Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Launches New Data Dashboard showing 96% Enrollment for the Preschool Promise Program
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) launched a new data dashboard demonstrating positive trends around the strong growth of Preschool Promise Program. The data shows thousands of families across the state are successfully accessing free, high quality preschool. Preschool Promise is a preschool program serving children ages 3-4, in a variety of early learning settings, in all 36 Oregon counties. The program is available to families who are living at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four that amounts to a yearly annual income at or below $60,000.
“Preschool Promise is helping to ensure that families with young children have preschool options that align with the learning environment they know will work best for their child and their family,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “I’m pleased to see the strength of the program reflected in the data. These aren’t just statistics, each data point on the graph represents families positively impacted by the Preschool Promise program.”
“Here in Medford, many families would be unable to attend our program without Preschool Promise funding,” said Sunny Spicer, Executive Director at Oregon Center for Creative Learning. “For many families, receiving that funding is the turning point to stability. Each day, I see the transformational impact that access to preschool provides to families. It’s the key to find employment, the pathway to housing, or the doorway to the services they have been seeking.”
Previously, the Preschool Promise program faced challenges with utilization during the pandemic when a child care provider workforce shortage created significant enrollment challenges for public preschool programs. Today, with the launch of DELC’s in-house procurement office, the data shows strong improvements and a positive trajectory in expanding the number of grantees and the number of preschool slots filled statewide.
The success of the program would not be possible without Early Learning Hubs that enroll children with grantees. This “mixed delivery model” spans across more than 300 sites in a variety of settings. Schools are one of the main delivery options of the program. This model reflects the unique needs of families looking for an appropriate preschool program including the need for extended hours, sibling considerations, culturally responsive care, or a preference for home based setting.
“Every family should have the access to free, culturally responsive preschool programs that meet their family’s needs,” said Dayna Jung, Preschool Promise Manager. “Preschool Promise engages parents as partners in their child’s learning and development. I’m thrilled to see the data reflect how impactful this program is. This dashboard increases transparency and allows the public to spot trends and see how we are working to establish inclusive, welcoming environments for all families.”
The interactive Preschool Promise data dashboard helps to illustrate the broad need for child care across the state with maps that include county based information. Additional dashboards for other high quality DELC programs including Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten are in development. To see the current dashboards, please visit the DELC website: Department of Early Learning and Care : Data and Research Homepage : Data : State of Oregon
In addition to the data dashboard, the agency also recently announced a new opportunity for providers interested in Preschool Promise. A Request for Applications (RFA) for the Preschool Promise program went live this week for the 2024-2025 program year. The agency welcomes applications from interested entities across the state to reallocate a total of 358 slots. Additionally, DELC is offering eligible applicants the opportunity to be placed in the Preschool Promise applicant waitlist pool for all 16 Early Learning Hubs to be considered when future slots become available. Materials must be received by 5:00pm on June 17, 2024. To read more about the opportunity, or to learn more about Preschool Promise eligibility and enrollment please visit the Preschool Promise page on the DELC website.
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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 atOregon.gov/DELC.You can also connect with DELC onFacebookor sign up fornews alerts and updates.
IN THIS ISSUE: Child Care Provider Appreciation Day; Statewide Expansion of Imagination Library; Head Starts Birthday; Reminders
Celebrating Child Care Providers across Oregon!
The Department of Early Learning and Care and the State of Oregon recognize today as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.
Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating May 10, 2024, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. The Day is celebrated annually across the country on the Friday before Mother’s Day to say “thank you” to the educators and care professionals who positively shape the lives of young children.
Statewide Expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) representatives joined Governor Tina Kotek and state officials this week to celebrate its new partnership with The Dollywood Foundation for the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. During the 2023 legislative session, under Senate Bill 5506, $1.7 million was appropriated to DELC to help administer and expand the program statewide.
The goal of the statewide expansion is to make books available to children ages 0-5 in every zip code in Oregon. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a voluntary program and parents of children ages 0-5 can sign up to receive a new book each month at no cost to families.
Since 1965, Head Start programs have been dedicated to giving children from low-income families the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.
On May 18, 2024, we celebrate its 59th birthday, let’s honor the large impact Head Start programs have made and continue to make in shaping brighter futures for all.
REMINDER: Family Child Care Rule Revision Workgroup
DELC is revising the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that apply to Certified Family and Registered Family Child Care Homes. This Workgroup will help create rule language on a set of topics that were identified during the recent listening sessions with family child care providers. OARs related to both license types will be reviewed during the Workgroup. This work will be completed prior to the development of each ruleset which will be reviewed by a Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) later this year.
