Even though 211 core operating hours have changed, hours for special programs have not. The child care team is still available for calls, text, and email Monday through Friday, 7am-11pm, and weekends 8am-8pm to help with finding the resources you need.
Even though 211 core operating hours have changed, hours for special programs have not. Our child care team is still available for calls, text, and email Monday through Friday, 7am-11pm, and weekends 8am-8pm.
211info child care specialists help families navigate quality care options, and offer guidance on Employment Related Day Care (ERDC).
Contact the 211info child care team for help today! Call 211, text the keyword “children” or “niños” to 898211, or email children@211info.org. Want to search yourself? Go to findchildcareoregon.org.
Lane County Public Health and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency has created a helpful image for child care programs and families around air quality and outdoor play.
Lane County Public Health and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency has created a helpful image for child care programs and families around air quality and outdoor play. The images below will help you decide what outdoor activities and times are safe for children in your care. Along with these images, you can visit Oregon’s smoke website at https://www.oregonsmoke.org/ for the latest information.
The cases followed a recall alert in March of more than 25,000 packages of a baby food called Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale, Thyme Vegetable Puree.
In a press release the Oregon Health Authority shared that there have been reports of lead poisoning in some baby foods in Oregon. The cases followed a recall alert in March of more than 25,000 packages of a baby food called Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale, Thyme Vegetable Puree. The product was sold in 4-ounce containers. No other flavor of the product has been subject to recall. To learn more about this alert you can Read the OHA press release…
One year ago, the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) published Growing Oregon Together, the agency’s first strategic plan along with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan. This first progress report provides an update on the ongoing metrics and tracking of implementation.
One year ago, the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) published Growing Oregon Together, the agency’s first strategic plan along with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan. These foundational planning documents added structure and helped set a vision to prioritize work for the years ahead. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of teams across the agency, and of partners, DELC has made significant strides toward achieving our goals. This first progress report provides an update on the ongoing metrics and tracking of implementation. It shows noteworthy achievements in continuing progress across all six goals.
Goal 1: Access
All families have access to high-quality (culturally responsive, inclusive, developmentally appropriate) and affordable early learning and care that meets their needs.
What we heard from community engagement
“Increase access to coordinated, affordable early learning and care that meets provider, family, and community needs.”
What we accomplished
Goal 1 status is on track
DELC is tracking progress on 6 objectives and 23 Strategies
On Track
85%
Moderate Issues
6%
Planned/Not Started
9%
Spotlight
Pictured above DELC leadership and representatives from the Governor’s office joined partners at a 60th anniversary celebration for Head Start. The event uplifted the value of high quality programs such as Head Start and Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten to ensure thousands of children across Oregon continue to have access to high quality care and wrap around supports. Governor Tina Kotek joins community partners and DELC leadership along with representatives from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Over the course of the year the program expanded access to cover all 36 counties in Oregon. Full statewide participation provides opportunities for children in every zip code to gain early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading. DELC licensing staff visit with an outdoor nature based program in Washington prior to the Oregon rules taking effect. Outdoor nature-based programs are now licensed in Oregon which will help expand accessibility and ensure uniform health and safety standards.
Goal 2: Tribal Sovereignty
DELC honors and recognizes the sovereignty of the nine federally recognized Tribal Nations within Oregon and ensures strong government-to-government relationships to benefit Tribal communities.
What we heard from community engagement
“Honor and recognize the sovereignty and ensure strong government to government relationships to benefit Tribal communities.”
What we accomplished
Goal 2 status is on track
DELC is tracking progress on 3 Objectives and 7 Strategies
On Track
80%
Moderate Issues
10%
Planned/Not Started
10%
Spotlight
After multiple months of gathering feedback from the nine federally recognized Tribes, the first version of a DELC Tribal Consultation Policy was successfully developed. Meaningful Tribal Consultation will help DELC establish strong policy and implementation rooted in a respectful government-to-government approach. The Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund also moved forward at the legislature and uplifts and honors Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Pictured from top to bottom Office of Tribal Affairs staff visit with the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians; the Coquille Tribal Learning Center gym features an inflatable planetarium; the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Plank House.
