September 16, 2025
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is conducting an ERDC Waitlist refresh. Families who have been on the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) waitlist for a year must confirm they want to stay on the waitlist by October 31, 2025, to keep their place.
Providers can help families stay informed, If someone you know is on the ERDC waitlist, it’s important they remember respond to the refresh request letter. Families who do not respond will be removed from the waitlist. If removed, they will need to reapply for ERDC and if the waitlist is active they will receive a new waitlist number.
Starting in 2026, DELC will conduct an annual ERDC waitlist refresh each August, families should also keep their contact information updated with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
Other Supports While on the Waitlist
Families waiting for ERDC may qualify for additional programs, such as:
- Preschool Promise (PSP): Free, high-quality early education for children ages 3–5 in families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK): Free early care and education for families at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children in foster care, experiencing houselessness, or receiving public assistance qualify regardless of income
- Baby Promise: This program is available in Multnomah, Crook, Jefferson, Deschutes, Coos, and Curry counties as well as Reedsport. It offers free, high-quality infant and toddler care and education to families who are Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) eligible. Families interested in Baby Promise may skip the ERDC waitlist and must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit.
To explore child care resources in your area, contact 211 by dialing 211 or 1-866-698-6155, texting “children” to 898211, or emailing children@211info.org.
Questions?
- Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075
- Find your local ODHS office: ODHS Office Finder
- For free language assistance or other accommodations, call DELC at 1-800-556-6616
Click below to view other Child Care Update articles
- June 2026 Community Newsletter
- Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
- New Free Professional Development Series Supports Early Learning Providers Across Oregon
- Oregon Summer EBT food benefit program is back!
- Oregon Department of Human Services Free Food Markets Also Help Families With Free Diapers