Topics include:
Roles and responsibilities of other caregivers
Documenting and record keeping
Storage of and protection from hazards
Outdoor play equipment
Indoor environment
Group size
DELC would like to invite members of the following groups to apply to participate in the Workgroup:
Certified Family Child Care Providers
Registered Family Child Care Providers
Child Care Provider Union Representatives
Child Care Resource and Referral Representatives
Early Learning Hub Representatives
Tribal Nation Representatives
REIMBURSMENT Participants will be reimbursed for their time and expertise.
APPLICATION The application period opens on April 15 and closes on May 10, 2024. Meetings will begin in June. Three to four meetings will be held. The meetings will be held virtually. Meeting days and times will be finalized with the selected participants.
The Department of Early Learning and Care and the State of Oregon recognize today as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.
Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating May 10, 2024, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. The Day is celebrated annually across the country on the Friday before Mother’s Day to say “thank you” to the educators and care professionals who positively shape the lives of young children.
To the invaluable child care workforce of Oregon, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering efforts and dedication. Your role as a critical resource for families and our littlest learners is truly commendable, helping them to grow and thrive.
Below, you will see the faces of some of Oregon’s child care providers. Be sure to thank a provider today in celebration of Child Care Provider Appreciation Day!
IN THIS ISSUE: Family Child Care Revision Workgroup; a Child Care Development Fund State Plan feedback opportunity; Join a Rule Making Committee; Reminders
DELC is revising the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that apply to Certified Family and Registered Family Child Care Homes. This Workgroup will help create rule language on a set of topics that were identified during the recent listening sessions with family child care providers. OARs related to both license types will be reviewed during the Workgroup. This work will be completed prior to the development of each ruleset which will be reviewed by a Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) later this year.
Topics include:
Roles and responsibilities of other caregivers
Documenting and record keeping
Storage of and protection from hazards
Outdoor play equipment
Indoor environment
Group size
DELC would like to invite members of the following groups to apply to participate in the Workgroup:
Certified Family Child Care Providers
Registered Family Child Care Providers
Child Care Provider Union Representatives
Child Care Resource and Referral Representatives
Early Learning Hub Representatives
Tribal Nation Representatives
REIMBURSMENT Participants will be reimbursed for their time and expertise.
APPLICATION The application period opens on April 15 and closes on May 10, 2024. Meetings will begin in June. Three to four meetings will be held. The meetings will be held virtually. Meeting days and times will be finalized with the selected participants.
DELC currently has two rule making opportunities for members of the community to participate in. Please see both opportunities listed below.
Join the DELC Procurement RAC DELC is proposing to adopt procurement rules that outline the Department’s procurement and contracting policies and procedures. These proposed rules codify the Department’s current procuremen procedures, which are guided by the Public Contracting Code and the Attorney General Model Rules.
DELC would like to invite members of the following groups to apply to participate:
Families
Child care providers
Child care provider unions
Child Care Resource and Referral agencies
Early Learning Hubs
Early learning system community partners
Tribal nations
Early Learning Council members
Community-based organizations
REIMBURSMENT Participants will be reimbursed for their time and expertise.
Join the DELC Public Records Request RAC DELC became an independent state agency on July 1, 2023. ORS 192.324(7) requires each public body to publish its procedure for making public records requests. These proposed rules clarify the definitions and process for making public records requests for public records when DELC is the custodian.
DELC would like to invite members of the following groups to apply to participate:
Families
Child care providers
Child care provider unions
Child Care Resource and Referral agencies
Early Learning Hubs
Early learning system community partners
Tribal nations
Early Learning Council members
Community-based organizations
REIMBURSMENT Participants will be reimbursed for their time and expertise.
APPLICATION The application period opens on April 25 and closes on May 10, 2024. One RAC meeting will be held on May 21, 2024 from 4-5 PM. The meeting will be held virtually.
Feedback Opportunity: Child Care Development Fund State Plan: Fiscal Years 2025 – 2027
Your feedback is valuable to us!
Every three years, Oregon must submit its application for federal child care funding. This application is called the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) State Plan, and it serves as a reflection of Oregon’s child care and early learning policies and processes. The next CCDF State Plan is due to the Administration for Children and Families on July 1, 2024 and takes effect on October 1, 2024.
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is the CCDF Lead Agency for Oregon. DELC has been conducting engagement sessions that are being used to develop DELC’s first Agency Strategic Plan and to inform the initial draft of the next version of Oregon’s CCDF State Plan.
