Update on Federal Child Care Funding and Provider Safety

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is aware of recent reports about a possible federal spending freeze on child care funds nationwide. At this time, Oregon has not received any official notice of changes to federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) dollars that support Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) and related programs.

Providers should please continue billing for ERDC and related programs as usual. DELC will monitor federal guidance and share updates promptly if anything changes.

There have also been concerning news reports that some states have seen harassment and unsubstantiated fraud claims against child care providers. At DELC, we aim to ensure that every child, family and provider feels safe, respected and supported. Oregon educators should never feel threatened while providing essential services for children and providing safe places for them to thrive and learn. If you receive harassing or threatening communications, contact local law enforcement immediately. If you experience or witness bias or hate incidents, you can report them to the Oregon Attorney General’s Bias Response Hotline at 1-844-924-BIAS (2427) or online at StandAgainstHate.Oregon.gov. The hotline offers trauma-informed support and interpreters in over 240 languages.

Thank you for your continued support of Oregon children. Your work is important and valued.

Carey McCann
Interim Early Learning System Director
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

Actualización sobre la financiación federal para el cuidado infantil y la seguridad de los proveedores

El Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano (DELC) de Oregón está al tanto de los recientes informes sobre una posible pausa en el gasto federal de los fondos para el cuidado infantil en todo el país. Por el momento, Oregón no ha recibido ninguna notificación oficial sobre cambios en los fondos federales del Fondo para el Cuidado y Desarrollo Infantil (CCDF) que apoya el Cuidado Infantil Relacionado con el Empleo (ERDC) y otros programas relacionados.

Los proveedores deben seguir facturando por el ERDC y los programas relacionados como de costumbre. DELC supervisará las directrices federales y le comunicará cualquier novedad tan pronto como se produzca algún cambio.

También ha habido noticias preocupantes sobre acoso y denuncias de fraude sin base alguno en contra de proveedores del cuidado infantil en algunos estados. En DELC, nuestro objetivo es garantizar que todos los niños, familias y proveedores se sientan seguros, respetados y apoyados. Los educadores de Oregón nunca deben sentirse amenazados mientras prestan servicios esenciales a los niños y proporcionan lugares seguros para que prosperen en su aprendizaje. Si recibe comunicaciones de acoso o amenazas, póngase en contacto inmediatamente con las autoridades locales. Si experimenta o es testigo de incidentes de discriminación u odio, puede denunciarlos a la línea directa de respuesta a la discriminación de la Fiscalía General de Oregón, llamando al 1-844-924-BIAS (2427) o en línea en StandAgainstHate.Oregon.gov. La línea directa ofrece apoyo especializado en traumas con apoyo de intérpretes en más de 240 idiomas.

Gracias por su continuo apoyo con los niños de Oregón. Su trabajo es importante y valioso.

Carey McCann
Directora interina del Sistema de Aprendizaje Temprano
Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano de Oregón (DELC) Updated January 2, 2026

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Request for Proposals: Revision and Update of Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines (ELKG)

November 20, 2025

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) for the revision and update of the Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines (ELKG). The selected contractor will provide expertise and support in updating the ELKG to reflect current research, policy priorities, and inclusive practices across early learning and K-3 systems.

DELC will be hosting a voluntary informational webinar for interested proposers on:

Date: December 2, 2025
Time: 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Location: Virtual: Join via zoom

This session will provide an overview of the RFP, highlight key deliverables, walk through the submission process, and offer an opportunity for participants to ask clarifying questions.

Attendance is not required to submit a proposal, but it is strongly encouraged for those seeking to better understand the scope and expectations of the project.

The deadline for this application is December 22, 2025.

Please visit the DELC website to learn more about key dates for this opportunity and apply!

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Baby Promise: Building Strong Foundations for Families in Sisters, Oregon

When child care provider April Farmer first envisioned creating a space for babies in her community of Sisters Oregon, she faced the same challenges many providers do: long hours, high costs, and limited resources. With financial support from the Child Care Expansion Project, she was able to build her program over the span of a year and a half – often while holding down another job.

Funding for expansion was made available through the State of Oregon and NeighborImpact, acting on a General Fund Grant from House Bill 5202. In total, over $8 million was directed to Central Oregon to expand programs like April’s, covering operating expenses, renovations, supplies, and professional development.

April’s perseverance paid off with the program built. The catch, however, was that families who, when surveyed, had positive feedback about program costs, found themselves in a bind with the costs ending up being too high for many incomes. That is when April reached out to Baby Promise, a program administered by the Department of Early Learning and Care that financially supports families in need of child care with children ages 0-3 available in 3 regions

With the support of Baby Promise, April’s vision has blossomed into a program that not only provides quality care for infants and toddlers but also stabilizes families in the Sisters community.

