Category: Child Care Update

A resource for early learning programs and partners to track important updates.

June 9, 2021 | Child Care Update

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON FACE COVERINGS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING  

Following the latest guidance from Oregon Health Authority, the Early Learning Division (ELD) updated the requirements and recommendations for face coverings and physical distancing when indoors and outdoors. This includes:   

  • When outdoors, face coverings and physical distancing are NOT required for anyone (staff, children, caregivers, visitors, volunteers, etc.).  
  • Adults (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) are required to wear face coverings during indoor drop-off and pick-up. When outdoors, ELD recommends that adults maintain six feet of physical distance during drop-off and pick-up if not wearing a face covering.   
  • ELD recommends that unvaccinated staff and staff at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness wear face coverings when outdoors if routinely in close contact with children or other adults.  

Click here for full details on the latest updates and to download the full “Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care and Early Education Operating During COVID-19.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ELD regularly updates the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the “For Providers” webpage. Below is a summary of new or updated FAQs.

*NEW* For Version 2.0 of the Health and Safety Guidelines, do parents and family members entering the building for drop-off and pick-up need to be screened for temperature , asked the three questions as well, and then recorded?

No. If parents and family members are only there for drop-off and pick-up, a health check is not required. This interaction should be as brief as possible. If the parent and family member is in the facility for any other reason, then a health check must be performed and recorded. 

*NEW* How do Version 2.0 amendments affect Registered Family (RF) and Certified Family (CF) homes? Are parents and family members allowed to come into the home for drop-off and pick-up?

If drop-off and pick-up can occur in an area of the home where child care is not occurring, then yes, parents can enter the home. 

*NEW*Can programs combine stable groups of infants and toddlers for a full day if the attendance for both classrooms is low? If not, what is the definition of “the beginning and the end of the day”?

Yes. The combined groups must be the same daily. 

*NEW* Can a program consider a group of preschool and older toddlers as one stable group? For this example, the preschool class only has 10 children.

Since the current ELD guidelines only allow for groups of infants and toddlers to be combined, an exception request needs to be submitted for consideration. Please contact your Licensing Specialist for exception process.

*NEW* Are kindergarten and pre-kindergarten graduations allowed?

Yes, these types of activities are allowed, but must follow the precautions in requirement 4.8. 

REMINDERS

  • On June 8, ELD started a 21-day pause in accepting Emergency Background Checks (EBC) for individuals not enrolled in the Central Background Registry (CBR). ELD expects to return to the standard background check process, as required by Oregon law, on June 29, 2021. Visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/providers-educators/providers-educatorscbr/ for more information and the requirements for enrolling in the CBR. In the event the current COVID-19 state of emergency declaration is extended beyond June 28, 2021, ELD will revisit this policy and notify providers and the public. 
  • On June 8, ELD started a 21-day pause in accepting applications for programs who are not licensed or recorded to operate Emergency Child Care (ECC). ELD expects to return to the agency’s standard licensing process, as required by Oregon law, on June 29, 2021. Visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/COVID-19-Resources/Emergency-Child-Care for more information. In the event the current COVID-19 state of emergency declaration is extended beyond June 28, 2021, ELD will revisit this policy and notify providers and the public.
  • Thank you to all who attended the Health and Safety Guidelines Version 2.0 Webinars on May 26, May 27, and June 5. Click here to download webinar recordings.  
  • Click here for an important recall notice, “Fisher Price Recalls 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers” from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

In June and throughout the year, celebrate the LGBTQ+ movement and people in your community! Take moments to listen, learn, and advocate for inclusivity and equality for ALL Oregonians. Click below for resources on how to support children, families, and staff.  

May 27, 2021 | Child Care Update

BRIDGE FUNDING (ECC5) APPLICATIONS OPEN 

On May 21, Early Learning Division (ELD) announced another grant opportunity for Emergency Child Care (ECC) providers through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. To be considered for an award, eligible ECC providers must complete a brief application by the June 8, 2021, 5:00 p.m. (PST) deadline: https://ode.smapply.org/prog/ecc5/.

To date, ELD has awarded $82.1 in grant funding to providers since the start of the pandemic. This includes the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CARES) Act and Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). Additionally, we anticipate $224 million in future grants later this year from the American Rescue Plan Act, pending approval from the Oregon Legislature.

Included below are a few featured Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and to read all FAQs.

Q: How did ELD determine how much grant funds to award per child care license type?

The total funding available for this grant is $12 million. ELD funding formula for this grant opportunity is based on all of the following factors:

Q: Do I need to be listed in both 211info and Find Child Care Oregon?

No. Programs need to be listed for child care referrals in the Find Child Care Oregon database: https://stage.worklifesystems.com/parent/34. This is the database 211info uses to assist parents in finding child care and your Child Care Resource & Referral has enrolled you in and updates on a regular basis.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES VERSION 2.0

On May 18, the Oregon Early Learning Division published updates to the “Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care and Early Education Operating During COVID-19.”  

