September 2026 Department of Early Learning and Care Updates.
A Message from leadership
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This month’s update from Director Alyssa Chatterjee
It’s back to school time for many programs and families, and I’m getting ready to celebrate Maya’s first birthday! I’m not sure where the time has gone, but as we head into the fall there are a few things that are top of mind that I’d like to share with you.
Remembering the tremendous impact of Dolly Parton
First, I wanted to take a moment to talk about Dolly. Last week there was an outpouring of heartache around the news of the passing of Dolly Parton. Oregon’s flags were flown at half-staff in her honor, and folks around the world shared the impact Dolly had on them. Beyond her music, Dolly gave millions of children the gift of reading.
AT DELC, we were honored to partner together through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL), the book-gifting early literacy program recently expanded to be available in every county statewide. As a result, every child from birth until age five can receive one free, age-appropriate book delivered directly to their home each month, regardless of income ensuring children across Oregon can access free books that support their literacy and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. You can read more about this impactful work and watch Dolly’s video remarks about Oregon on the DPIL landing page.
Here in Oregon, Dolly’s dream now reaches every zip code – putting books in the hands of tens of thousands of young readers. Her belief was simple: every child deserves to fall in love with reading. We’re honored to continue to carry her legacy forward.
Caring Communities Tours
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining the Caring Communities Tour with the Marion & Polk region for a community engagement-focused day centered on partnerships and initiatives strengthening early childhood systems for children and families. Together, we spent the day exploring themes of community partnerships, workforce development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness, and I left excited about what we can learn from our communities to inform state work.
A sincere thank-you to the many partners who shared their time and their work – including teams from Salem for Refugees, Child Care Resource & Referral of Marion, Polk & Yamhill, Willamette Education Service District, Marion Polk Early Learning Hub, and Willamette Health Council – for the meaningful conversations and your ongoing commitment to Oregon’s children and families.
Agency Request Budget
It’s finally here! The DELC 2027-29 Agency Request Budget (ARB) is now available on our website. While the revenue environment means that we aren’t asking for a lot, this is a wonderful opportunity to share more about who we are becoming as DELC and what we need to be successful. Next up, the Governor will consider all ARBs alongside available revenue as she develops the Governor’s Recommended Budget by December 1st.
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As we wrap up August, 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 August, 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.
Last month, Yamhill Community Care Early Learning’s Family Picnic united families to explore resources, connect with organizations, and foster a supportive community for children and families.
Last month, Yamhill Community Care Early Learning’s Family Picnic brought families together to connect, learn about free community resources, and enjoy games and activities for children.
The picnic gave families a welcoming place to meet local organizations, ask questions, and learn about services that can support them. Families could come as they are, spend time together, and connect with people and organizations that serve young children and families.
Bringing many community partners together in one place also helps families see that they are not alone. There is a strong network of people and organizations ready to support children and families. Events like the Family Picnic make it easier for families to learn about programs, services, and other resources in their community.
The goal is for families to leave feeling seen, heard, and supported. It is also a chance for families to learn about resources that can help their children learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you to Yamhill Community Care Early Learning for bringing families and community partners together and showing that supporting children and families is a shared effort.
Want to learn more or attend an upcoming event? Visit the Yamhill Early Learning website to find resources, programs, and upcoming events for families in the area: Home – Yamhill Early Learning
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DELC hosted OTELA’s first in-person meeting, fostering collaboration on a Tribal Early Learning Plan that emphasizes sovereignty, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement for Native American children.
Pictured above: OTELA members, DELC staff, and contractors from Northwest Native Chamber and First Children’s Finance who support DELC’s work with Tribal Nations
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) was honored to host members of the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) for the committee’s first in-person gathering on July 28, 2026. Held at the DELC Office in Salem, the meeting marked an important milestone in advancing collaborative, sovereignty‑centered early learning efforts across the state.
About OTELA
House Bill 2815 (2025) created OTELA and the Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund (TELP/F), codified in ORS 417.831. OTELA is the formal advisory committee established by DELC to guide the development and implementation of the TELP/F. The Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund is a statewide early learning and care plan for Native American and Alaska Native children, ages birth to eight, who are enrolled in early childhood care or education programs.