Goal 3: Infants and Toddlers
All families with infants and toddlers are supported through early learning and care programs that recognize and meet their unique needs.
What we heard from community engagement
“Expand resources and program supports for infants and toddlers.”
What we accomplished
Goal 3 status is on track
DELC is tracking progress on 3 objectives and 8 Strategies
On Track
67%
Planned/Not Started
10%
Spotlight
Pictured above DELC leadership and the Early Learning Council visit with staff and community members at the Growing Together Family Community Center in Grants Pass. The tour included the fully stocked diaper closet which was created at the request of community members and is available free of charge for caregivers of infants and toddlers and young children. Every county in Oregon is an infant desert for care and these learning opportunities help elevate community led solutions alongside other important work happening in regions across the state. For example Inclusive Partners held in-person networking and learning opportunities with Infant/Toddler Specialists and Baby Promise Coaches in order to build community relationships are encourage skill building around working with the earliest learners.
Goal 4: Workforce
The early learning and child care workforce is diverse, culturally responsive, highly qualified, and well compensated
What we heard from community engagement
“Increase provider and partner support, technical assistance, professional development, and compensation.”
What we accomplished
Goal 4 status is on track
DELC is tracking progress on 3 objectives and 12 Strategies
Complete
5%
On Track
35%
Moderate Issues
5%
Needs Attention
5%
Planned/Not Started
50%
Spotlight
Pictured above Preschool Promise coaches are highlighted on stage in Ashland to share inspiration about Pyramid Model trainings. Director Chatterjee tours an early learning facility in Dalles on Child Care Provider Appreciation Day to elevate the importance of appreciation and sustained investments in this crucial workforce. Relief Nursery staff pause for a photo after a tour in Hillsboro. DELC leadership took part in more than two dozen site visits with the early learning workforce over the course of the year to hear directly from providers about what’s working and what challenges they face. Additional best practices were outlined in the completed report on Workforce Barriers (HB 2991) a study to identify barriers to a high-quality early childhood workforce and recommend opportunities.
Goal 5: Relationships
DELC deepens community engagement and empowerment, sustains partnerships, and communicates effectively.
What we heard from community engagement
“Increase authentic engagement with communities through establishing feedback loops and strengthening connections.”
What we accomplished
Goal 5 status is on track
DELC is tracking progress on 5 objectives and 14 Strategies
Complete
5%
On Track
47%
Planned/Not Started
47%
Spotlight
Earlier this year, the Department of Early Learning and Care launched a “Caring Communities Tour.” These regional visits provide help to deepen relationships an opportunity for agency leadership to visit and learn about the unique issues faced by regional partners, providers and early learning professionals in the field. These visits also help to improve communication and deepen partnerships. Pictured above DELC staff visit with partners in Clackamas and Ashland. Children sing a graduation song at a Preschool Promise event attended by DELC leadership. Spending time in communities helps to sustain partnerships and elevate solutions.
Goal 6: Foundations
All families have access to high-quality (culturally responsive, inclusive, developmentally appropriate) and affordable early learning and care that meets their needs.
What we heard from community engagement
“Increase transparency through clear policies, procedures, and rules that reflect DELC’s Mission, Vision, and Values.”
What we accomplished
Goal 6 status is on track
DELC is tracking progress on 5 objectives and 13 Strategies
Complete
5%
On Track
81%
Moderate Issues
2%
Needs Attention
2%
Planned/Not Started
9%
Spotlight
DELC staff are hard at work developing and improving operational foundations including ways to work together and improve policies and customer service. Pictured above members of the communications team take photos at an all staff conference, where Director Chatterjee collaborates around a table prompt. Over the course of the year, all DELC teams successfully completed trainings such as the “Developing a High Trust Culture” training. Mother/Daughter Licensing duo join with other staff for a potluck lunch at the Tualatin Field Office as part of a statewide effort coordinated by the Wellness Committee to host events across the agency to foster connection. Child Care Licensing Division data dashboard is one of four developed and published to improve transparency. DELC staff participate in the first annual Wellness Day and BBQ event coordinated by Human Resources and the Wellness Committee, to provide opportunity for DELC staff to foster connection, tear down silos and, learn about available resources that support them and one another.
