. Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly, and the inspection must be documented.
- Display a floor plan near the entrance, or in some other area of the home where it may be clearly viewed, with the following: exits, primary and secondary evacuation routes, and fire extinguishers.
- Fire drills must be practiced monthly at varying times of day. The Office of Child Care may request to observe an evacuation drill during an announced visit to allow providers to prepare children and families for the drill.
- Keep a written record of each emergency evacuation drill with details stated in the rule.
The final rule language is posted on ELD’s website.
CHILD CARE NURSE HOTLINE ENDS JUNE 30, 2022
The Nurse Hotline service will end after June 30, 2022. The no-cost hotline was established by the Early Learning Division and Oregon Health & Science University Child Care in 2021 to assist providers with COVID-19. After June 30, please consider contacting your Local Public Health Authority or medical provider with COVID-19 health related questions. For other child care questions, email us at ProviderContact@ode.oregon.gov.
HOW CAN OREGON’S NEW AGENCY SERVE YOU?
TAKE THE DEPARTMENT OF EARLY LEARNING AND CARE (DELC):
MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES SURVEY
The Oregon Early Learning Division (ELD) wants your input in establishing the new agency, Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). By participating in the survey, your feedback will inform DELC and help create a mission, vision, and values that reflect, represent, and support Oregon communities. Your feedback in this short, 10-minute survey makes a difference for Oregon’s children, families, early learning programs, and communities.
Survey deadline: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Learn more and take the survey.
After completing the survey, please provide your contact information to receive a summary of feedback gathered, to learn about next steps for the agency, and to provide additional comment. We will share the final version of DELC’s mission, vision, and values through email and on the website.
SAVE THE DATE: ELD PROVIDER INFORMATION SESSIONS:
JULY 13 AND 14
Mark your calendar for the next in our series of provider information sessions:
Wednesday, July 13 | 6 to 7 p.m.
All provider types. (Interpretation available)Thursday, July 14 | 6 to 7 p.m.
All provider types. (Conducted in Spanish)More details and a link to register coming soon.
ELD’S ALYSSA CHATTERJEE FEATURED ON
“THE EARLY LINK PODCAST”
Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee talks about the creation of the new Department of Early Learning and Care, and what that means for the future of early childhood on the Children’s Institute’s “The Early Link Podcast.”
Chatterjee also shared some of her personal experience working at a preschool and the evolution of the Early Learning Division over the years. You can listen to the podcast here.