The CCDF State Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2027 will be posted here on May 1, 2024 for public comment and review.
DELC will be hosting three information sessions to discuss the sections of the new state plan draft at the following dates and times:
These information sessions will be held in a webinar format via Zoom (links above) that will also be recorded and available on DELC’s YouTube page for viewing should members of the public not be able to attend for these dates.
In addition, DELC will host a public hearing regarding the CCDF State Plan draft on June 5, 2024, from 6-7pm. This public hearing will be available via Zoom at: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1609542017?pwd=UjlSZEgxTEFRdkgzc0RRbU1WSUhKZz09 or call in at +16692545252,,1609542017#,,,,*131624# and will be available via recording on DELC’s YouTube page following the hearing.
Verbal public comments can be provided through this avenue. Comments written into the chat will not be considered formal public comment. To provide written public comment, please visit our fillable form at https://forms.office.com/g/mWjneSysi6 or you may e-mail your public comment to DELC.CCDF@delc.oregon.gov by 5pm on June 7, 2024.
For assistance with translation, interpretation, or other accessibility needs, please contact DELC.CCDF@delc.oregon.gov by May 30, 2024.
Reminder: Available on Friday April 12, 2024: Micro-Center Pilot Program open application
During the 2023 legislative session, Senate Bill 1040 passed requiring the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to create a Micro-Center Pilot Program. This bill aims to create a sustainable framework for small capacity child care programs serving fewer than 30 children, ensuring high-quality learning opportunities across the state.
This opportunity is open to any small capacity child care program across the state that meets the eligibility criteria!
The Department of Early Learning and Care will open the application to join the Micro-Center Pilot program on Friday, April 12, 2024. Interested providers can visit the For Providers portion of the DELC website to learn more. The information will not be available before that date.
Reminder: A message from our partners at the Oregon Department of Education (ODE): Register for Kindergarten Today!
Registering for kindergarten in the spring is a great way for families to access important resources, meet students and staff at their new school community, and learn about summer programs.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) are collaborating with schools, districts, early learning providers, and community partners across the state to share the value of early registration to families.
You can support this effort by printing and distributing flyers, yard signs, and other helpful materials found in the Register for Kindergarten Today! Toolkit. These materials are translated in eight languages and supplement conversations with families about early registration and the transition into kindergarten.
What is the next step? Beginning April 2, 2024, please share this important message with your network and families: Will your student be five years old by September? Register for Kindergarten Today!
IN THIS ISSUE: Oregon proclaims April 6-12, 2024, to be the Week of the Young Child; a Child Care Development Fund State Plan feedback opportunity; the Micro-Center Pilot Program is open for applications; BuildUp Oregon is expanding access to child care; Reminders
Oregon proclaims April 6-12, 2024, to be the Week of the Young Child
The Department of Early Learning and Care, in conjunction with the Early Learning Council, the Oregon Association of the Education of Young Children, the Early Childhood Coalition, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, are celebrating the Week of the Young Child April 6-12, 2024.
“The Week of the Young Child® is a time to recognize that children’s opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment—at home, at child care, at school, and in the community—that will promote their early learning. “
At DELC, we are committed to supporting Oregon’s communities by managing various programs that create opportunities for high-quality, low-cost, safe spaces for Oregon’s youngest children to receive early learning education and care. Families receive support through DELC’s family support programs as well, recognizing and celebrating parents and caregivers as the first teachers in a child’s life.
Along with our partners, we celebrate The Week of the Young Child to highlight the importance of this work that occurs every day.
Feedback Opportunity: Child Care Development Fund State Plan: Fiscal Years 2025 – 2027
Your feedback is valuable to us!
Every three years, Oregon must submit its application for federal child care funding. This application is called the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) State Plan, and it serves as a reflection of Oregon’s child care and early learning policies and processes. The next CCDF State Plan is due to the Administration for Children and Families on July 1, 2024 and takes effect on October 1, 2024.
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is the CCDF Lead Agency for Oregon. DELC has been conducting engagement sessions that are being used to develop DELC’s first Agency Strategic Plan and to inform the initial draft of the next version of Oregon’s CCDF State Plan.
The CCDF State Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2027 will be posted here on May 1, 2024 for public comment and review.
DELC will be hosting three information sessions to discuss the sections of the new state plan draft at the following dates and times:
May 7, 2024, 12-1pm
May 14, 2024, 6-7pm
May 15, 2024, 6-7pm
These information sessions will be held in a webinar format on DELC’s YouTube page that will also be recorded and available on DELC’s website for viewing should members of the public not be able to attend for these dates.