OTELA is responsible for advising DELC on the development and implementation of the Tribal Early Learning Plan; recommending the distribution of funds; and providing input on the delivery of culturally and linguistically responsive early learning services.
Pictured above: OTELA members and NWNC staff take notes during the work session.
OTELA Work Session
OTELA’s gathering featured an interactive, hands-on activity designed to gather input from the Tribes. Members of the committee were asked for their perspective and feedback on how best to structure the first draft of the Tribal Early Learning Plan. The group considered the provider and educator voice, goals of the Plan, and more.
Dana Castano (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), DELC’s OTELA Liaison, shared her perspective of the value of this work session.
“This brainstorming session created continued momentum for the committee’s long‑term work, while ensuring alignment with Tribal priorities. We have eagerly anticipated gathering everyone together face-to-face to discuss this important work. The impact of shared voices and spending time learning with one another is something we deeply value.”
Some of the OTELA members shared their thoughts on the visit as well.
Julie Siestreem, Hanis Coos, Tribal Council Position #3, Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians expressed that “It was an honor and a luxury to meet with everyone in person to reaffirm our commitment to doing the best we can to meet the educational needs of all our children.”
Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians’ Tribal representative, Jesse Jackson, who serves as the Tribe’s Education Programs Officer, shared that “It was encouraging to hear how each Tribe is incorporating its own culture, language, and values into early learning while recognizing that we share many of the same goals and challenges.”
It was an honor to join OTELA in person to see the impact of each member’s contribution in creating strong foundations for the longevity of the work ahead,” said Carey McCann, DELC Director of Policy and Strategy, “I am inspired by the thoughtfulness and care shaping the vision and mission. Together, this work centers the health and well-being of Tribal nations for current and future generations of families and young children.”
Collaboration
“We were blessed with two different sets of guest speakers” shared Julie Siestreem.
In addition to OTELA members, attendees included representatives from the Child Care Infrastructure Fund Technical Assistance team at Northwest Native Chamber, as well as First Children’s Finance.
First Children’s Finance is supported through DELC’s Preschool Development Grant to engage Tribal Nations in creating a Tribal Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) access pathway. Jannan Cotto (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians) serves as Systems Coordinator/Ekinoonad (the one who guides) at First Children’s Finance and is leading the project, which aims to make ERDC, the state’s child care subsidy, more accessible to Tribal Nations, providers on Tribal land, and Tribal families. “It was fantastic to see participants spend time building a shared vision and mission for OTELA while advancing Oregon’s Tribal Early Learning Plan. Investing in that kind of foundation-building creates stronger partnerships.” Jannan said. “The care and intentionality with which DELC’s Office of Tribal Affairs convened these collaborations helped create an environment where authentic partnership can grow.”
Pictured above: Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians OTELA Representative and member, Sonya Moody-Jurado, and OHA Representative Angie Butler (Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians) review and provide feedback during the meeting’s activity.
“What felt especially meaningful was seeing the intention behind how people were brought together,” said Amber Faist (Coquille) of Northwest Native Chamber, Chief Programs Officer. “We know from our own work that gathering people in the right way matters. Making space for people to share what they know, learn from one another, and build relationships across experiences is often where the most important work begins.”
DELC looks forward to continued partnership with OTELA, supporting the committee’s efforts and expanding Tribes’ access to DELC programs, services, and essential early childhood infrastructure.
Jemiah Wassman, Director of Education, Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, said “I’m hopeful OTELA can continue building those relationships into sustainable, dependable funding and systems that Tribes can rely on to create programs that serve our children and future generations.”
“[DELC’s Office of Tribal Affairs’] collaborative, relationship-centered approach honors Tribal sovereignty and helps ensure Tribal voices shape the direction of this work.” remarked Jannan Cotto.
The first in‑person gathering marks a meaningful step toward strengthened collaboration and a shared vision for Tribal early learning systems that honor sovereignty and meet the needs of children, families, and communities across Oregon.
“I am hopeful that OTELA will continue to create meaningful opportunities for Tribes to learn from one another and advocate collectively for Tribal early learning” remarked committee members Jesse Jackson, “I hope this work strengthens our ability to provide culturally responsive, family-centered programming that reflects our traditions and supports the long-term success of our children.”
