Author: remyrodriguez

September 16, 2025

Business Oregon and DELC are excited to announce that the third round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) will be opening on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, at 12:00pm! This round will consist of $20 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects that further the wellbeing of children and families in Oregon. Applications for Round 3 must be submitted by 4:59pm on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025. Updated grant materials for Round 3 can be found on Business Oregon’s website here: Business Oregon : Child Care Infrastructure Program : Child Care Infrastructure Program : State of Oregon

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 Department of Early Learning and Care : Child Care Infrastructure Fund : Programs : State of Oregon

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

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

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

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

• Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
• Communities across Oregon recognize essential contributions of child care providers  
• Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup
• New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures
• Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

September 16, 2025

The Employment Related Day Care Program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care. The Child Care Assistance Program is making changes to 5 ERDC related rules to clean up language, update language based on new policies and makes sure that the language is easy to read and understand.

• 414-175-0010: Waitlist for ERDC

Updates allow DELC to activate or deactivate specific waitlist exemption criteria independently based on available funding. Only the exemption criteria in effect at the time of application may be applied to determine placement on the waitlist.

• 414-175-0024: Verification Requirements

Consolidates verification requirements for the Special Needs Rate (SNR) and Special Needs Age (SNA) into one rule. Clarifies verification standards, including that SNA must be verified at both application and renewal, with self-attestation allowed only in limited circumstances.

• 414-175-0030: General Financial Eligibility

Adds Medical Savings Accounts (MSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) as additional examples of income types considered when determining available earned income. This aligns ERDC rules with ODHS program rules for consistency.

• 414-175-0075: Child Care Provider Eligibility Standards, Payment Rates, Payment Limits, and Payable Hours

Moves SNR verification requirements to OAR 414-175-0024 and updates language for clarity. Revises the rule to reflect 2026 provider rates (effective date only until bargaining is complete) and updates commute time language from “two hours per day” to “25 percent” for alignment with current process and ONE system functionality.

• 414-175-0076: High Needs Child Care Payments

Moves existing supplemental high need payment eligibility language from OAR 414-175-0075 to consolidate requirements. Adds a requirement for a written plan within the last 12 months (with flexibility for program delays) and requires the Department to review the supplemental payment annually.

The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is seeking diverse voices to represent families, Baby Promise early learning programs, child care resource and referral agencies, early learning hubs, and early learning system community partners.

Apply today to give input on the Employment Related Day Care

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 with contracted Baby Promise slots
• Child Care Resource & Referral representatives
• Representatives from advocacy organizations
• Union Representatives
• Representatives from programs who provide care for young children
• Representatives from culturally specific, community-based organizations
• Early Learning Hub representatives
• Higher Education Early Childhood Education Degree Program representatives
• 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. Applications are due October 7, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 1, 2025 The application deadline has been extended to October 7, 2025.

Visit the DELC Rulemaking Page to view the Rulemaking Calendar, Proposed Rules for Public Review and Comment, Rulemaking Advisory Committees that are recruiting or meeting, and Recently Adopted Rules. To receive ongoing updates on rulemaking activities, please sign-up here to subscribe and click on the Public Notices box.

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

• Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
• Communities across Oregon recognize essential contributions of child care providers  
• Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup
• New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures
• Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

September 16, 2025

The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is conducting an ERDC Waitlist refresh. Families who have been on the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) waitlist for a year must confirm they want to stay on the waitlist by October 31, 2025, to keep their place. 

Providers can help families stay informed, If someone you know is on the ERDC waitlist, it’s important they remember respond to the refresh request letter. Families who do not respond will be removed from the waitlist. If removed, they will need to reapply for ERDC and if the waitlist is active they will receive a new waitlist number.

Starting in 2026, DELC will conduct an annual ERDC waitlist refresh each August, families should also keep their contact information updated with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). 

Other Supports While on the Waitlist 
Families waiting for ERDC may qualify for additional programs, such as:

• Preschool Promise (PSP): Free, high-quality early education for children ages 3–5 in families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. 
• Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK): Free early care and education for families at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children in foster care, experiencing houselessness, or receiving public assistance qualify regardless of income 
• Baby Promise: This program is available in Multnomah, Crook, Jefferson, Deschutes, Coos, and Curry counties as well as Reedsport. It offers free, high-quality infant and toddler care and education to families who are Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) eligible. Families interested in Baby Promise may skip the ERDC waitlist and must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit. 

