Senate Bill 1535 establishes a workgroup by DELC to assess liability insurance costs for child care providers, inviting applications from various provider types until May 29.
May 1, 2026
Senate Bill 1535 asks the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to bring together a workgroup to look at the cost and availability of liability insurance, along with other liability issues that may impact child care providers. This workgroup will include representatives from DELC and other state agencies, the insurance industry, subject matter experts, and child care providers from all provider types and across regions. This application will remain open through May 29. Selected providers will be notified in June.
DELC is inviting the following types of providers to apply:
On April 22, 2026, the Early Learning Council implemented temporary rules for Inactive Status and Administrative Closures to clarify child care program operations for providers and families.
May 1, 2026
On April 22, 2026, the Early Learning Council adopted temporary rules related to two things: Inactive Status and Administrative Closures. These rules help show whether a child care program is open and serving children. These rules support DELC’s work in making our systems clearer, more consistent and easier for child care providers and families to use. What does this mean for your program?
What does this mean for your program?
Inactive Status. Inactive status is used when a program is not currently providing care. Child care programs are required to notify DELC if there are no children enrolled or attending for 30 consecutive days or more and when the program plans to begin operating again. The program’s license is still active during this time, but the program is marked as “not operating”.
Administrative Closure. Administrative closure is used when DELC has clear evidence that the program is no longer operating. This may happen when there is a confirmed closure, such as an eviction or moving out of the space or multiple failed attempts to contact the program. To start providing care again, the program must submit an application and complete the required initial inspections.
Oregon ELMS, launching in July 2026, will integrate licensing, payments, and services, enhancing collaboration among providers, families, and staff with upcoming training opportunities.
Published May 1, 2026
Updated May 20, 2026: We are rescheduling the launch date and training dates for Oregon ELMS. Please be on the lookout for more communication from us soon!
Oregon’s Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS) is coming soon! This new, modern online system will bring together licensing, provider payments, and service coordination in one place – making it easier for partners, providers, families, and DELC staff to access information, complete tasks, and work together.
As we move closer to launch this summer, we’re excited to share what’s happening now and what you can expect next.
What’s Happening Now?
The project team is making strong progress to ensure Oregon ELMS is ready for a smooth and successful launch. Current work includes:
Making sure information from current systems transfers accurately into Oregon ELMS
Confirming Oregon ELMS works seamlessly with other systems
DELC staff and partners are walking through real tasks and workflows to ensure the system works as expected
Continuing regular check-ins with teams and partners across the state
Optional Training Opportunities Are Coming Soon
We are preparing to begin training! The project team is actively working to confirm scheduling details – more information to be communicated soon.
We’ll share more details soon, including how to sign up and what to expect. These trainings will help you feel confident using Oregon ELMS from day one. These trainings will be recorded – instructions to watch the recordings will be shared at a later date.
Staying Connected with Providers
The main topic of DELC’s April Provider Information Session was Oregon ELMS. The Information Session presentation slides and recordings are linked below.
We are on track for a July 2026 launch of Oregon ELMS. In the coming weeks, you can expect:
Opportunities to pre-register for your Oregon ELMS account
More details about training and how to participate
Opportunities to preview the system
Continued updates to help you prepare
Oregon ELMS is a big step forward for Oregon’s early learning system. We appreciate your partnership and the role you play in supporting children, families, and providers across the state.
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As we wrap up April, 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!
As we wrap up April, 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.
May 2026 Department of Early Learning and Care Updates.
A Message from leadership
Do you want to receive this update in your email? Sign up for our Community Newsletter and Child Care Updates twice monthly send by subscribing here.
This month’s update from Director Alyssa Chatterjee
I can’t believe April has come to a close! This was a month of connection. In addition to DELC’s annual All Staff, I was lucky to spend a several days on the road and visiting with partners.
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
I was able to kick off the month of April on the road, visiting with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs to visit their Immersion School and Early Childhood Education facilities. Dana Castano and I were treated to a lesson in the Ichishkin language, as well as a cultural dance with the preschoolers in the immersion program. We also got to see the beautiful facilities at the Early Childhood Education program, which houses Early Head Start, Head Start, and child care programming. It was a beautiful visit, and I so appreciate the Tribe for hosting us!
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Carey and I were able to close out the month visiting the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation with the entire Tribal Affairs Office: Lloyd Commander, Dana Castano, and Dori Houser. We got to visit Lil Turtle Retreat Daycare, which operates on Tribal land to serve the community, and provides care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and after school care. DJ and Katlyn shared their commitment to this work and their vision for providing high quality services to the families in the their community.
