PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
This week, Oregon joins states around the country in recognizing the important work of child care providers, with Provider Appreciation Day on May 12th. We know that 95% of a child’s brain growth occurs before the age of five, and 65% of all children under the age of six have both parents in the workforce. With dedication and professional skills, child care providers create spaces that support children to learn and thrive while also making it possible for families to be successful in the workforce. Simply put, child care providers are the workers that make all work possible.
But Oregon is in the midst of a child care crisis. With a limited availability of affordable child care across the state before the pandemic, we know that over 7% of the early learning and child care workforce has left the industry, further impacting families and preventing parents from returning to the workforce. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we recognize the important role that child care providers play in Oregon’s economy and children’s development. The creation of the Department of Early Learning and Care is a positive step forward in unifying and strengthening high-quality early learning and care for Oregon families and children.
Child care providers don’t just make it possible for families to work. The earliest years of a child’s life are critical – they lay the foundation for the brain and body architecture that will support a child’s ability to learn, and for lifelong social, emotional, and physical health. This Provider Appreciation Day, let’s show our gratitude for those who support the social, emotional, and physical care of our youngest children.
PROVIDER INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Provider Information Sessions are video webinars on a variety of topics that affect Oregon providers. It is a resource for providers to receive more in-depth information on important changes and announcements. You can subscribe to news and updates (including Save the Dates for Information Sessions) by signing up for the Child Care Update.
Topics to be discussed:
- Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) Launch: What to Expect
- ERDC Migration to DELC and July 1 Eligibility Changes
- Central Background Registry (CBR) Updates
Wednesday, May 17 | 6 to 7 p.m. All provider types. (Interpretation available)
Zoom RegistrationThursday, May 18 | 6 to 7 p.m. All provider types. (Conducted in Spanish)
Zoom Registration
These are virtual events. Registration is required to attend via Zoom. You may submit questions in advance on the registration form. You may also participate on ELD’s Facebook page live stream at the same time. ELD staff will monitor the Facebook comment section for questions.
Note: Attendees using interpretation services (Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and ASL) should join the session via Zoom.
RULE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RAC) PUBLIC HEARINGS
Employment Related Day Care Program Ruleset
Tuesday, May. 16, 2023 at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Please arrive to the meeting no later than 4:55 p.m.
You may also submit public comment on the rules in Word or PDF format to Crys O’Grady, Rules Coordinator. Public comment closes Friday, June 2 at 5 P.M.
Proposed Rule Language
View Notice of Proposed Rulemaking here, which contains the most updated rule language. Further versions will be posted here when available. ERDC Noticed Rates
Note: Rule language is draft and subject to change.
Virtual Access
Please register by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16. Click here to register. Please arrive to the meeting no later than 4:55 p.m. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Crys O’Grady by email at Crys.OGrady@ode.oregon.gov.
Certified Child Care Centers RAC
Thursday, June 1, at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Please arrive to the meeting no later than 4:55 p.m.
You may also submit public comment on the rules in Word or PDF format to Crys O’Grady, Rules Coordinator. Public comment closes Wednesday, June 14 at 5 P.M.
Proposed Rule Language
View Notice of Proposed Rulemaking here, which contains the most updated rule language. Further versions will be posted here when available.
Note: Rule language is draft and subject to change.
Virtual Access
Please register by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 1. Click here to register. Please arrive to the meeting no later than 4:55 p.m. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Crys O’Grady by email at Crys.OGrady@ode.oregon.gov.
RAISE UP OREGON DRAFT SECOND EDITION
COMMENT PERIOD CLOSED
Thank you to all who provided feedback on the first draft of the second edition. Your input helps shape the actions of government agencies and improve early learning and care in Oregon.
Through surveys and focus group sessions facilitated by Early Learning Hubs across the state, we heard from nearly 1,000 individuals representing families, professionals, and communities in Oregon.
The development of this second edition included a review of nearly 80 documents from partner agencies. From strategic plans to community engagement sessions to agency assessments and research, the second edition considered the lived experiences and feedback from Oregon communities. Leadership groups within the early childhood system helped shape the draft goals and objectives before the strategies were developed and released as the second edition draft.
ELD ON INSTAGRAM!
Have you heard? The Early Learning Division (ELD) has launched an Instagram account! The ELD Instagram will share information with community members who are interested in learning more about the ELD and partner programs. Instagram posts will be especially helpful for families with children ages 0 to 5.
Please encourage the families you serve to follow us: @oregonearlylearning
If you would like your program to be highlighted on our Instagram or other social media pages, please submit your photos and release forms to this online form.