Celebrating Child Care Providers across Oregon!
The Department of Early Learning and Care and the State of Oregon recognize today as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.
Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating May 10, 2024, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. The Day is celebrated annually across the country on the Friday before Mother’s Day to say “thank you” to the educators and care professionals who positively shape the lives of young children.
To read the official Child Care Appreciation blog post and see DELCs Provider Appreciation Day photo collage, visit Celebrating Child Care Provider Appreciation Day on May 10, 2024 – News & Information (delcnews.org).
You can also view our social media collage post for Provider Appreciation Day below or visit us on Facebook at Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care.
Statewide Expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) representatives joined Governor Tina Kotek and state officials this week to celebrate its new partnership with The Dollywood Foundation for the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. During the 2023 legislative session, under Senate Bill 5506, $1.7 million was appropriated to DELC to help administer and expand the program statewide.
The goal of the statewide expansion is to make books available to children ages 0-5 in every zip code in Oregon. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a voluntary program and parents of children ages 0-5 can sign up to receive a new book each month at no cost to families.
To read the full press release visit Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates the Statewide Expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – News & Information (delcnews.org)
Happy Birthday to Head Start!
Since 1965, Head Start programs have been dedicated to giving children from low-income families the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.
On May 18, 2024, we celebrate its 59th birthday, let’s honor the large impact Head Start programs have made and continue to make in shaping brighter futures for all.
REMINDER: Family Child Care Rule Revision Workgroup
DELC is revising the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that apply to Certified Family and Registered Family Child Care Homes. This Workgroup will help create rule language on a set of topics that were identified during the recent listening sessions with family child care providers. OARs related to both license types will be reviewed during the Workgroup. This work will be completed prior to the development of each ruleset which will be reviewed by a Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) later this year.
Topics include:
- Roles and responsibilities of other caregivers
- Documenting and record keeping
- Storage of and protection from hazards
- Outdoor play equipment
- Indoor environment
- Group size
DELC would like to invite members of the following groups to apply to participate in the Workgroup:
- Certified Family Child Care Providers
- Registered Family Child Care Providers
- Child Care Provider Union Representatives
- Child Care Resource and Referral Representatives
- Early Learning Hub Representatives
- Tribal Nation Representatives
REIMBURSMENT
Participants will be reimbursed for their time and expertise.
APPLICATION
The application period opens on April 15 and closes on May 10, 2024. Meetings will begin in June. Three to four meetings will be held. The meetings will be held virtually. Meeting days and times will be finalized with the selected participants.
English Application
Spanish Application
Chinese Application
Vietnamese Application
Russian Application
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
For questions about participation, please contact Carol Petersen carol.a.petersen@delc.oregon.gov