Meeting an Urgent Need

For years, families had almost no options for early child care. Before Baby Promise, programs like April’s were nearly impossible to sustain because the costs were too high for many families.

Thanks to a mix of state grants and Baby Promise funding, April’s program can now serve both families with low incomes and those paying privately. All five Baby Promise slots filled immediately in July 2025, and there is already a waitlist. Families who once feared they couldn’t remain in Sisters due to a lack of care are now able to stay, pursue careers, or return to school—knowing their children are in safe, nurturing hands.

“Families are awesome, and so grateful,” April shared. “Some of these families didn’t know what they were going to do in order to live in Sisters. Baby Promise has made it possible for them to grow their income and education while their children thrive.”

More Than Child Care

As Hannah, a partner from the CCR&R team, explained, “This program is a tribute to April. What we’ve learned is that it goes beyond funding—it’s about determination, support, and quality. Baby Promise increases program quality through training, access to coaches, and collaboration with families.”

This support helps establish the secure attachments and social-emotional development so critical in the first three years of life. These early relationships build confidence, trust, and resilience—skills children carry with them into preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.

Looking Ahead

April’s dream doesn’t stop here. She hopes to slowly expand, build more community partnerships, and even create intergenerational connections with seniors at the local community center. Her vision is not just about child care—it’s about community care.

“More families need support,” April emphasized. “Baby Promise has made a huge difference in our program, and I believe it’s the kind of stabilizing factor every community needs.”

Photo’s provided by Trav Williams, Broken Banjo Photography

Instagram: @BrokenBanjoTrav Facebook: BrokenBanjoPhotography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 7, 2025

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month

SALEM, ORE. –The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) visited a Head Start of Lane County preschool classroom located at Lane Community College.

“For over 60 years, Head Start has provided children and families with more than quality early childhood education; it has become a generational building block that has touched the lives of more than 40 million children and families across the United States,” said Charleen Strauch, Executive Director, Head Start of Lane County. “The crucial work of Head Start is knowing that when the family and child succeed then the community succeeds. Head Start changes lives for the positive.”

Earlier this month Governor Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating October as Head Start Awareness Month. The month is celebrated annually across the country as a way to honor the legacy and current work of Head Start in positively impacting the lives of communities, families, and young children.

Education is only one component of the impactful work of Head Start. In addition to early childhood education, Head Start programs support family well-being by connecting families to medical and dental care while helping parents achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Oregon also offers Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool supports for children from Migrant and Seasonal working families along with additional Tribal Head Start programs administered by the federal government.

DELC also administers the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program with programming available across all 36 Oregon counties. OPK is the state equivalent of the successful federal Early Head Start program that serves children from prenatal to five years old. Since OPK’s establishment in 1987, tens of thousands of children and their families have benefited from the program.

“Head Start Awareness Month has never been more important,” said Kate Gonsalves, DELC Communications Director. “At a time of federal instability, this is an important moment to draw awareness to the strong historical roots of Head Start along with the current positive impact Head Start makes for thousands of families across Oregon. DELC joins in celebrating the transformative impact of Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start during Head Start Awareness Month.”

These free, high-quality early care and education services and wrap around social supports are available to families including pregnant people and expectant families. Eligible participants include children aged birth through five whose families meet the federal low-income guidelines whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty guidelines or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program public assistance services. Other eligible participants include children who are in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness. Some families with special circumstances are also eligible to receive support regardless of family income status. To find a head start center visit: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov)

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About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Child Care Infrastructure Fund Round Three Accepting Applications on September 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sep 12, 2025
Contact:
Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292, delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Child Care Infrastructure Fund Round Three Accepting Applications on September 17

$20 million will be awarded for infrastructure projects at Oregon child care facilities.

Business Oregon is pleased to announce that the application portal for Round Three of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund program will be opening on September 17, 2025. The Child Care Infrastructure Fund program, created in response to Oregon’s House Bill 3005 (2023), provides critical financial assistance for infrastructure activities that support child care facilities. Business Oregon is working with the Department of Early Learning and Care, other state agencies, and private and non-profit entities to implement this grant and loan program.

With $50 million in lottery bonds approved by the Oregon Legislature at the recommendation of Governor Tina Kotek, the Child Care Infrastructure Fund is dedicated to improving and expanding the spaces where Oregon’s youngest minds learn and grow, ultimately making a significant impact on children, families, and communities statewide. This third and final round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program offers grant funding for minor repairs and renovations, new construction, major renovations, and property acquisition awards.

The Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program directly supports Governor Kotek’s Education and Early Learning priority by expanding and improving child care infrastructure so that children in Oregon have the opportunity to thrive in their early learning environments and families are empowered with the child care support they need to succeed.

“Every Oregon family deserves access to affordable, high-quality childcare, no matter where they live,” Governor Kotek said. “This third round of child care infrastructure funding will create and expand vital childcare options across the state, helping ensure Oregon’s future is strong, equitable, and full of opportunity.”

The first round of Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program awarded a total of $10 million in grants to 64 child care businesses in 29 different Oregon counties for eligible projects involving fixed, immovable assets including new construction, repairs, renovations, modernizations, retrofitting, property acquisition and planning projects. The second round of Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program awarded a total of $20 million in grants to 57 child care businesses in 30 different Oregon counties for eligible projects including minor renovation and repairs, major renovation, or new construction and property acquisition. This third round of awards will be the last round of funding awarded from the Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program unless additional funds are allocated for the program. Learn more about the awarded projects at www.oregon.gov/biz/.

“Child care is foundational to thriving families, strong communities, and a resilient economy,” said Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon. “This round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund program represents a continued commitment to building safe, high-quality spaces where young Oregonians can learn and grow. Every dollar invested in improving child care infrastructure is an investment in Oregon’s future.”

This third round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund program will continue to make a meaningful difference in the availability and quality of child care services throughout Oregon. Access to the application portal for Round 3 can be found on the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/biz/ starting at noon on September 17. Applications are due by December 16, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. PST. Award notification is expected on or after February 17, 2026.

“The previous two rounds of Child Care Infrastructure Fund grants were tremendously popular and successful,” said Carey McCann, DELC Interim Director. “The release of the third round of funding will continue to build the infrastructure Oregon needs to expand high quality care and preschool options to families across the state.”

There are many upcoming technical assistance webinars to support prospective applicants with their Round 3 applications. Each webinar focuses on a different aspect of the application process and is offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, and Chinese. To register for these informational webinars, visit www.oregon.gov/delc/.

If you have questions or need technical assistance completing the Child Care Infrastructure Program application, please contact one of the technical assistance providers below:

Northwest Native Chamber
Website: www.nwnc.org/ccif/
Email: ccifsupport@nwnc.org

First Children’s Finance
Website: www.fcforegon.org/
Email: InfoOregon@FirstChildrensFinance.org

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Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency’s services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at biz.oregon.gov.

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

The Department of Early Learning and Care is seeking applicants for the Birth through Five Literacy Plan (BT5) Rulemaking Committee (RAC)

DELC is developing a set of rules to clarify the purpose of the BT5 Literacy Plan and specify how funding will be administered across grants and contracts in support of implementing the plan.

Updated on August 7, 2025

The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)’s Birth Through Five Literacy Plan (BT5) sets a vision for improving early literacy outcomes for Oregon children ages birth through five. DELC is developing a set of rules to clarify the purpose of the BT5 Literacy Plan and specify how funding will be administered across grants and contracts in support of implementing the plan. Strategies outlined in the plan include administering funds to support culturally specific early literacy, engage families, train early childhood educators, and support language preservation efforts led by federally recognized tribes in Oregon.

DELC is seeking diverse voices to represent families, early learning programs, and early learning system community partners.

Apply today to give input on the Birth Through Five Literacy Program!

We are seeking diverse voices to represent groups within Oregon’s Early Learning system. Committee members may include:

Families

Early Learning and Care programs and providers, specifically who participate in DELC funded grant programs

Representatives from culturally specific, community-based organizations

Early Learning Hub representatives

Tribal Nations representatives

Representatives from organizations that deliver early literacy programming

Participants will be reimbursed for their time dedicated to this RAC and will positively impact Oregon’s children, families, early learning programs, and communities. Applications are due September 8^th, 2025 .

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 8th, 2025
Apply Online

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Please contact Liz Hauck at 503-507-4603. elizabeth.hauck@delc.oregon.gov

Apply today!

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ECB Connect: Early Access Pilot Launching July 2025

The pilot of Oregon’s new Every Child Belongs (ECB) Connect system is launching in select regions starting July 2025, with phased expansion through July 2026.

The pilot of Oregon’s new Every Child Belongs (ECB) Connect system is launching in select regions starting July 2025, with phased expansion through July 2026. Co-developed by DELC and the Oregon Infant Mental Health Association (ORIMHA) with feedback from early learning partners, ECB Connect offers a centralized way for child care providers to request support when a child is at risk of suspension or expulsion.

