December 1, 2025
Over the summer, the Department of Early Learning and Care began testing Every Child Belongs Connect in three participating Early Access Regions. This new service helps early learning programs get more coordinated and culturally responsive support. These supports come before a new law takes effect in July 2026 that prohibits suspensions and expulsions in early learning settings.
The idea for Every Child Belongs (ECB) began in 2021 after House Bill 2166 and Senate Bill 236 passed. These laws were created to reduce and eventually eliminate suspension and expulsion in early childhood programs across Oregon.
It is not uncommon for programs to self-report seeing an increase in children with specialized needs. Providers often do not have enough resources or support to handle challenging situations. ECB is designed to help early learning providers make sure children get the social, emotional, and behavioral help they need.
ECB Connect testing expanded on November 21, 2025, bringing services to more regions across Oregon. New regions include Lane County; Four Rivers (Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, Wheeler Counties); Clackamas County; Eastern (Baker, Malheur, Wallowa Counties); South Central (Douglas, Klamath, Lake Counties); and Southern (Jackson, Josephine Counties). The second phase expansion will allow more early learning providers to connect directly with specialists and local resources. To learn more about Every Child Belongs please visit About Every Child Belongs.
Click below to view other Child Care Update articles
- Request for Proposals: Revision and Update of Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines (ELKG)
- Provider Trainings Available at New Website
- December 2025 Community Newsletter
- DELC on Social: November Highlights
- Second Phase of Every Child Belongs Launches Early Learning Supports in Select Regions Across Oregon