This is only a small sampling of the work that was accomplished. After one year of progress, we’re off to a strong start and making steady progress but this work is made possible alongside partners, Tribes, and families across Oregon working towards an early learning system that benefits all. There’s a great deal more work to do towards achieving these ambitious goals but we’re thrilled about how far we’ve collectively grown together. Read more about progress and download the full versions of the plans: Growing Oregon Together and the DEI Action Plan.
*Please note that the Strategic Plan and DEI Action Plan were developed under different time windows but published at the same date. Future versions will combine the work into one document with the same timeline.
Prefer a printable version? You can view or download a PDF version below
June 2025 Department of Early Learning and Care Updates.
A Message from the Director
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.
Our July Update
Legislative Session
Session has come to a close after the official Sine Die on June 27th! We will be sharing a more comprehensive recap, but we’re already preparing for the next phase of work: implementation. This is particularly going to be focused on the budget, and how we can absorb the programmatic reductions proposed by the Legislature. We are committed to reducing direct impacts on children and families, so we want to have the most accurate information to work from as we assess budget impacts. This means taking the time to close out the 23-25 biennium to fully assess funding availability, and communicating as we learn more.
While we did not see significant new investments, there has been a lot of discussion about early learning and child care amongst legislators, particularly as it relates to our DELC budget. It’s clear that there are a lot of champions for our work and recognition that investments in the early years of children’s lives are critical. More to come, and thank you to everyone who showed up or participated in the process and worked to add their voice on issues that impact children and providers to benefit the early learning community. DELC’s policy bills were made stronger as a result of the many partners, Tribes, and families who provided input along the way.
Taking Time
On a personal note, I wanted to share that I will be taking maternity leave this fall, from approximately September through December. We are working on transition plans over the next several weeks and you can expect to hear more from our Executive Leadership Team in my absence. I have appreciated everyone’s support as my husband and I prepare for this new journey!
Click below to view other Community Newsletter articles
The Early Learning Council wrapped up one of their final meetings prior to their summer recess. The June Council meeting focused on the Council’s Early Learning Hub priority and showcased several Hub regions and their work in early literacy, engaging Tribal Partners and parents, and cross system partnerships
The Early Learning Council wrapped up one of their final meetings prior to their summer recess. The June Council meeting focused on the Council’s Early Learning Hub priority and showcased several Hub regions and their work in early literacy, engaging Tribal Partners and parents, and cross system partnerships. This meeting adopted the Early Learning Hub and Employment Related Day Care rulesets.
Farewell to Chair Sue Miller
After years of dedicated leadership, Sue Miller is stepping down as Chair of the Early Learning Council. Chair Miller was appointed as Chair of the Council in November 2016 and since then has been an incredible advocate for young children and families during her time on the Council. Chair Miller’s advocacy focused on the complete early childhood system with many priorities focusing on home visiting, infants and toddlers, behavioral health, workforce development and the Early Learning Hubs. The Department of Early Learning and Care thanks Sue for her commitment, and leadership in championing the early childhood system.
Welcoming Chair Elizabeth Farrar Campbell
Governor Tina Kotek has appointed Elizabeth “Liz” Farrar Campbell as the new Chair of the Early Learning Council. Ms. Farrar Campbell was appointed to the ELC in October 2023 and has a strong background in early childhood policy, rural governance and strategic consulting. Formerly serving as an elected Gilliam County Judge, she led efforts to improve early learning and care access in her community. Her work history also includes a wealth of experience in legislative and policy roles in Oregon and Washington DC. The Department of Early Learning and Care is excited to have Liz as the new Chair as her experience aligns strongly with the Council’s mission of coordinating a unified and aligned early childhood system.
As July arrives, we are proud to celebrate two years of the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), and we thank you for being part of another incredible program year supporting Oregon’s young children, families, and providers.
As July arrives, we are proud to celebrate two years of the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), and we thank you for being part of another incredible program year supporting Oregon’s young children, families, and providers.
This year was filled with milestones that remind us of the power of partnership and community. Here are just a few:
60 years of Head Start Together, we celebrated 60 years of Head Start and its transformative impact in every county in Oregon, providing opportunities and support to countless families.