To explore child care resources in your area, contact 211 by dialing 211 or 1-866-698-6155, texting “children” to 898211, or emailing children@211info.org. 

Questions? 

• Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075 
• Find your local ODHS office: ODHS Office Finder  
• For free language assistance or other accommodations, call DELC at 1-800-556-6616 

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

• Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
• Communities across Oregon recognize essential contributions of child care providers  
• Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup
• New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures
• Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

Updated on September 2, 2025

The rulemaking process, as instructed by HB 2991 (2023), aims to improve access to jobs in Oregon’s early childhood workforce by addressing barriers such as:  

• The cost of translation,   
• Unclear and inconsistent qualification evaluation,  
• Inability to transfer professional development from outside the state, and  
• Inability of employers to access registry records. 

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

• Secondary and postsecondary education 
• Early childhood educator and employers/owners 
• Statewide/county early childhood education agencies 
• Community based, advocacy 
• Philanthropic organizations 
• Government agencies 

Apply today to give input on the  Workforce Barriers rule set! 

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 October 3, 2025. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 3, 2025 

  
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Please contact If you have questions, please contact Sidney Traen at sidney.traen@delc.oregon.gov.   

Visit the DELC Rulemaking Page to view the Rulemaking Calendar, Proposed Rules for Public Review and Comment, Rulemaking Advisory Committees that are recruiting or meeting, and Recently Adopted Rules. To receive ongoing updates on rulemaking activities, please sign-up here to subscribe and click on the Public Notices box.

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

• Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
• Communities across Oregon recognize essential contributions of child care providers  
• Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup
• New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures
• Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

Updated on September 2, 2025

As of today, September 2, most grantees can begin submitting claims for 2025-2027 agreement for reimbursement. We are working to complete all entries by 5pm today. 

DELC appreciates the outreach and feedback received from grantees on the impact of funding availability for 2025-2027 agreements.  

While we have followed established timelines, we understand that as state funding reconciliation processes moves forward, waiting for funds can create serious challenges especially for those providing direct care and support to families every day.  

Agency staff worked hard to identify a solution to help expedite timelines for accessing available funding We are happy to report that last week system updates were successfully made in the Awards Management System. As of today, Grantees can now begin submitting claims for 2025-2027 agreements for reimbursement.  

At the end of the month, all grantees will receive updates about their grant amendments and whether they are staying the same, increasing, or decreasing based on the final budget reconciliation. Moving forward, exploration and proactive planning is underway to better support grantees between biennia to ensure consistent and reliable timelines for you and your organization.  

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the DELC administrator identified in your agreement.

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

• Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
• Communities across Oregon recognize essential contributions of child care providers  
• Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup
• New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures
• Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

Updated on September 2, 2025

DELC is seeking applicants to participate in a Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) regarding administrative rules for Certified Family Child Care Homes (Chapter 414, Division 360). Members of the Certified Family RAC will provide valuable feedback on proposed rule changes.

Summary of proposed rule changes:

Rule Number	Rule Title	Summary of Change
OAR 414-360-0100	Definitions	Removal of duplicate definition of “sanitizing”
OAR 414-360-0250	Program Records	Corrections to attendance documentation requirements
OAR 414-360-0840	Prevention and Management of Hazards	Corrections to rules protecting children from specific hazards including water hazards, firearms, and illegal controlled substances. Includes permanent adoption of temporary rules adopted in July 2025
OAR 414-360-0920	Outdoor Play Area	Corrections to protective surfacing depth requirements specific to shredded rubber
OAR 414-360-1030	Medications	Addition of refrigerated medications
OAR 414-360-1100	Food and Food Service	Corrections to choking hazards

RAC Audience:

DELC encourages the following individuals to apply for the Certified Family Child Care RAC:

• Certified Family Child Care Providers
• Child Care Provider Union Representatives
• Families of children who attend certified family child care homes
• Child Care Resource and Referral Representatives
• Early Learning Hub Representatives
• Tribal Nation Representatives
• Culturally specific organizations serving young children

Application Window: DELC will be accepting applications beginning September 1, 2025, until 5:00pm September 21, 2025.