We also got to visit the beautiful Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center to learn more about the Maternal Child Health supports offered by the Tribe. Ashleah, the Átawišamataš Program Manager and Makiesha, an Átawišamataš Program Home Visitor, shared the innovative ways they are expanding home visiting services through the Family Spirit program, the only evidence based home visiting program that centers Tribal culture, with their federal Tribal MIECHV grant. Thank you so much for hosting us!
Early Learning Hub Gathering
In addition to several Tribal visits, several of us were able to join the Early Learning Hub directors for their Spring Hub Gathering in Pendleton. I was able to spend half a day in conversation about what communities are facing, discuss how the Hubs are a critical player in helping the Legislature understand the importance of early childhood education, and think about creative ways to support initiatives like Every Child Belongs as we prepare for the final cohort to begin services. It was exciting to be able to share physical space and strategic thinking. Thank you for having me!
Transition Ahead
We are always changing and growing at DELC, and with that comes transitions. Our Deputy Director of Operations, Cooper Brown, recently announced that he will be leaving DELC for a position with the Oregon Youth Authority. Cooper joined us at a critical time in our agency’s development – we were still designing DELC and what a new Operations Division would look like. Since then, he has led the critical work that is foundational to everything DELC is responsible for as an agency. An interim Deputy Director of Operations will be announced within the next several weeks while we determine a permanent hiring plan. We will miss Cooper, and wish him well on his next adventure at OYA!
Carey’s Corner: What Am I Reading
I was reading the annual early childhood education workforce survey from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) that found across the country a particularly difficult year of tough choices given the rapidly rising costs for both providers and families and increases in other persistent challenges such as educator burnout and instability. These findings were in contrast to a recent presentation about Oregon’s Baby Promise program, that provides financial sustainability for infant and toddler care in a few regions. It also providing supports that not only improve the quality of care but ameliorate burnout. You can watch the presentation to learn about Baby Promise, hear from families and providers, and see positive data about its successes:
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Preschool Promise is an Oregon program providing state-funded preschool for low-income families, with a focus on accessibility. Input from diverse voices is sought through an application process.
April 15, 2026
Preschool Promise is a state-funded preschool program serving three- and four‑year‑old children from families earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), as well as children in foster care. The program operates through a mixed‑delivery model, meaning services are offered in a variety of settings. PSP settings include licensed certified center‑based programs, home‑based childcare, and schools. Participating organizations include culturally specific programs, school districts, Head Start programs, Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, Relief Nurseries, education service districts, and community‑based organizations. This mixed‑delivery approach allows families to select the PSP setting that best meets their needs.
DELC is developing a set of rules to make Preschool Promise more accessible, consistent, and supportive for families throughout Oregon- especially low-income families who to access high-quality early learning opportunities.
Apply today to give input on the Preschool Promise Program!
We are seeking diverse voices to represent groups within Oregon’s Early Learning system. Committee members may include:
Families with preschool aged children
Preschool Promise families
Early Learning and Care programs and providers, specifically who participate in DELC funded grant programs
Representatives from other Publicly Funded Programs such as Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten, Head Start, Title 1, Migrant Education, Relief Nurseries, and others.
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 April 24, 2026.
The Indigenous Family Special Education Comprehensive Guide and Mini-Guide Series have been released to support Native families with clear information about special education rights and services.
April 1, 2026
The Office of Indian Education (OIE) is excited to share the Indigenous Family Special Education Comprehensive Guide and the full Mini-Guide Series are now complete and ready to share with tribal partners, districts, ESDs, and most importantly – our Native families.
These resources will help ensure Indigenous families have clear, culturally grounded, and legally accurate information about their students’ special education rights and services.
Included in the Indigenous Family Special Education Guides:
Comprehensive Guide: The Journey to Ensure a Free and Appropriate Public Education for Students with Disabilities – A Guide for Indigenous Families
Mini Guides: Each mini-guide connects directly to the comprehensive guide and follows relatable family stories; grounding technical information in real experiences and plain-language explanations.
Mini Guide 1 – Getting Started with Special Education – Navigating the Special Education Referral Process
Mini Guide 2 – Parent/Caregiver Rights in Special Education
Mini Guide 3 – Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Mini Guide 4 – Discipline for Students in Special Education
Mini Guide 5 – Seeking the Right Support: Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans
April 2026 Department of Early Learning and Care Updates.
