DELC Staff participate in the 2024 Oregon Early Childhood Summit
Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) staff were honored to participate in the 2024 Oregon Early Childhood Summit put on by the Children’s Institute and Trauma Informed Oregon with additional sponsors from the Ford Family Foundation, Portland State University and Cambia Health Solutions. DELC attendees heard important asks of government such as requests for more data sharing, investing in the economic stability of families, additional funding for mental health resources in Spanish, and additional supports for refugee families. Jon Reeves, Professional Learning System Director, presented on the Systems Panel speaking about the Early Childhood Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Program.
In addition to listening to informative panel presentations, and powerful and moving storytelling, participants had a chance to attend break out groups. Attendees connected with partners from across early childhood, health and behavioral health, education and special education, advocacy, and philanthropy sharing stories, vision and plans for early childhood social-emotional health. Participants left feeling inspired by the work to ensure all children are included in early education and care.
Keep an eye out on the Children’s Institute website for a full recap of the event.
Have you tried to create a new child care program? How about expand your current one? Please share your thoughts on your experience in this survey!
We are seeking input from child care providers of all kinds across Oregon. This survey will collect feedback from child care providers who have experience going through the development process for a new or expanded child care business. We also need to hear from providers who have thought about or attempted opening a new business or expanding an existing one but decided not to move forward with the process for any reason.
Input from our child care providers is essential to making this project a success.
Who is managing this survey, and why?
The 2023 Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2727 directing the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to take a look at strategies for expanding early learning and care facilities across Oregon. A large portion of this work includes a review of the barriers related to zoning regulations, building codes, and permitting and procedures.
DLCD has hired ECOnorthwest to conduct research, engage with the community, and prepare a final report alongside a project work group formed with help from the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). The final report will include recommendations to:
- Reduce barriers to expanding early care and education (ECE) facilities.
- Support the expansion of ECE facilities in Oregon.
- Reduce disproportionate racial and regional disparities in accessing ECE facilities.
A link to the survey is provided below. Thank you in advance for your participation!
RESPONSE DEADLINE: April 15, 2024
Click here to complete the survey!
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: Please join our Employee Related Day Care (ERDC) Rulemaking Committee (RAC)
The Department of Early Learning and Care is seeking applicants for the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Rulemaking Committee (RAC).
The ERDC program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care.
DELC is seeking diverse voices to represent families, child care providers, including those who accept subsidy; child care provider unions, Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, Early Learning Hubs, early learning system community partners, tribal nations, the Early Learning Council, and community-based organizations.
Apply today to give input on the ERDC program!
We are seeking diverse voices to represent groups within Oregon’s Early Learning system. Committee members may include:
- Families
- Child Care Providers, including those who accept subsidy
- Child Care Provider Union representatives
- Child Care Resource & Referral representatives
- Early Learning Hub representatives
- Representatives from advocacy organizations
- Representatives from culturally specific, community-based organizations
- Tribal Nations representatives
Participants will be reimbursed for their time dedicated to this RAC and will positively impact Oregon’s children, families, early learning programs, and communities.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 19, 2024
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Please contact Jennifer Heras 503-569-0546, jennifer.j.heras@delc.oregon.gov
Registered Family Child Care Providers can now declare operating hours
In mid-March, letters were sent to Registered Family (RF) Child Care Providers by mail and email, regarding how to declare operating hours for their programs. If you are a Registered Family Child Care Provider and would like to declare your operating hours, please contact your licensing specialists or CCLD customer service at CCLD.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov.
Reminder: A message from our partners at the Oregon Department of Education (ODE):
Register for Kindergarten Today!
Registering for kindergarten in the spring is a great way for families to access important resources, meet students and staff at their new school community, and learn about summer programs.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) are collaborating with schools, districts, early learning providers, and community partners across the state to share the value of early registration to families.
You can support this effort by printing and distributing flyers, yard signs, and other helpful materials found in the Register for Kindergarten Today! Toolkit. These materials are translated in eight languages and supplement conversations with families about early registration and the transition into kindergarten.
What is the next step? Beginning April 2, 2024, please share this important message with your network and families: Will your student be five years old by September? Register for Kindergarten Today!
Questions? Email ODE.JumpStart@ode.oregon.gov
Reminder: Feedback Survey
The Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) is seeking your input on upcoming revisions to the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that impact family child care homes. This includes rules for Registered Family and Certified Family providers. CCLD is interested in knowing which rules you would like to see changed and why. Please provide us with your thoughts. CCLD values your input!
Click the link to take the survey: https://delc.jotform.com/233554321706048