On April 14, 2026, DELC will hold a Zoom webinar discussing the 2026 legislative session, budget development, and previewing concepts for 2027. Register by April 10.
March 16, 2026
On Tuesday, April 14th, the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will host a zoom community webinar on legislation and budget development. We will recap the 2026 legislative session, provide information on the agency budget development process, and preview potential legislative concepts for the 2027 legislative session.
First Children’s Finance invites child care business owners in Oregon to participate in the 3rd Annual Child Care Business Sustainability Survey by March 21, 2026, for valuable insights.
March 16, 2026
Help us shape the future of child care in Oregon! First Children’s Finance is conducting the 3rd Annual Child Care Business Sustainability Survey to better understand the financial and operational challenges and opportunities facing your business. Share your experiences and opinions on workforce, facilities, funding, and more no later than March 21, 2026!
If you are an owner or administrator who makes business decisions for a family child care home or a child care center, we encourage you to participate. Your insight will help identify areas where additional business support is needed and inform our programs and initiatives across the state. Look for the survey link in your email inbox that was sent on March 3, 2026.
Why Your Input Matters:
Decision makers, including the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, want to know how economic conditions, workforce challenges, and public funding impact your business.
Business support organizations, like First Children’s Finance, want to provide services that meet the changing needs of child care businesses in Oregon.
Survey Details:
Takes about 25 minutes to complete.
Your responses are anonymous unless you choose to share your information.
If you operate more than one child care program, please complete the survey for just one program.
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The Department of Early Learning and Care invites diverse applicants for the Employment Related Day Care Program Advisory Committee; apply by March 30, 2026.
March 16, 2026
The Department of Early Learning and Care is seeking applicants for the Employment Related Day Care Program Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC)
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is seeking diverse voices to represent families, 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 Program RAC !
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
There will be one RAC meeting hosted on April 15, 2026, from 6-7pm.
Participants will be reimbursed for their time dedicated to this RAC and will positively impact Oregon’s children, families, early learning programs, and communities. APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 30, 2026
The Center for Law and Social Policy will host a bilingual webinar on March 17, 2026, to assist childcare providers in preparing for immigration enforcement impacts.
March 17, 2026
*Para cambiar el idioma en el sitio web de la DELC, haga clic en “SELECT LANGUAGE” en la esquina superior derecha del sitio web.
Webinar: The Center for Law and Social Policy will host a webinar to help childcare and early education providers plan for potential immigration enforcement activity affecting their programs and facilities. The session will cover preparedness strategies, provider guidance, and available resources. The webinar will take place March 17 from 2:00–3:30 PM ET. Learn more and register here:
The webinar will be held in both English and Spanish.
Please note that DELC is sharing this informational webinar as it may help early learning providers and families stay informed in their communities. This webinar is being hosted by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). DELC is not hosting this webinar and is not offering legal advice. This resource is for informational purposes and does not replace legal advice. If you have questions about the information shared, please contact the authoring organization and if you have legal questions, please contact an attorney or your local legal aid organization.
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Oregon’s Every Child Belongs Connect system, launched in July 2025, expands in March 2026 to help childcare providers manage behavioral challenges and comply with new suspension regulations.
March 16, 2026
Oregon’s new Every Child Belongs (ECB) Connect system launched in select regions in July 2025 and is expanding to additional areas March 2026. Co-developed by DELC and the Oregon Infant Mental Health Association (ORIMHA) with feedback from early learning partners, ECB Connect offers a centralized way for child care providers to request support when a child is at risk of suspension or expulsion. There are also supports for providers who want more general help understanding and responding to children’s behaviors or who want to learn more about how to support children coping with stress and trauma.
The ECB Connect system will help meet the requirements of HB 2166, which require providers to seek structured support before suspending or expelling a child. Through ECB Connect, providers may be connected to consultation, technical assistance, infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) consultation, or other resources.
Partners in participating regions will receive access to:
Online support request forms
Training materials and guidance
Regional coordination tools
Engagement opportunities through office hours and feedback sessions
We are working closely with Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs), IECMH consultation providers, and other community groups to ensure a phased and equitable rollout that meets the needs of providers and families across Oregon.
The ERDC Provider Guide Insert has been updated with new rate increases for license-exempt family child care providers, effective March 1, 2026.
March 2, 2026
The updated Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Provider Guide Insert is now available on the ERDC website in English, Spanish, Russian, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese.
This update reflects important rate changes and includes previously shared information for providers.
What’s New
Rate Increase for License-Exempt Family Child Care Providers – Effective March 1, 2026
The maximum ERDC provider rates are increasing for:
License-exempt Standard Family (FAM) providers
License-exempt Enhanced Family (QFM) providers
These updated rates apply to child care provided in March 2026 and later.
Also Included in the Insert
The updated insert also includes:
ERDC provider rates for licensed providers effective January 1, 2026
Enhanced Rate information and application link
The ERDC 9% Additional Payment form and request process effective January 1, 2024
We encourage providers to review the updated insert on the ERDC website to ensure they are using the most current rate information.
As we wrap up January, 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 February, 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.
In early learning spaces, every child deserves to see themselves reflected, valued, and celebrated. During Black History Month, we uplift the stories, leaders, and cultures that continue to inspire stronger, more inclusive communities for families and children. Today and always. #DELC #EquityinEducation #BlackHistoryMonth
Interested in Early Childhood Education? Join WOU’s Zoom Info Night on Feb 11th, 6-7:30pm! Learn about their flexible EC bachelor’s degree & EI/ECSE licensure program.