In addition, DELC will host a public hearing regarding the CCDF State Plan draft on June 5, 2024, from 6-7pm. This public hearing will be streaming live on DELC’s YouTube page and will be available via recording following the hearing. To sign up to provide public comment or to provide written public comment, please contact Jordan.pargeter@delc.oregon.gov by May 30, 2024.
For assistance with translation, interpretation, or other accessibility needs, please contact Jordan.pargeter@delc.oregon.gov by May 30, 2024.
Available on Friday April 12, 2024: Micro-Center Pilot Program open application
During the 2023 legislative session, Senate Bill 1040 passed requiring the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to create a Micro-Center Pilot Program. This bill aims to create a sustainable framework for small capacity child care programs serving fewer than 30 children, ensuring high-quality learning opportunities across the state.
This opportunity is open to any small capacity child care program across the state that meets the eligibility criteria!
The Department of Early Learning and Care will open the application to join the Micro-Center Pilot program on Friday, April 12, 2024. Interested providers can visit the For Providers portion of the DELC website to learn more. The information will not be available before that date.
Introducing BuildUp Oregon – Expanding Access to Child Care!
BuildUp Oregon will provide facilities funding and expert guidance to providers, child care centers, and affordable housing developers looking to preserve or increase slots in either Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program, or a facility co-located within affordable housing anywhere in the state. You can learn more at BuildUpOregon.org.
We invite you to sign up for our upcoming informational webinars in English and in Spanish, where you can learn more about BuildUp Oregon and how to get involved:
REMINDER: Have you tried to create a new child care program? How about expand your current one? Please share your thoughts on your experience in this survey!
We are seeking input from child care providers of all kinds across Oregon. This survey will collect feedback from child care providers who have experience going through the development process for a new or expanded child care business. We also need to hear from providers who have thought about or attempted opening a new business or expanding an existing one but decided not to move forward with the process for any reason.
Input from our child care providers is essential to making this project a success.
Who is managing this survey, and why?
The 2023 Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2727 directing the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to take a look at strategies for expanding early learning and care facilities across Oregon. A large portion of this work includes a review of the barriers related to zoning regulations, building codes, and permitting and procedures.
DLCD has hired ECOnorthwest to conduct research, engage with the community, and prepare a final report alongside a project work group formed with help from the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). The final report will include recommendations to:
Reduce barriers to expanding early care and education (ECE) facilities.
Support the expansion of ECE facilities in Oregon.
Reduce disproportionate racial and regional disparities in accessing ECE facilities.
A link to the survey is provided below. Thank you in advance for your participation!
REMINDER: Please join our Employee Related Day Care (ERDC) Rulemaking Committee (RAC)
The Department of Early Learning and Care is seeking applicants for the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Rulemaking Committee (RAC).
The ERDC program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care.
DELC is seeking diverse voices to represent families, child care providers, including those who accept subsidy; child care provider unions, Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, Early Learning Hubs, early learning system community partners, tribal nations, the Early Learning Council, and community-based organizations.
We are seeking diverse voices to represent groups within Oregon’s Early Learning system. Committee members may include:
Families
Child Care Providers, including those who accept subsidy
Child Care Provider Union representatives
Child Care Resource & Referral representatives
Early Learning Hub representatives
Representatives from advocacy organizations
Representatives from culturally specific, community-based organizations
Tribal Nations representatives
Participants will be reimbursed for their time dedicated to this RAC and will positively impact Oregon’s children, families, early learning programs, and communities.
REMINDER: Registered Family Child Care Providers can now declare operating hours
In mid-March, letters were sent to Registered Family (RF) Child Care Providers by mail and email, regarding how to declare operating hours for their programs. If you are a Registered Family Child Care Provider and would like to declare your operating hours, please contact your licensing specialists or CCLD customer service at CCLD.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov.
Reminder: A message from our partners at the Oregon Department of Education (ODE): Register for Kindergarten Today!
Registering for kindergarten in the spring is a great way for families to access important resources, meet students and staff at their new school community, and learn about summer programs.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) are collaborating with schools, districts, early learning providers, and community partners across the state to share the value of early registration to families.
You can support this effort by printing and distributing flyers, yard signs, and other helpful materials found in the Register for Kindergarten Today! Toolkit. These materials are translated in eight languages and supplement conversations with families about early registration and the transition into kindergarten.
