As we wrap up November, we’re taking a moment to look back at some highlights we shared on our social media channels throughout the month. If you haven’t already, we invite you to follow us on social media! It’s one of the easiest ways to stay up to date on child care resources, early learning news, and opportunities to get involved.
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Established in 1990 and expanded in 2008 to recognize Alaska Native communities, this month invites us to deepen our awareness and show respect through learning and action.
Looking to engage meaningfully?
• Discover whose land you’re on using this interactive map: https://native-land.ca/
• Learn about tribal treaties
• Attend a local event
• Support Indigenous makers
• Read books by Native authors
• Explore Native history
And for early learning professionals: check out the Tribal Resources for Providers Guide (PTA-0951), https://www.oregon.gov/…/PTA-0951-Tribal-Resources-for… , developed by the Child Care Licensing Division and Office of Tribal Affairs. This resource supports culturally responsive care for American Indian and Alaska Native children and families — with classroom strategies, language tips, and more.
#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #EarlyLearning #CulturalAwareness #IndigenousVoices #SupportNativeCommunities
Reminder: The application portal for Business Oregon‘s Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program is currently open. It closes December 16, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. PST.
The Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program provides critical financial assistance for infrastructure activities that support child care facilities. Business Oregon is working with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, other state agencies, and private and non-profit entities to implement this grant and loan program.
Last week, the Caring Communities Tour kicked off in Eastern Oregon, where collaboration, community, and the power of relationships were front and center.
Our Executive Leadership Team and program experts spent time connecting with early learning professionals and community partners across the region, learning more about the incredible work happening to support children and families.
The team met with Malheur Education Service District, where they observed an ESD LEAP classroom, visited Ontario Early Learning Center and connected with local partners. Their journey continued with stops at Malheur County Child Development Center Head Start, Cuevas Child Care, Little Hands Child Care, Momma Lupe’s Preschool, Treasure Valley Children’s Relief Nursery, Eastern Oregon University Head Start, Baker Relief Nursery, Wallowa Cougar Cubs, Joseph Collaborative Preschool Promise, and Enterprise Collaborative Preschool Promise with Wallowa County ESD.
A heartfelt thank-you to Eastern Oregon Early Learning and Care and all our community partners for the warm welcome and inspiring conversations.
#CaringCommunity #DELC
November SNAP benefits are here in Oregon! The federal government remains shut down, but ODHS was able to issue full November SNAP benefits with federal approval. We know how important these benefits are, so we worked quickly to begin issuing benefits last night. Everyone should have full November SNAP benefits on their EBT cards this morning, Nov. 7, 2025 – even if you normally receive SNAP later in the month.
Before shopping, check your EBT card balance to make sure their benefits have been issued. There are several ways to check your balance:
– Call ebtEDGE customer service toll-free at 888-997-4447
– Visit https://ebtEDGE.com
– Use the ebtEDGE mobile app
ODHS does not recommend any other EBT management websites or apps.
While the release of SNAP benefits is not a scam – we want everyone to remain aware of potential scammers who could be trying to take advantage of the confusion in this situation. Do not click any suspicious links in emails, texts or social media posts, and only trust ODHS for information about Oregon benefits. You can find tips to protect yourself from electronic theft here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx
The South-Central Early Learning Hub – for info on Klamath and Lake Counties is ensuring families across Douglas, Klamath, and Lake counties don’t go hungry. Their new bilingual food resource guides connect families with local food pantries and community kitchens. Read more on Kobi5 News
Did you know November is National Family Literacy Month? It’s the perfect time to make reading a fun family tradition!
Here are a few ideas to celebrate:
⦁ Read aloud at bedtime
⦁ Take turns picking books
⦁ Explore your local library for new favorites
⦁ Listen to audiobooks together on car rides or quiet afternoons
⦁ Let your kids read to you — it builds confidence and makes story time special!
Make reading a family adventure this month! #FamilyLiteracyMonth
DELC and ODE are seeking proposals to update Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines (ELKG). This is a great opportunity for experts in early learning and K-3 systems to help shape inclusive, research-aligned guidance for educators.
Info webinar: Dec. 2 | 10:30–11:00 AM
Proposal deadline: Dec. 22, 2025
To learn more and apply visit: https://delcnews.org/2025/11/20/request-for-proposals-revision-and-update-of-oregons-early-learning-and-kindergarten-guidelines-elkg-2
Today, on Native American Heritage Day, we honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. We recognize the deep roots of Tribal Nations across Oregon and remain committed to listening, learning, and partnering in support of Native children, families, and educators.
For early educators, this is also an opportunity to begin meaningful conversations in the classroom. Our Tribal Resources for Early Learning Providers offers guidance on how to center Tribal Nation awareness and share accurate, respectful information with young children. To download a copy of the Tribal Resources for Providers visit: https://www.oregon.gov/…/PTA-0951-Tribal-Resources-for…