Meeting Details: DELC will host one RAC meeting. The meeting will be held virtually.

Day: October 7, 2025 Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Compensation: RAC participants will be compensated for their time. Questions: If you have questions, please contact Abby Strom abby.strom@delc.oregon.gov

APPLICATION LINKS

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

• Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
• Communities across Oregon recognize essential contributions of child care providers  
• Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup
• New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures
• Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

Updated on September 2, 2025

This summer, Oregon launched Every Child Belongs (ECB) Connect. ECB Connect is designed to be a simple way for educators to request support. It is part of the Every Child Belongs service that supports educators to help keep young children in early learning and child care programs. The first phase of the ECB Connect service started in Central Oregon (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson), Marion, Polk, Yamhill, and Washington counties. This service will expand across the state through July 2026. 

Why Every Child Belongs is Important 

Oregon has had high rates of suspension and expulsion in child care and preschool. Research shows that boys, children of color, and children with disabilities are removed from care more often than others. This interrupts learning and creates stress for families, teachers, and child care providers. 

In 2021, Oregon passed new laws (HB 2166 and SB 236) to create Every Child Belongs. This service was designed to: 

• Prevent suspension and expulsion in early learning, 
• Reduce disparities in who is suspended and expelled, 
• Provide equitable statewide support to educators, 
• Improve child outcomes, and 
• Reduce workforce stress. 

Purpose and Scope of the Testing Phase 

The first phase of ECB Connect is focused on testing  the ECB system of supports to make sure providers to easily request help, that requests are sent to the right regional team, and services are delivered and tracked properly.  

How ECB Connect Helps 

ECB Connect gives child care providers an easy way to ask for help when a child may be at risk of losing care. Supports include: 

Classroom Technical Assistance: Specialists can visit classrooms, suggest strategies, share resources, and provide training support. 

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Consultants work with teachers and providers, to support individual child needs, whole classrooms, or program policies to create healthier learning environments. 

Looking Ahead 

The launch of ECB Connect is an important step toward making early learning in Oregon more equitable and supportive so that every child has the chance to learn and grow in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. 

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

• Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
• Communities across Oregon recognize essential contributions of child care providers  
• Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup
• New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures
• Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

Updated on September 2, 2025

The Child Care Licensing Division and Office of Tribal Affairs are excited to share the Tribal Resources for Providers Guide (PTA-0951), developed to support early learning professionals in serving American Indian and Alaska Native children and families with respect, accuracy, and cultural awareness.

Purpose of the Resource

This guide is designed to help providers build knowledge of Tribal Nations, integrate Native voices and perspectives into early learning settings, and foster meaningful connections with Tribal families. It offers reliable, culturally grounded teaching materials, practical classroom strategies, and examples of how to incorporate Native history, languages, and traditions into daily practice.

Why It Matters

All children, Native and non-Native, benefit from learning accurate stories about Native peoples, both past and present. By using these resources, providers can:

• Honor the sovereignty and unique cultures of Tribal Nations.
• Create inclusive, respectful, and engaging learning environments.
• Support language revitalization and culturally responsive teaching.
• Strengthen family and community partnerships.

This resource underscores the vital role providers play in ensuring Native children and families feel seen, respected, and supported in early learning settings. It also helps lay the foundation for all children to understand and appreciate the vibrant presence and contributions of Tribal Nations today.

How to Use and Access the Resource

The resource is available directly on the DELC website in the five major languages: Chinese, English, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

The resource comes in two versions: a web version and a print-friendly version. The print-friendly version increases accessibility for field staff and providers, also featuring a QR code directly linked to the web-based resources.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Paulina Whitehat or Dana Castano in the Office of Tribal Affairs: Paulina Whitehat | Tribal Affairs Director | Paulina.whitehat@delc.oregon.gov Dana Castano | Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) Liaison | Dana.castano@delc.oregon.gov

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

• Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session
• Communities across Oregon recognize essential contributions of child care providers  
• Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup
• New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures
• Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next