PRESCHOOL PROMISE APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
Looking to offer Preschool Promise for the first time or add more Preschool Promise slots to your program? Applications are now open for the publicly funded program serving children ages 3 to 4 years old from families with incomes at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Approximately 3,756 children are currently enrolled in Preschool Promise programs in Oregon, and the state is adding more than 2,500 new preschool slots for eligible families in 2022.
Only new applicants or current Preschool Promise providers interested in adding slots need to apply. Learn more about becoming a Preschool Promise provider by visiting oregonearlylearning.com/preschool-promise or by attending a Preschool Promise webinar on Thursday, June 30. The deadline to apply is EXTENDED to Thursday, AUGUST 4 at 11:59 p.m.
CHILDREN SIX MONTHS AND OLDER NOW ELIGIBLE FOR COVID-19 VACCINES
Pediatric Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for use in Oregon for children ages six months and older.
The two-dose Moderna vaccine series is available to children ages six months to under 6 years old. A three-dose Pfizer vaccination series is available to children ages 6 months to under 5 years old.
The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup has confirmed that both vaccines are safe and effective for these age groups, following authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and recommendation from the CDC.
The Oregon Health Authority is working with vaccine providers statewide to make doses available at health care provider offices, federally qualified health centers and special COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
It’s recommended you call first and ask if your pediatrician or preferred clinic has the vaccine yet.
STATE OF OREGON INCREASES CHILD CARE REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR PROVIDERS
Child care reimbursement rates have increased for providers caring for children of families who receive support with child care expenses through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
ODHS pays providers for child care provided to families receiving child care assistance through the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs.
The new child care reimbursement rates were effective June 1, 2022 and are increasing due to the passage of House Bill 4005 of the 2022 Legislative Session.
The average monthly reimbursement rates for full-time care are increasing by:
- 18% for family, friend and neighbor care
- Between 6 and 20% for child care centers
- Between 11 and 25% for licensed home-based care
Actual child care reimbursement rates vary depending on provider type, child age and what community the provider is in. A complete list of reimbursement rates can be found on the ODHS website.
Read more about the rate change in this joint news release.
DELC MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES: ATTEND A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
You may have already taken a survey about the draft mission, vision and values (MVV) for the new agency, the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). We have an additional opportunity for you to make your voice heard as we set the foundation for DELC.
Register to attend a Community Conversations, an interactive engagement opportunity designed specifically to hear what you think about the draft MVV statements: Register now!
Child Care Providers
Thursday, June 23 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 28 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 29 | 6 to 7 p.m.
(Spanish)
Wednesday, July 6 | 6 to 7 p.m.
(Russian)
Publicly Funded Program Grantees (Healthy Families Oregon, Relief Nurseries, Oregon Pre-Kindergarten, Preschool Promise, Baby Promise, etc.)
Monday, June 27 | 5 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, June 29 11 a.m. to noon
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) and Early Learning Hub Partners
Monday, June 27 | 11 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, June 28 | 11 a.m. to noon