What is the next step? Beginning April 2, 2024, please share this important message with your network and families: Will your student be five years old by September? Register for Kindergarten Today!
The Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) is seeking your input on upcoming revisions to the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that impact family child care homes. This includes rules for Registered Family and Certified Family providers. CCLD is interested in knowing which rules you would like to see changed and why. Please provide us with your thoughts. CCLD values your input!
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates the Week of the Young Child
SALEM, ORE. – The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) joins partners across the country in celebrating the Week of the Young Child. The annual event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children helps to build awareness about the needs of young children and their families. The week also helps focus attention on the early learning professionals and programs meeting those needs. In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating the Week of the Young Child as April 6-12, 2024.
“We are grateful to Governor Tina Kotek for recognizing the Week of the Young Child and for elevating the importance of the earliest years for children and families,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “As we build a coordinated early childhood system where all children, families, early care and education professionals are supported and empowered to thrive we are proud to recognize this week to celebrate young children and the transformational impact of early learning and care.”
Each day during the celebratory week, there will be multiple themes highlighting early learning, young children, their families, and early learning professionals. DELC is currently spotlighting these daily themes and information over social media. To share pictures and stories about your family use the hashtag #WOYC24 and tag DELC’s social media pages.
For more information on Week of the Young Child®, visit naeyc. Learn more about the importance of early childhood education in Oregon: Oregon.gov/DELC.
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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 atOregon.gov/DELC.You can also connect with DELC onFacebookor sign up fornews alerts and updates.
The Department of Early Learning and Care, in conjunction with the Early Learning Council, the Oregon Association of the Education of Young Children, the Early Childhood Coalition, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, are celebrating the Week of the Young Child April 6-12, 2024.
“The Week of the Young Child® is a time to recognize that children’s opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment—at home, at child care, at school, and in the community—that will promote their early learning. “
At DELC, we are committed to supporting Oregon’s communities by managing various programs that create opportunities for high-quality, low-cost, safe spaces for Oregon’s youngest children to receive early learning education and care. Families receive support through DELC’s family support programs as well, recognizing and celebrating parents and caregivers as the first teachers in a child’s life.
Along with our partners, we celebrate The Week of the Young Child to highlight the importance of this work that occurs every day.
IN THIS ISSUE: 2024 Oregon Early Childhood Summit, Share Your Thoughts on Developing a Child Care Business; Join our ERDC Rulemaking Committee; Registered Family Child Care Providers Can Declare Operating Hours; Reminders
DELC Staff participate in the 2024 Oregon Early Childhood Summit
Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) staff were honored to participate in the 2024 Oregon Early Childhood Summit put on by the Children’s Institute and Trauma Informed Oregon with additional sponsors from the Ford Family Foundation, Portland State University and Cambia Health Solutions. DELC attendees heard important asks of government such as requests for more data sharing, investing in the economic stability of families, additional funding for mental health resources in Spanish, and additional supports for refugee families. Jon Reeves, Professional Learning System Director, presented on the Systems Panel speaking about the Early Childhood Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Program.
In addition to listening to informative panel presentations, and powerful and moving storytelling, participants had a chance to attend break out groups. Attendees connected with partners from across early childhood, health and behavioral health, education and special education, advocacy, and philanthropy sharing stories, vision and plans for early childhood social-emotional health. Participants left feeling inspired by the work to ensure all children are included in early education and care.
Keep an eye out on the Children’s Institute website for a full recap of the event.
Have you tried to create a new child care program? How about expand your current one? Please share your thoughts on your experience in this survey!
We are seeking input from child care providers of all kinds across Oregon. This survey will collect feedback from child care providers who have experience going through the development process for a new or expanded child care business. We also need to hear from providers who have thought about or attempted opening a new business or expanding an existing one but decided not to move forward with the process for any reason.
Input from our child care providers is essential to making this project a success.
Who is managing this survey, and why?
The 2023 Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2727 directing the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to take a look at strategies for expanding early learning and care facilities across Oregon. A large portion of this work includes a review of the barriers related to zoning regulations, building codes, and permitting and procedures.
DLCD has hired ECOnorthwest to conduct research, engage with the community, and prepare a final report alongside a project work group formed with help from the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). The final report will include recommendations to:
Reduce barriers to expanding early care and education (ECE) facilities.
Support the expansion of ECE facilities in Oregon.
Reduce disproportionate racial and regional disparities in accessing ECE facilities.
A link to the survey is provided below. Thank you in advance for your participation!