This effort aligns with a new law effective July 2026 that prohibits suspensions and expulsions in early learning settings. Through ECB Connect, providers may be connected to technical assistance, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health consultation (IECMHC), Early Intervention/ECSE, or other regionally coordinated services. Every Child Belongs helps keep children connected to safe, supportive environments where they can grow and thrive.

Partners in participating regions will receive access to:

Online support request forms

Training materials and guidance

Regional coordination tools

Engagement opportunities through office hours and feedback sessions

Over the weeks ahead we will be continuing to build awareness, launch trainings with early access regions, and translate information. As system testing continues, we appreciate the feedback of partners and communities as we refine the consultation approach. This will help ECB to build a responsive service in lead up to a full statewide launch next year.

We are working closely with Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies, IECMHC providers, and other community groups to ensure a phased and equitable rollout that meets the needs of providers and families across Oregon.

Learn more and stay updated at: Visit the everychildbelongs.org website

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Recent Immigration Impacts in Early Learning

You may have seen the recent media coverage regarding a parent being detained by federal immigration officials during a child drop off for preschool here in Oregon. Governor Tina Kotek responded to the incident with remarks on social media. We know this incident has understandably created fear or concern among child care providers and the community; children and families should be able to feel safe and supported when they come to their early childhood programs.

Oregon sanctuary laws mean that state-level resources cannot be used to enforce federal immigration law. They ensure that everyone in our state can live, work, go to school, and access government services without fear of discrimination or unnecessary inquiries into their personal background. These laws also guarantee that public agencies, including DELC, focus on what matters most: supporting children, families, and providers.

As a reminder, DELC has implemented an internal Incident Response Team (IRT), and we are continuing to monitor and track issues related to federal changes as they arise. DELC has created this page as a source of information for the public regarding ongoing federal developments. There you’ll find the Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs. We have also shared Sanctuary Promise resources available in English and Spanish, which provides the names of several organizations that provide immigration supports.

At DELC, we believe it’s important for every child, family, and provider to feel safe, respected, and supported. Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission, vision, and values – your work is more important than ever. Together, we can continue to make Oregon a place where every child and family can thrive.

For more information regarding Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws and how it is implemented within state agencies, please visit https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/civil-rights/sanctuary-promise/

For suspected violations of Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws, the Oregon Department of Justice has a “Sanctuary Promise Hotline” where anyone can report, receive support, or be connected to resources.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bill Establishing Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund Advances with Bipartisan Support

After a successful work session and passage out of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, HB 2815 passed out of the House and Senate floor.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 19, 2025

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Bill Establishing Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund Advances with Bipartisan Support

HB 2815 upholds Tribal sovereignty and self-determination in early learning

SALEM, ORE. – After a successful work session and passage out of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, HB 2815 passed out of the House and Senate floor. The bill previously passed out of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education with unanimous support before moving to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. The legislations intent is to create a Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund, as well as a new Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance to ensure Tribes can operate early learning programs and supports in accordance with their unique needs.

HB 2815 helps to ensure that the nine federally recognized Tribes within Oregon’s border hold the ability to focus on initiatives most relevant for their Nations, and is in line with Governor Tina Kotek’s outlined budget priorities. The creation of a Tribal Early Learning Fund allows for flexible funding access to early learning resources for Tribes and strengthens Oregon’s government-to-government relationships.

HB 2815 is designed and supported by Tribal representatives from across the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon. The Plan will support experiential early learning and child care, promote and revitalize language, and ensure access to cultural resources and curriculum in early learning spaces. These resources are focused primarily on increased supports to Tribal children prenatal through age eight.

Previously, the legislature passed HB 2055 (2021), which among other things, outlined expectations for a new Tribal Early Learning Hub to coordinate early learning services in Tribal communities. However, as Tribal Representatives began working towards implementation, it was determined that the hub model created administrative burdens and limited the ability of Tribes to express their rights to self-determination in a government-to-government relationship with the State.

HB 2815 improves upon the initial concepts in HB 2055 by reducing barriers for Tribes in accessing state funding. Now that the bill has passed both houses it will be enrolled and sent to the Governor for her signature. The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will administer grant awards directly to Tribes instead of third parties. In doing so, the bill will streamline the grantmaking process while ensuing Oregon is upholding government-to-government expectations.

HB 2815 also establishes the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) in place of the current Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) and clarifies DELC’s rulemaking authority.

Supporters of the bill say this updated approach, along with the dedicated funding, will help to advance the state’s early learning goals while helping to close disparities in accessing early learning opportunities faced by Tribal communities. The funding may be used as directed by each Tribe to expand access to culturally relevant classroom materials, preschool or child care services, Tribal language immersion programs and caregiver education programs among many other Tribal early learning and care-focused goals defined within the Plan.

