DELC MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND REPORT NOW AVAILABLE
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) Mission, Vision, and Values Engagement report and executive summary were published last week on the ELD website. We are so grateful for the time, energy, and input Feedback Survey and Community Conversation participants shared with us in summer 2022.
Click below to read about key findings, recommendations, and next steps. The report is available in English and the summary is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese. We will continue to share any updates on the DELC Mission, Vision, and Values as the language is finalized.
PRESCHOOL PROMISE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) UPDATE
The Early Learning Division (ELD) received 209 Preschool Promise (PSP) applications, and 134 were selected for an award based on eligibility, quality score, and community need. For more information on evaluation criteria, see Section 4 of the RFA. All applicants have received a notification of their application status. ELD continues to work with the procurement team to distribute grant agreements to programs as quickly as possible.
This expansion of the PSP program will provide free, high-quality early learning opportunities to more than 2,000 additional preschool-aged children at 178 sites located in all 16 Early Learning Hub regions. Awarded applicants include a Federally Recognized Oregon Tribe, Oregon Pre-Kindergarten (OPK) programs, registered and certified family child care homes, certified centers, school districts, and community-based nonprofit organizations.
We will continue to provide additional information and data. For more information on the Preschool Promise program, visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/preschool-promise.
FAMILY VOICES REPORT HIGHLIGHTS MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES
In a partnership between Portland State University, the Early Learning Division, OSLC Developments Inc., and AB Cultural Drivers, the Family Voices report looks at the experiences of families in three important communities and the issues they are facing related to early learning and care. Participating families were those who:
- Have a child who was suspended or expelled from an early learning program
- Have infants and toddlers and who (a) identify as African American/Black; (b) are Spanish speaking and live in rural and suburban Oregon; (c) identify as Native American; or (d) are English speaking and live in rural Oregon
- Have a child aged 0 to 5 years, and who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community
The report details clear, actionable recommendations from the families themselves about how the early learning system can be improved to make their lives better. The data collected will help shape program investments and policy changes in Oregon’s early learning system.
Find the executive summary on the ELD website in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, and Chinese.
HB 3073 PROGRESS REPORT AVAILABLE SOON ON ELD WEBSITE
In September, the Early Learning Division submitted its most recent report to the Oregon Legislature about progress toward the implementation of Department of Early Learning and Care. The report details the status of current major projects, from hiring additional staff to information technology changes. Importantly, the document contains additional information about the transition of the Employment Related Day Care program from ODHS to DELC.
The report will be available on the ELD website no later than the end of the day Sept. 30.
Here is where it will be posted: https://oregonearlylearning.com/HB3073#1644950051229-eae0ce24-e0b2
OREGON EARLY CHILDHOOD INCLUSION NEWSLETTER: SIGN UP TODAY!
The Oregon Early Childhood Inclusion (OECI) team launched a newsletter to share information from the state, updates from community partners, and resources to advance early childhood inclusion. Sign up today and share with your early learning community.
Learn more about Oregon Early Childhood Inclusion.
WORLD TEACHER DAY IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5
Thank you to our early educators for nurturing, encouraging, and inspiring our youngest Oregonians!
The theme for World Teachers’ Day 2022 is “The transformation of education begins with teachers.” Reading Rockets has a list of books on how AMAZING our teachers are and the impact they have on our communities.