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: Please join our Employee Related Day Care (ERDC) Rulemaking Committee (RAC)
The Department of Early Learning and Care is seeking applicants for the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Rulemaking Committee (RAC).
The ERDC program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care.
DELC is seeking diverse voices to represent families, child care providers, including those who accept subsidy; child care provider unions, Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, Early Learning Hubs, early learning system community partners, tribal nations, the Early Learning Council, and community-based organizations.
We are seeking diverse voices to represent groups within Oregon’s Early Learning system. Committee members may include:
Families
Child Care Providers, including those who accept subsidy
Child Care Provider Union representatives
Child Care Resource & Referral representatives
Early Learning Hub representatives
Representatives from advocacy organizations
Representatives from culturally specific, community-based organizations
Tribal Nations representatives
Participants will be reimbursed for their time dedicated to this RAC and will positively impact Oregon’s children, families, early learning programs, and communities.
Registered Family Child Care Providers can now declare operating hours
In mid-March, letters were sent to Registered Family (RF) Child Care Providers by mail and email, regarding how to declare operating hours for their programs. If you are a Registered Family Child Care Provider and would like to declare your operating hours, please contact your licensing specialists or CCLD customer service at CCLD.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov.
Reminder: A message from our partners at the Oregon Department of Education (ODE): Register for Kindergarten Today!
Registering for kindergarten in the spring is a great way for families to access important resources, meet students and staff at their new school community, and learn about summer programs.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) are collaborating with schools, districts, early learning providers, and community partners across the state to share the value of early registration to families.
You can support this effort by printing and distributing flyers, yard signs, and other helpful materials found in the Register for Kindergarten Today! Toolkit. These materials are translated in eight languages and supplement conversations with families about early registration and the transition into kindergarten.
What is the next step? Beginning April 2, 2024, please share this important message with your network and families: Will your student be five years old by September? Register for Kindergarten Today!
The Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) is seeking your input on upcoming revisions to the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that impact family child care homes. This includes rules for Registered Family and Certified Family providers. CCLD is interested in knowing which rules you would like to see changed and why. Please provide us with your thoughts. CCLD values your input!
IN THIS ISSUE: Register for Kindergarten; Legislative Session Report; Reminders
A message from our partners at the Oregon Department of Education (ODE): Register for Kindergarten Today!
Registering for kindergarten in the spring is a great way for families to access important resources, meet students and staff at their new school community, and learn about summer programs.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) are collaborating with schools, districts, early learning providers, and community partners across the state to share the value of early registration to families.
You can support this effort by printing and distributing flyers, yard signs, and other helpful materials found in the Register for Kindergarten Today! Toolkit. These materials are translated in eight languages and supplement conversations with families about early registration and the transition into kindergarten.
What is the next step? Beginning April 2, 2024, please share this important message with your network and families: Will your student be five years old by September? Register for Kindergarten Today!
This is a virtual event. Registration is required to attend via Zoom. You may submit questions in advance on the registration form. You may also participate on DELC’s Facebook page live stream at the same time. DELC staff will monitor the Facebook comment section for questions. Note: Attendees utilizing interpretation services (Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and ASL) should join the session via Zoom.
In February 2024, the Oregon Legislature convened for a short 32-day session. As a Governor-led executive branch agency, the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) did not take a position on any legislative proposals. However, DELC had a number of important budget items up for consideration, and the legislature made critical investments that support the agency’s mission 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.
Following is a short summary of DELC budget items and bills of interest.
DELC Budget Items
House Bill 5204 – Allocations Bill House Bill 5204 is an omnibus budget bill that includes budgetary actions associated with House Bill 4002 (the “Measure 110 bill”) as well as other investments centered around the recriminalization of possession of a controlled substance, establishment of deflection programs to be operated by local governments, and enhancements for behavioral health programs. Section 3 of the bill increases the current 2023-2025 General Fund investment for Relief Nurseries by $2.7 million. Relief Nurseries provide therapeutic and family support services to families with children from birth through age five. Effective Date: When the Governor signs.
Senate Bill 5701 – “Christmas Tree” Budget Reconciliation Bill Senate Bill 5701 is the 2024 omnibus budget reconciliation or “Christmas Tree Bill.” This is the name for the budget bill that the Oregon Legislature uses at the end of every session to allocate remaining funds and balance the state budget. Senate Bill 5701 includes a number of investments in DELC.