“It is imperative to send up words of respect and appreciation for our ancestors who did foundational work to get us to where we are today,” said Julie Siestreem, Tribal Council member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. “The state hasn’t always upheld our right to self-determination. This bill is a step towards extending Tribal Sovereignty. A dedicated fund is needed to move the needle in the right direction – towards centering and respecting Tribal ways of knowing what’s best for our children.”

“This initiative was developed by the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon through a multi-year, Tribal-led process grounded in self-determination and government-to-government collaboration in close partnership with DELC, to ensure our youngest children have stable resources and brighter futures,” said Paulina Whitehat, DELC Tribal Affairs Director. “Now pending legislative approval, this initiative represents a powerful example of what respectful governance can achieve. In a time of uncertainty, it offers hope and demonstrates how honoring Tribal sovereignty, and mutual trust can guide meaningful, inclusive public policy, setting a model for others to follow.”

“The Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund is a critical and vital next step for centering Tribal sovereignty in the early learning system,” said Angela Fasana, Education Director of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. “The Plan and Fund will assist the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde in furthering our goals as a people to foster and support our youth and families.”

“Investing in our youngest of learners allows for a strong foundation of lifelong learning, this bill does just that,” said Alissa L. Lane, CTSI Education and Cultural Programs Director. Dedicated funding would ensure Tribes can implement Tribal specific supports, learning materials and interventions, which is vital for ensuring our Tribal students have the strong start they need in life. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Education department fully supports the proposed bill.”

The Office of Tribal Affairs at DELC will continue to provide support to implement the plan and fund. To read more about this work please visit Tribal Advisory Committee page of the DELC website. Tribal Sovereignty is one of six goals in DELC’s strategic plan. To learn more visit the Growing Oregon Together page of the DELC website.

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Head Start’s 60th Anniversary

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) works closely with the Oregon Head Start Association through programs that support early learning, health, and family wellbeing while engaging parents as partners.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 16, 2025

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Head Start’s 60th Anniversary

SALEM, ORE. –The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) works closely with the Oregon Head Start Association through programs that support early learning, health, and family wellbeing while engaging parents as partners. On Friday, agency leadership joined Head Start staff and partners from the Oregon Head Start Association along with representatives from the Governor’s office in honor of the 60th anniversary for a tour of the Community Action Head Start Center in Silverton.

“Head Start’s transformative programs have positively impacted the lives of children and their families since inception in 1965,” said Nancy Perin, OHSA Executive Director. “For the last six decades, we’ve seen the way Head Start programs improve school readiness, reduce learning disabilities, help to increase graduation and to enhance family well being among numerous other positive outcomes. Head Start programs positively set up children and families to succeed and continue to be a force for good.”

“It’s wonderful to help elevate this significant milestone,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “After working alongside the Oregon Head Start Association, I can attest to the tremendous impact Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start programs are making each day to families across Oregon. This anniversary is an opportunity to elevate the high quality services that make Head Start so impactful for families here and across the nation.”

Governor Tina Kotek signed a proclamation in celebration of Head Start’s birthday which will take place on May 18. The Governor also recently provided celebratory video remarks to Head Start staff and partners at their State Director meeting: “In Oregon, we’ve seen firsthand that when we support children and families early on, the impacts are immeasurable,” said Governor Kotek. “Happy 60th anniversary …here’s to many more decades of transforming lives, one child, one family, one community at a time.”

Head Start programs utilize a unique federal-to-local structure to tailor services to each community and serve children from diverse backgrounds including rural communities, children with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and dual language learners. DELC administers the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) program. OPK is modeled after the successful federal Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool program and serves children from prenatal to five years old. Since OPK’s establishment in 1987, tens of thousands of children and their families have benefited from the program. Programming is available across all 36 Oregon counties.

Education is only one component of the impactful work of Head Start. In addition to early childhood education, Head Start programs support family well-being by connecting families to medical and dental care while helping parents achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Oregon also offers Early Head Start and Head Start supports for children from Migrant and Seasonal working families along with additional American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs administered by the federal government.

“No matter their background or zip code, Head Start helps to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive regardless of circumstances,” said Chatterjee. “As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the multiple comprehensive services provided by Head Start staff to children and families. We share our appreciation for the dedication that these community partners bring to improving educational opportunities for some of Oregon’s most vulnerable children.“

These free, high-quality early care and education services and wrap around supports are available to families including pregnant people/expectant families. To find out more about eligibility or to find a Head Start center visit: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov)