Child Care Updates will look different in July
Our Child Care Updates is going to look different next month! We will be including a new DELC Community Newsletter section at the top of each Child Care Updates. The new DELC Community Newsletter will share department updates, informing you of the work happening with Early Learning and Care programs and services. You will find our regular Child Care Updates articles listed after the DELC Community Newsletter. This means that you will still get the same updates and information you look for in each CCU, and you will also learn more about us and what we are up to!
Workforce Recognition Program
Did you know that over 4,000 people have already applied for the Workforce Recognition Program through Portland State University? Have you applied yet? Wondering what it is? Here is more information from the Oregon Center for Career Development:
Thank you for all the work you do supporting the children in your care. You may be eligible for a $500 payment for work you have done in 2024. Here are the steps to apply. Just access your myORO account at: my.oregonregistryonline.org. We look forward to seeing your application!
Recognizing and Honoring Juneteenth
On June 19th DELC staff joined in celebration of the fourth anniversary of Juneteenth “Freedom Day” festivities and reflection of the legacy behind the federal holiday and the ongoing need to fight to advance equity, inclusion and racial justice. The Oregon legislature officially recognized Juneteenth with House Bill 2168 in 2021 and it was signed into law in 2022. This year, Governor Tina Kotek issued an official proclamation: “On Juneteenth, we remember our history and honor the resilience of the Black community,” Governor Kotek said. “We must continue to work to end racial injustice and ensure equity, inclusion, and opportunity for Black Oregonians.”
Click here to read the full June 19, 2024 proclamation which highlights key historical dates and facts including information about Clara Peoples who brought the tradition from Oklahoma and spread the word to her coworkers at the Kaiser shipyard. In recognition of her advocacy and for hosting one of the first Juneteenth celebrations in the region, Clara Peoples is regarded as Oregon’s “Mother of Juneteenth.”
Celebrating June as Pride Month
As the end of June approaches, DELC continues to recognize and celebrate this month as LGBTQ+ Pride Month! Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation declaring June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
“Pride is about love, acceptance, and community,” Governor Kotek said. “Great joy and great struggle have always existed side by side in the LGBTQ+ movement. Pride will always shine brighter than fear ever can.”
To read the full post from the Governor’s Office Newsroom please click here. We are proud to stand with the LGBTQ2SIA+ community this month and every month.
REMINDER: NAEYC Liability Insurance Survey
NAEYC recently launched a new national survey designed to learn more about the specific challenges programs are facing in accessing and affording liability insurance, informed by their January survey, several recent state surveys, and conversations they have had with educators, experts, and state advocacy stakeholders from across the country. For this survey, NAEYC is specifically targeting responses from individuals in programs who are responsible for decisions regarding liability coverage. If that is you, please take the time to help further our understanding by taking the survey.
The survey is available in English and Spanish.
REMINDER: Join the Early Learning Council as a Tribal Representative!
The Early Learning Council (ELC) coordinates early childhood services across Oregon, ensuring children enter school ready to learn and families are healthy and stable. The ELC developed Raise Up Oregon, Oregon’s comprehensive state system plan for early childhood, prenatal to five, and monitors its implementation. The Council plays a key role in statewide decision-making, translating legislation into actionable state agency rules.
View the flier below to learn more!
Interested? Apply by July 1, 2024
To apply use the online system, Workday, via the Governor’s Board and Commissions webpage. For more information contact Gaby Hernandez at
gabriela.hernandez@delc.oregon.gov
REMINDER: Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) Webinar
Are you interested in opening a child care facility or making improvements to your existing child care program and have a need for more funding to support the costs?
Please join us to learn more about the Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) Application and Technical Assistance supports that are available to you.
The Department of Early Learning and Care is hosting an informational webinar about CCIF on Monday, July 1, 2024 from 6:30-7:00pm!
You must register in advance to attend the webinar at the following link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_WTqo3vAuTHSBo8QFW_98iw#/registration