A Message from leadership
Do you want to receive this update in your email? Sign up for our Community Newsletter and Child Care Updates twice monthly send by subscribing here.
This month’s update from Director Alyssa Chatterjee
Greetings! Legislative session has wrapped up, cherry blossoms are in bloom, and we’re already thinking about next biennium. Here are some things that are top of mind for me:
2026 Legislative Session
The Legislative Session concluded with a bang! DELC received an additional $67 million in Federal Fund limitation – basically, permission – to use more of our Child Care and Development Funds (CCDF) to help address the budget needs of the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program. This allows us to use more federal funds to close our projected budget gap for the program, if needed. We did receive a small reduction to our internal operating budget called Services and Supplies, or “S&S,” which pays for things like travel and trainings for DELC staff that should be absorbable for this biennium. Please keep an eye out for additional government affairs updates as we move into 2027 planning. We appreciate your partnership and support this past session!
Agency Request Budget
As I mentioned in my last Chats, when one session ends, another begins. While we are not quite halfway through the 2025-2027 biennium, DELC is already starting to plan for the 2027 legislative session that will set next biennium’s budget. As we’ve been hearing, we continue to head into a more constrained budget environment, which means you likely won’t see a lot of big-ticket budget requests coming from agencies unless we can find a way to pay for them. However, it’s important that we still engage our communities – including you all – in the development of our Agency Request Budget (ARB) so that we can more fully understand the needs of our system. Read on for more information about our ARB Prep Webinar on April 14th; your input is critical in these early stages of the process.
Recognizing the Early Years
I can’t sign off without mentioning that April is home to both the Week of the Young Child (April 11-17) and National Home Visiting Week (April 20-24)! This is the 55th anniversary of WOYC, and the second annual Home Visiting Week. I am excited to see the continued recognition of the importance of these early years alongside the critical workforces that support children and families across Oregon. Read on to learn more about this recognition and how you can celebrate alongside us at DELC.
Carey’s Corner: What Am I Reading
We are excited to see the news that the third and final installment of the Oregon Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) were awarded by Business Oregon this month, highlighted in this Oregon Capital Chronicle article. Since fall 2024, more than 180 child care infrastructure projects in every Oregon county and eight federally recognized tribal nations have received a portion of the $50 million fund. Funds awarded are designed to establish, expand, and improve child care facilities across Oregon. Across these three rounds of funding, almost 2,000 applications were submitted, requesting approximately $820 million. The strengths this fund is building, the demand it documented, along with two 2025 reports – First Children’s Finance’s Navigating the Early Years: Recommendations to Support Oregon Child Care Businesses in the Critical Years after Launch, and the Northwest Native Chamber’s Tribal Child Care Needs Assessment that included insights on the CCIF process – are efforts bringing insights to child care access and affordability issues facing our state.
On the national level, the National Children’s Facilities Network and the Reinvestment Fund released an analysis in 2022 describing findings from their mapping project of financial infrastructure that can support start-up funding to create new child care programs, working capital for business stabilization and maintenance, and growth capital for facility expansion and quality improvement. In addition, the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), a community development financial institution, ran a three-part blog series in Spring of 2025 showcasing innovative state strategies to fund early care and education (ECE) infrastructure and improve child care accessibility and affordability. Part 2 of the series highlights how California and Washington, D.C. leverage flexible capital to increase the supply and enhance the quality of child care. Their approaches are especially impactful for underbanked communities and undercapitalized ECE providers, where access to quality ECE services and capital is most limited.
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As we wrap up March, 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!
As we wrap up March, 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.
Help shape Oregon’s early learning system by joining the Employment Related Day Care Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC). Parents, providers, and partners are encouraged to apply.
Help shape the future for Oregon’s children and families!
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is looking for a collaborative and strategic Chief Financial Officer who is ready to lead with purpose. This executive leadership role plays a key part in supporting programs that help young children learn, grow, and thrive across the state.
Curious to learn more? We invite you to connect with us for a Virtual Informational Session on Tuesday, April 7 | 12:00–12:30 PM (PDT). Meet the hiring manager, hear about the role, and get your questions answered. To join visit: https://ow.ly/BRhW50YAUUE
🗓️Application Deadline: April 19. To view a complete job posting and to apply, visit: https://ow.ly/91Jk50YAUUC
If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference and guiding impactful work, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with your network.
