Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program will open a waitlist next week
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) reminds families that the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program will open a waitlist next week. Families should apply by November 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. if they think they may be eligible.
Here is what families need to know:
- Families currently receiving ERDC will continue to receive benefits as usual after November 3, 2023.
- Families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (e.g., up to $5,000 per month for a family of four) may be eligible for ERDC and are encouraged to apply right away.
- Families can apply in the following ways:
Go to Benefits.Oregon.gov
Visit or call their local office
Dial 1-800-699-9075
- Families can text the word “children” to 898211 or call 211 if they need help finding their local office or figuring out how to apply to ERDC.
- Some families outlined in Oregon rule can skip the waitlist:
Families recently or currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS)
Families referred by the Child Welfare division of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)
Families reapplying for ERDC within two months of benefits ending.
- After November 3, 2023, families applying for ERDC that do not meet an exemption above will be placed on a waitlist. DELC will regularly follow up with families on the waitlist to provide updates.
- The waitlist is likely to be in place for at least 18 months, depending on the level of investment and the rate at which families leave the program.
- Families who need support paying for child care after November 3, 2023 are encouraged to reach out to 211 or their local Early Learning Hub to learn more about programs such as Preschool Promise and Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten.
Go to Oregon.gov/DELC/ERDC to learn more.
To Improve Permitting for Child Care Facilities in Oregon, Agencies Launch Study
In Oregon, rules about where buildings can go, how they are constructed, and how they can be used may affect the number of places early learning and care facilities are established. These rules include things like local land use plans, limits on building or facility location, and the codes and permits needed to operate a child care facility.
The Oregon legislature passed House Bill 2727 earlier this year. House Bill 2727 directs the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to coordinate a work group in consultation with the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and report back to the legislature by December 31, 2024. develop a report. Together, the agencies will identify how existing permitting regulations affect child care in Oregon and identify strategies for the legislature’s consideration as it strives to provide adequate early learning and child care for all Oregon families.
DLCD is currently accepting applications from interested Oregonians to serve on our work group. Applications will be accepted through November 20, 2023.
Get Involved
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this important work, there are three options: (1) apply to be a work group member, (2) request to be interviewed, and (3) provide written comments.
Questions about the work group or interested in being interviewed or provide information? Contact Kelly Reid at kelly.reid@dlcd.oregon.gov.
General Questions? Contact Angie Brewer at angie.brewer@dlcd.oregon.gov.
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Apply to Serve on the Work Group
October is Safe Sleep awareness month
October is Safe Sleep awareness month. Our Healthy Families Oregon program is committed to educating families about safe sleep practices to keep their little ones healthy and happy.
Visit Department of Early Learning and Care : Healthy Families Oregon : Programs : State of Oregon to learn more about Healthy Families Oregon and the services they provide for families.