Employment Related Day Care (ERDC). In total, DELC received an additional $99.2 million for the ERDC program in its 2023-2025 budget. The legislature also granted DELC an additional $72 million Special Purpose Appropriation for ERDC, which DELC will have to request from the Emergency Board in order to access the funds. This critical investment in ERDC will assist with stabilizing the program and ensuring that families currently enrolled in the program can continue to receive subsidized child care through the end of the biennium.
Birth Through Five Literacy Plan. The Legislature approved $9.4 million to DELC for the Birth Through Five Literacy Plan created by HB 3198 (2023). The plan is intended to expand culturally specific early literacy programs for children from birth to age five, provide training and coaching for direct service staff in early literacy, and to develop and expand language revitalization efforts by federally recognized Indian Tribes in Oregon.
Child Care Licensing Division Staffing. Prior to September 2022, DELC received approximately 1,500 Central Background Registry (CBR) applications per month. Since then, the agency consistently receives about 3,000 applications for enrollment each month. When the CBR backlog first began in Fall 2022, DELC leveraged one-time federal funds to double the capacity of the CBR team. To ensure quality service, timely processing of background checks, and prevent future backlogs in enrollment, the legislature approved $1.4 million in additional funding and position authority to support the DELC background check unit.
ERDC Staffing and Communications. In order to maintain the level of communication families need during, and after, a waitlist, DELC received money for a position and $294,000 for printing and translation of communications materials. The agency also received three limited duration positions to handle the increased call volume and billings in the Direct Pay Unit, as well as $250,000 for ONE system costs associated with refining and, eventually, closing the ERDC waitlist.
Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten Fund Shift. The bill includes a budget adjustment shifting $5 million in Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten funding off of General Fund on to Other Fund Early Learning Account dollars. The bill is limited to funding source changes and not result in program changes.
Personal Services Clean Up: DELC received 80 new positions in the 2022 legislative session. When vacancy rates were frozen in April 2022, approximately 30% of the agency was vacant. As a result, DELC did not receive sufficient funding to hire all positions. SB 5701 increased the DELC operations budget by $3.7 million to address this shortfall.
Effective Date: When the Governor signs.
Legislation of Interest
House Bill 4098 – CHIPS Child Care Fund House Bill 4098 establishes a new CHIPS Child Care Fund and appropriates $5 million to the Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD) to build new child care and provide funding for those in construction apprenticeship programs to pay for child care. The measure will build off of current programs facilitated by DELC, including the OBDD Child Care Infrastructure Account and the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Apprenticeship Related Child Care Program. The legisalture approved $366,245 for DELC’s Direct Pay Unit and the Child Care Assistance Program to accommodate an anticipated workload increase associated with new child care slots added to the BOLI program. DELC will likely be asked to participate in a work group established under the bill for purposes of developing recommendations related to financial contributions by businesses that receive a CHIPS program grant or loan or federal assistance. Effective Date: When the Governor signs.
House Bill 4086 – Scope of Child Abuse Investigations House Bill 4086 requires the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to commission studies through a private facilitator on the scope of child abuse investigations in Oregon and the state’s response to children exhibiting problematic sexual behavior. The measure requires both studies to involve advisory committees and to submit reports to the legislature by September 2025. DELC is not specifically named in the study group related to child abuse investigations, but will likely contribute to the advisory committee for that study, as the group includes both child care providers and professionals who are licensed, certified or endorsed to provide services to children. DELC also conducts joint investigations with the ODHS Office of Training, Investigations and Safety (OTIS) and at times Child Protective Services, who are often critical to DELC’s work on licensing and the Central Background Registry. If major changes are going to take place in how ODHS conducts child abuse investigations at a child care facility, it is important for DELC to have a voice at the table. Effective Date: When the Governor signs.
House Bill 4122 – FBI Rap Back System House Bill 4122 establishes a new Rap Back program in the Oregon State Police (OSP) allowing authorized state and local government agencies to subscribe to the program and requiring employees or licensees of those agencies who are subject to fingerprint-based background checks to enroll in the program for the duration of their employment or licensure with the agency. This OSP Rap Back program will integrate with the federal Rap Back system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and allow authorized agencies to receive real time notifications of Criminal History status updates (arrests and convictions) on individuals enrolled in the program. If DELC chooses to participate in the program, this would remove the requirement for program participants to be fingerprinted upon renewal of their Central Background Registry enrollment. The bill requires agencies that wish to subscribe to the program to submit an implementation plan to the legislature by December 31, 2024 outlining how they will ensure accessibility to the program, timelines for enrollment, plans for notification and education about the program, and projected costs. DELC may coordinate with OSP and perhaps other state agencies that conduct background checks in order to better understand the cost of participation and develop an implementation plan by the December 31 deadline. Effective Date: 91 days following adjournment of the 2024 legislative session.