The Office of Tribal Affairs at DELC will continue to provide support to implement the plan and fund. To read more about this work please visit Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) page of the DELC website. Tribal Sovereignty is one of six goals in DELC’s strategic plan. To learn more, visit the Growing Oregon Together page of the DELC website.
Pictured above: OTELA members, DELC staff, and partners from NWNC and FCF participate during the work session
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Join us on September 23 for a virtual event covering Oregon ELMS, CCLD rules, and program updates. Registration is required. Interpretation is available.
Join us in September to learn about the below topics:
Oregon Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS)
Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) Suspension Expulsion Prevention Rules
The Oregon DELC and P5FS are updating the child care cost model and seek provider input through sessions, aiming to reflect true care costs for quality standards.
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and Prenatal to Five Fiscal Strategies (P5FS) are updating the Oregon child care cost model. The cost model is used by DELC to understand the true cost of providing care that meets Oregon state standards and higher quality standards and can be combined with market price data to inform rate setting under the Employment Related Day Care program (ERDC).
To ensure the updated cost model reflects the realities faced by providers, we need to hear from you! Make your voice heard by participating in a Provider Input Session. This is your opportunity to share what it truly costs to provide quality child care – not just what families can afford. Input sessions are intended for child care center directors or fiscal managers, and family child care provider/owners.
Input Sessions will be held in English and Spanish (and other languages as requested, if possible). Learn more about the process and register for an input session today!
Participants attending an input session will be entered into a giveaway!
Prenatal to Five Fiscal Strategies is conducting this study and all data will be kept confidential and not attributed to any one person or program.
Oregon’s Department of Early Learning and Care will launch the Oregon Early Learning Management System on October 14, streamlining child care support. Pre-registration begins September 8 for families and providers.
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is excited to announce a new online platform: Oregon Early Learning Management System (ELMS) is launching on October 14!
Oregon ELMS is designed to support child care providers and families across Oregon by bringing licensing and subsidy (ERDC) tools together into one easy-to-use platform, in your preferred language.
This system is designed to cut down on paperwork, save time, and make it easier to focus on caring for children and families.
Pre-Registration Starts September 8
Before Oregon ELMS launches, providers, individuals enrolled in Central Background Registry (CBR), and families receiving ERDC can set up an account early. This is called pre-registration, and it only takes a few minutes.
In early September, providers, those enrolled in CBR, and families receiving ERDC, can look for a separate letter in the mailbox and email from DELC with a personal registration code.
These individuals can use their registration code and last name to set up their account. It is that simple!
If you are both a child care provider and your family receives ERDC benefits, you will get two separate pre-registration messages, one for each account. This is normal. Please make sure to pre-register both.
What You Can Do Now
Providers, individuals enrolled in the CBR, and families receiving ERDC: watch for your pre-registration letter in the mail and email. It will have the code you need to set up your account.
Be on the lookout for additional updates and next steps including information about enrolling in direct deposit with our new system!
Stay Connected
To stay up-to-date, please bookmark the Oregon ELMS webpage at oregon.gov/elms-info. DELC will continue to update the webpage with new information and resources. Thank you for the work you do for Oregon’s children and families.
The DELC Customer Service Survey is open for feedback from various stakeholders. Complete it in multiple languages through provided links to enhance early care services.
The DELC Customer Service Survey is still open for your feedback! Please take a moment to share your experiences.
This survey is for:
early care and education providers,
program grantees,
Tribal organizations, and
other external partners (e.g., research organizations).
The DELC is refreshing the ERDC waitlist. Families on the waitlist for over a year must confirm their status by October 31, 2026, to retain their place.
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, 2026, 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
For free language assistance or other accommodations, contact the Department of Early Learning and Care at 1-800-556-6616 or DELC.SocialEquityTeam@DELC.Oregon.gov.
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The DELC Customer Service Survey invites direct care providers, tribal organizations, external partners, and regional service providers to participate in their preferred language.
We want to hear from you for the DELC Customer Service Survey. This survey should be filled out if you are a:
Direct care provider,
Tribal organization,
Contracted external partner, or
Regional service provider.
Please choose from the links below to take the survey in your preferred language.
