The Early Learning Council is looking for five new members to shape early childhood policy in Oregon and we need your help in getting the word out! These positions are appointed by Governor Kotek and individuals who are interested are encouraged to apply. This Council ensures that our state-funded early childhood programs and investments are coordinated in a way that is accessible to children and families. We hope you’ll consider either applying yourself or sharing this with individuals who may be interested.
Below is an FAQ of key info:
What does the Early Learning Council do?
The Council was established in state law to coordinate a unified and aligned system of early childhood services throughout Oregon to ensure that all children enter school ready to learn and that all families are healthy, stable, and attached. In pursuit of these goals, the Early Learning Council developed Raise Up Oregon in 2018 as the state’s five year, cross-sector early childhood strategic plan. The Early Learning Council tracks and monitors progress towards the implementation of Raise Up Oregon, publishes reports and is in the process of finalizing an updated plan this fall.
Early Learning Council members are also vital participants in statewide decision-making. For example, during COVID, this Council made emergency rules about operating with health and safety for children and for child care providers as the forefront. This Council is also charged with translating the “30,000 foot” legislation created by statewide lawmakers into the “brass tacks” of how to operationalize the legislature’s intent into the on-the-ground state agency rules.
What’s the time commitment if I am selected to serve on the Council?
Members of the Early Learning Council serve for four year terms and must commit to monthly meetings throughout the year, five hours per month. The Early Learning Council takes a break during the summer in July and August in which there are no monthly meetings.
What types of expertise is the Early Learning Council looking for and who makes decisions?
The Early Learning Council is seeking new members that will:
- Add to the geographic diversity of representation, particularly rural and coastal areas. Specifically, we are looking for residents in Oregon who live in congressional districts 1, 3, and 4 and two “at-large members,” which means they can reside anywhere in the state. If you are unsure which district you live in, please visit this website and put your zip code in to the top right part of the screen where it says “Find your representative.”
- Ensure representation from communities that are most impacted by opportunity gaps and access to early childhood and health services;
- Bring a lens of navigating and addressing workforce barriers in the early childhood sector, connections to the public K-12 school system, connections to health systems as they intersect with young children and their families, affordable supportive housing and social services, and business leaders who have navigated intersections with child care.
This is a Governor-appointed Council, so ultimately the decision lies with Governor Kotek.
What’s in it for me?
Great question! Volunteers to state agency councils, boards, and commissions are the backbone of what makes it all work! Individuals who are interested in joining the Early Learning Council will have the opportunity to participate in developing a variety of important policies directed towards improving early learning services and will have a direct impact in their community.
I’m interested! How can I apply?
All candidates must apply through for appointment using the online system, Workday. Governor’s Boards & Commissions webpage. Applications are reviewed by the Governor’s office. Applications are encouraged no later than September 30, 2023. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Gaby Hernandez at gabriela.hernandez@delc.oregon.gov.