Link in flyer!
Repost from Seasme Street in Communities:
Rest is about more than just closing our eyes for a good night’s sleep. Read this article to learn about the many kinds of rest and why they’re important: https://m.sesame.org/rethinkrestfb
Repost from Reach Out & Read:
Those first few years are short, but, as Reach Out and Read Wisconsin’s David Gerhard knows, they shape so much of what comes next.
Having support early on can help families feel steadier, more confident, and less alone as they learn and grow together.
And that can make all the difference.
Happy 167th Birthday, Oregon! We’re grateful to be part of this incredible state and honored to serve the children and families who make it so vibrant. What do you love most about calling Oregon home?
Repost from Northwest Native Chamber:
We’re excited to share a new round of Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) webinars happening this month and into March!
Whether you’re a child care provider working hands-on in your program or part of agency leadership guiding big-picture strategy, there’s something here for you. Each session offers practical guidance, helpful tools, and space to learn alongside others doing this important work.
Our first webinar kicks off tomorrow! Take a look through the slides to see which sessions are the best fit for you, and we hope to see you there.
Repost from Oregon Head Start Association:
The OHSA Spring State Meeting is coming up! Make plans to join us in Salem on April 29 – May1 for this chance to come together and focus on strengthening our impact and continue making a difference in the lives of young children and their families in Oregon. https://ow.ly/Bis950YihVV
Repost from BuildUp Oregon:
IN MARCH: Free online workshops for family child care providers on outdoor spaces – in English and Spanish!
ENGLISH: March 5, 5:00-6:30pm PT
WATER, WIND, AND WEATHER: ENGAGING INFANTS AND TODDLERS IN OUTDOOR SPACES: Explore positive and engaging ways to support infant and toddler growth and development through outdoor settings. For both FCCs and child care centers.
AGUA, VIENTO Y CLIMA: CÓMO INVOLUCRAR A LOS BEBÉS Y NIÑOS PEQUEÑOS EN LOS ESPACIOS AL AIRE LIBRE: En este entrenamiento de una hora y media, le invitamos a explorar formas positivas y atractivas de apoyar el crecimiento y el desarrollo de los bebés y los niños pequeños a través de actividades al aire libre.
The Oregon DELC is forming a Rules Advisory Committee for feedback on suspension and expulsion prevention rules, inviting diverse stakeholders to apply by March 27, 2026.
March 2, 2026
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will be adopting Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) related to suspension and expulsion prevention. DELC will create a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to gather feedback on proposed rules and identify supports that may be needed to implement the proposed ruleset.
DELC would like to invite members of the following groups to apply to participate in the RAC:
Certified Center Representatives
Certified Outdoor Nature-Based Representatives
Certified Family Child Care Providers
Registered Family Child Care Providers
Child Care Provider Union Representatives
Families of young children impacted by suspension and expulsion
Child Care Resource and Referral Representatives
Early Learning Hub Representatives
Tribal Nation Representatives
Culturally specific organizations serving young children
Regional Service Provider of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC)
Participants will be compensated for their time and insights. The application period opens March 2, 2026 and closes March 27, 2026. There will be two RAC meetings hosted on:
Certified Center and Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care Programs: April 14, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm
Registered Family and Certified Family Child Care Programs: April 21, 2026 6:00pm-8:00pm
March 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 it’s already time for another Chatterjee Chats! February has totally flown by – never under-estimate a legislative short session.
Legislative Session
Most of my time has been spent talking to legislators about DELC spending and needed policy changes. While we enter more constrained budget environments, one thing that continues to be clear is the recognition that families need support in accessing child care and early learning across the state.
Governor’s Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable
The Governor announced a new roundtable on Tuesday, February 24th that will focus on increasing access to child care and preschool services across the state. The Governor is a long-standing champion of early learning and previously named early learning as one of her three priorities for the 25-27 biennium. DELC is going to be a part of this roundtable, and our own Carey McCann and Dorothy Spence will be part of the staffing team. We are excited to work alongside the Governor’s Office as this ambitious and exciting work gets underway.
Carey’s Corner: What Am I Reading
We recently rediscovered the interactive and learning space – ECHOES – the Early Childhood History, Organizing, Ethos, and Strategy Project. It tells the many histories of the ECE system and spotlights the untold stories of the women who taught and cared for young children. ECHOES explores the voices and visions of women of color, immigrant women, and working-class women by offering archival materials, stories, papers, audio and video clips, historical timelines, and contemporary material. An example of the history it describes is how Black women organized to expand child care, kindergarten and professional development as part of broader efforts to advance racial and gender justice at the turn of the century.
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Oregon ELMS is an evolving online platform for early learning, streamlining licensing, payments, and coordination. Updates, training, and communication will begin in March through April 2026.
March 2, 2026
Oregon’s Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS) is a new, modern online platform that will bring together licensing, provider payments, and service coordination in one place — making it easier for DELC staff, partners, providers, and families to access information, complete tasks, and collaborate. This update shares the latest news on project progress, upcoming milestones, and how these changes connect to your work in supporting Oregon’s early learning system.
What Is Happening?
Through April 2026, DELC will continue developing, testing, and refining Oregon ELMS to ensure it meets immediate needs, while also identifying and planning for future priorities and system enhancements.
Monthly communications will share progress updates, key messages and action items. Messages will also include training-related information and system previews as details are confirmed.
Training on how to use Oregon ELMS for child care providers, partners, and families will happen this summer.
The first monthly communication with more information about Oregon ELMS will be mailed and emailed to child care providers in early March.
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