5 years of statewide Preschool Promise This year marked the 5th anniversary of Preschool Promise going statewide, continuing to expand opportunities for Oregon’s youngest learners and working families.
2 years of DELC July marks two years of DELC, a vision that has become a reality thanks to your collaboration and commitment to Oregon’s children.
1.5 years since Certified Child Care Center Revised Rules took effect DELC works hard to ensure community voices are included in the rulemaking process. Keeping rules relevant and ensuring clarity for providers helps further DELC’s values around safety and keeping children safe.
1 year of Growing Oregon Together and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan This year also marked one year since the publishing of Growing Oregon Together and our DEI Action Plan, as progress continues toward building a more equitable early learning system across the state.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to working together to ensure that all Oregon children and families have access to the high-quality early learning experiences they deserve. Thank you for partnering with us in this important work.
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and celebrating together!
This Summer, Preschool Promise marked a major milestone: five years of statewide implementation. Director Chatterjee welcomed families, providers, and partners to celebrate the program’s growth and impact across Oregon’s communities at a Preschool Promise graduation event
This Summer, Preschool Promise marked a major milestone: five years of statewide implementation. Director Chatterjee welcomed families, providers, and partners to celebrate the program’s growth and impact across Oregon’s communities at a Preschool Promise graduation event hosted at North Salem High School’s Early Learning Center.
“We are proud to celebrate five years of keeping our bold promise to Oregon’s children and families,” said Chatterjee. “Preschool Promise has grown from a small pilot into a transformative statewide program rooted in equity, family choice, and community partnership.”
Preschool Promise serves Oregon’s three- and four-year-olds from families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Launched in 2016 as a small, regional pilot, the program expanded in 2020 statewide and now serves more than 5,200 children across all 36 counties. Of the slots awarded by the Oregon Legislature, 96% of slots were filled in the 2024-2025 school year, a figure that has grown steadily since the program expanded statewide.
“Each day, we get to spend quality time with children–most of whom may not have had access to preschool prior to Preschool Promise,” said Stephanie Whetzel, Director of Early Learning Programs, Salem-Keizer Public Schools. “We see the benefits and hear that our students we teach are more prepared for kindergarten.”
We are celebrating Week of the Young Child with rhythm, joy, and homemade instruments.
We are celebrating Week of the Young Child with rhythm, joy, and homemade instruments.
Happy Music Monday, friends! Whether you’re busting out a full-on dance party in the living room or just tapping out a rhythm on the table during snack time, music is a magical part of early learning. It builds coordination, language skills, self-expression, and pure, unfiltered joy.
And guess what? You don’t need a full orchestra to get started, you’ve got everything you need right at home.
Make Your Own Mini Band
Turn everyday items into instruments with your littles and create your own jam session! Not only is this a fun hands-on activity, but it’s also a great way to practice fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and creative thinking.
Shaker Eggs
Supplies
Plastic Easter eggs
Rice, dried beans, or lentils
Duct tape
Instructions
Fill the egg halfway with rice or beans.
Close it tight and tape around the seam to secure.
Shake, shake, shake to your heart’s content
Paper Plate Tambourine
Supplies
2 paper plates
Dried beans
Yarn or ribbon
stapler
Hole Punch
Optional: Paint, crayons to decorate the plates
Instructions
Place dried beans between the plates
Staple the edges of the plates together
Punch one hole between each staple
Tie ribbon or yarn into each hole.
Straw Pan Flute
Supplies
Drinking straws
Tape
Scissors
Instructions
Cut Straws into different lengths
Line up the straws from longest to shortest
Tape the straws together, then blow across the top like a pan flute.
Learning Through Music
Making music encourages self-expression and strengthens early learning in so many ways. Kids learn to listen, follow rhythms, anticipate patterns, and build confidence by creating something of their own.
So go ahead, get noisy, get silly, and get grooving. Let your home or classroom turn into a joyful jam session this Music Monday.
Want more WOYC fun? Stick with us all week over on our Facebook and Instagram pages as we share more playful learning ideas every day!
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.