House Bill 4151 – Task Force on Youth Behavioral Health House Bill 4151 directs the System of Care Advisory Council to convene a subcommittee on the youth behavioral health workforce. The Early Learning System Director, or a designee of the director, will be on the subcommittee. Among other tasks, the subcommittee will identify state issued professional authorization options for existing and emerging behavioral health professions and for determining the structures and supports needed to sustain the youth behavioral health workforce. The subcommittee will submit an initial report to the legislature by September 2024 and a final report by December 2025. Effective Date: When the Governor signs.
Senate Bill 1532 – Immigrant Student Success Plan Senate Bill 1532 directs the Department of Education (ODE) to develop and implement a statewide education plan for students who are asylum seekers, refugees, or any other immigrant regardless of immigration status. ODE is required to form an advisory group including representation from DELC and other education groups. DELC will advise on the development and implementation of the plan, grant recipient eligibility criteria and expectations, and any rules to be adopted by the State Board of Education. Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Senate Bill 1552 – Education Omnibus/Educator Advancement Council Senate Bill 1552 contains a number of different education related initiatives and changes to current programs. Specifically, as part of the Educator Advancement Council, DELC is required to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Education, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Senate Bill 275 (2023) removed state agency names from the list of parties to the intergovernmental agreement, and this bill corrects that. This correction allows the Educator Advancement Council to make updates to the existing intergovernmental agreement with DELC and early learning professionals represented. Senate Bill 1552 also amended the previous definition of “educator” to include professionals working with students in early learning settings. This will allow for the Educator Advancement Council and its connected initiatives to better provide professional learning to those working with Oregon’s youngest children. Effective Date: When the Governor signs.
Reminder: Feedback Survey
The Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) is seeking your input on upcoming revisions to the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that impact family child care homes. This includes rules for Registered Family and Certified Family providers. CCLD is interested in knowing which rules you would like to see changed and why. Please provide us with your thoughts. CCLD values your input!
We are always excited to see how statewide early learning programs like Head Start and Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten are supporting families across the state to thrive.
The following story comes to us from Community Action of Washington County.
With your help, an immigrant family found critical support for their three-year-old during a challenging time.
Sam and Rose immigrated to the United States because their home country of Kenya did not offer them the kind of career opportunities they were looking for. And they wanted safer, better educational opportunities for their children.
With green card status secured, they arrived in Oregon in 2017 with their two children, aged three and nine. They worked temporary jobs with alternating shifts at first. Sam was then able to get a more permanent job in the tech field.
But it was hard for Rose to pursue her career, because their youngest, Zoey, was not yet old enough for kindergarten.
Things changed when a neighbor told them about our Head Start program, an early childhood education program for children prenatal – five years.
They enrolled Zoey but were nervous because the three-year-old didn’t understand English very well – it wasn’t her first language. But when they walked Zoey into the classroom that first day, they relaxed as they were greeted by a warm and understanding team of teachers and staff.
The classroom teachers supported Zoey in learning English by focusing first on comprehension. The next step was building up Zoey’s confidence to start speaking English. It became clear to her teachers that she was holding back out of fear. So they made it fun by encouraging her to speak through games and other interactive activities.
Zoey is now a thriving second grader at Springville Elementary. She loves school and soccer!
Zoey’s confidence grew over the year and a half she was in Head Start, and soon she was speaking and socializing with other children in English.
Sam and Rose are so grateful to supporters like you. They can’t imagine what it would have been like for Zoey to start kindergarten without those years at Head Start, where she not only learned English but also grew in her social and emotional development.
Looking back, Sam says, “We weren’t worried about her transition to kindergarten. She was ready. She was used to other kids and was confident with the language because of her time in Head Start.”
Sam also credits Head Start with helping in other meaningful ways.
Coming to a new country and learning how to navigate systems was difficult. But Zoey’s Head Start teachers were a wealth of information about the community, the public education system, and how to be supportive advocates for their children in their new country. Additionally, with Zoey in the safe and enriching environment of Head Start, Rose had the time to focus on her own career.
Today, Rose has a rewarding career in the field of Information and Technology. Sam is currently working in the field of Cybersecurity. He is an avid volunteer and is working toward an Executive MBA degree at the University of Oregon. They are both thrilled with the opportunities they have found for themselves and their children in their new home of Oregon.
