CHILD CARE SUBSTITUTES PROVIDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE – APPLICATIONS OPEN
Providers are invited to share their voices and help build a substitutes program for child care in Oregon. Providers of all types can apply now to be considered for the Child Care Substitutes Provider Advisory Committee. Committee members will be asked to share feedback on challenges and priorities for providers in creating a successful substitutes program.
Virtual committee meetings will be each quarter starting September 2022 through June 2023. Providers selected to participate can earn subsidized substitute hours (four hours per meeting). The Early Learning Division (ELD) is funding the program in partnership with Western Oregon University, the developer of the Child Care Substitutes Program.
The deadline to apply is August 31, 2022.
INCLUSIVE PARTNERS UPDATE
On July 1, 2022, the Inclusive Partners program transitioned from the Oregon Department of Human Services to the Early Learning Division. This was the first of several transitions for early learning and care programs that will be consolidated under the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) starting July 2023.
If you are not familiar with Inclusive Partners, it is a five-member team that provides inclusive resources, technical assistance, and subsidies for child care providers and families of children with higher needs in Oregon. The program works with child care providers caring for children who need additional accommodations to support inclusive care. The program offers supports for children and youths from birth through age 17. Families, child care providers, and other partners can request assistance at no cost.
Learn more about Inclusive Partners and its support options by visiting InclusivePartners.org.
CHILD CARE UPDATE NEWSLETTER – READER SURVEY RESULTS
Earlier this summer, we invited readers of Child Care Updates to take a survey to help improve the newsletter’s usefulness.
Overall, most respondents thought the every-other-week frequency was just right. Most said they are receiving enough information on child care rules (87%), COVID-19 safety information (64%), and general agency news (65%). Other topics captured in the survey asked if respondents are receiving enough information on opportunities to engage with ELD (58%) and if they are receiving enough information on the implementation of the new Department of Early Learning and Care (60%).
Based on the survey results, ELD will look to offer more information about training opportunities and mental health supports. We will also continue to share timely updates about the new Department of Early Learning and Care, along with safety, health, and rules affecting child care.
Thank you to all who shared feedback and please sign up to subscribe if you don’t already receive the email updates!
SOME THOUGHTS SHARED BY SURVEY PARTICIPANTS:
“I really appreciate getting the updates delivered to my mailbox. It’s been a great support while navigating my preschool through COVID! Thank you!”
“I’d like to see more mental health topics for providers and more grant info.”
“I like that we can read in our native language. Thanks!” (Spanish speaking respondent)
PRESCHOOL PROMISE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) UPDATE
The Preschool Promise Request for Applications (RFA) closed on Thursday, Aug. 4. We are grateful to all applicants for their interest in Preschool Promise and for their service to children and families in Oregon. We received a total of 212 applications requesting 3,137 slots at 267 sites.
The review process is in progress and “intent to award” notices will be distributed by the end of August. Evaluation committees will use the evaluation criteria outlined in the RFA to score each application. If you have questions about your application, please email PSPRFA@ode.oregon.gov.
For more information and Frequently Asked Questions, visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/preschool-promise.
SAVE THE DATE: ELD PROVIDER INFORMATION SESSIONS
Mark your calendar for the next events in our series of provider information sessions:
Wednesday, September 14 | 6 to 7 p.m.
All provider types. (Interpretation available)Thursday, September 15 | 6 to 7 p.m.
All provider types. (Conducted in Spanish)
More details and a link to register coming soon.
TWO RECALL NOTICES: FIRST CHOICE GLASS BABY BOTTLES AND 4MOMS MAMAROO AND ROCKAROO INFANT SWINGS AND ROCKERS
The U.S. Product Consumer Safety Commission issued two recalls in recent weeks. One notice is for First Choice Glass Baby Bottles, which contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.
The bottles were sold exclusively on Amazon. The product was manufactured for the UK market only and not intended for sale in the U.S.
The other product recalled is the 4moms MamaRoo Baby Swing, versions 1.0 through 4.0 and RockaRoo Baby Rockers. When the swing or rocker is not in use, the restraint straps can dangle below the seat and crawling infants can become entangled in the straps, posing a strangulation hazard. The recall includes models that use a 3-point harness. The 5-point harness model is not included in this recall.
EARLY LEARNING DIVISION EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION REMINDER
We’d like to remind providers that they can ask any visitors to their facilities who identify themselves as an Early Learning Division employee to show an agency badge and business card before allowing entrance. Providers may also ask for their supervisor’s name and contact information.