Since publishing, ELD has shared important updates on face coverings: 

Providers and staff only, exception to requirement to wear a face covering if: 

  • They are fully vaccinated and it has been verified by the program director/provider and; 
  • They have a medical condition or disability, as documented by their doctor’s or other medical or mental health professional’s order, that prevents them from wearing a face covering. 

Unvaccinated staff must continue to wear a face covering when children or staff are present regardless of a documented medical condition or vaccination status. 

When Outdoors: If 6 feet of distance can be maintained, all staff may remove their face covering, regardless of vaccination status. School-aged children continue to be required to wear a face covering or may remove their face covering if 6 feet of distance can be maintained.

When Indoors: Fully vaccinated staff are not required to wear face coverings or physically distance inside their facility outside of child care hours. Vaccination status must be verified by the director/provider. Staff and children must continue to wear face coverings when indoors and during child care hours.  

All staff, regardless of vaccination status, can follow 6.2, and remove their face covering during child care hours when they are completely alone in a space. 

ELD CELEBRATES ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH  

Join ELD in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! This month and throughout the year, we encourage our staff, Oregon child care providers, and early learning partners to engage, reflect, and grow in their understanding and appreciation of the AAPI identity, culture, and history. How can you support and celebrate with fellow staff members, children, and families?  

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center created a video series for educators, by educators called “We are not a stereotype.” This series explores and challenges the complexity surrounding the term Asian Pacific American, breaking it down into topics that span multiple timelines, geographies, and identities. Click here to access educational videos and resources. 

Other resources:  

NEW REPORT: OREGON’S CHILD CARE DESERTS 2020 

A new report from Oregon State University shows that as of March 2020, all 36 counties in Oregon qualify as child care “deserts” for infants and toddlers. “This report highlights why Oregon needs to continue to invest in child care and focus on strategies that build our supply of affordable, high-quality child care and ensure our existing programs are supported,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Oregon’s acting learning system director in the Early Learning Division. “Many families are struggling to access high-quality child care, and we can’t wait to address the issue.” Click here to read the press release and here to download the report.  

REMINDERS 

  • Visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/COVID-19-Resources/For-Providers for updated tools, FAQs, and the NEW Two-Minute Tips (TMT) resource. ELD worked with Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington to develop TMT handouts that include a brief summary of recommendations for implementing the “Health and Safety Guidelines.”
  • Important recall notice for Kidde TruSense Smoke Alarms and combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms that were sold at Walmart, Home Depot, Menards, Amazon and other stores between May 2019 and September 2020. Visit https://bit.ly/3usdOXd for the full recall notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • Thank you to all who attended the webinar on House Bill 3073 and the New Department of Early Learning and Care. Visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/HB3073 to download a recording of the webinar and for more information.   

May 6, 2021 | Child Care Updae

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES VERSION 2.0 

In mid-May, ELD will publish updates to the “Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care and Early Education Operating During COVID-19.” Register to join a webinar to review Version 2.0 updates on the dates listed below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 

For more information, download the flyer: https://oregonearlylearning.com/form_sets/flyer-version-2-0-health-and-safety-guidelines/ 

Registered Family (RF) and Certified Family (CF) Providers
May 26, 2021 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9128486796876515851  

Certified Center (CC) Providers
May 27, 2021 | 6 to 7 p.m. 
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7960682302876105995  

Spanish-speaking Providers
June 5, 2021 | 9 to 10 a.m. 
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9073589280791625231 

UPCOMING WEBINAR ON EARLY CHILDHOOD LEGISLATION 

You’re invited to attend a webinar on Tuesday, May 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. to learn about legislation related to early learning and child care. Early Learning Division joins the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Governor’s Office to host a webinar on House Bill (HB) 3073. Click here for more information on HB 3073, including frequently asked questions.  

Click on your preferred language below to submit questions about HB 3073. 
English | Spanish | Russian | Vietnamese | Chinese

Join the webinar on Tuesday, May 11 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Join by Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97960874011
Or phone: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 979 6087 4011 

THANK YOU, OREGON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS!

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and Friday, May 7 is National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. We admire Oregon early childhood educators for their passion, talent, perseverance, and BIG hearts. Thank you for supporting children and families, especially during this challenging year. Take care and be kind to yourself! Consider this advice from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, award-winning physician, researcher, and advocate, and California’s first Surgeon General:

“Educators can deliver the daily doses of healing interactions that truly are the antidote to toxic stress. And just as the science shows that it’s the cumulative dose of early adversity that’s most harmful, it also shows that the cumulative dose of healing nurturing interactions is most healing . . . We know that educators are the backbone of our society. As we do this work, I want to encourage you to put your own oxygen mask on first. Because we need you in this fight. We need you in this struggle. In order for any of us to provide that safe, stable, and nurturing environment for the children that we serve, we have to practice self-care so that we can be available. Please make sure to put your own oxygen mask on and practice real care for yourself so that you can be there for the next generation.”

Click here to read the full Edutopia interview.

There are so many ways to show appreciation for educators this week and throughout the year. Click here to read a recent article by Education Week. 

April 26, 2021 | Child Care Update

A MESSAGE FROM ELD’S MIRIAM CALDERON

This week marks my final week serving as the Early Learning System Director for the state of Oregon. Before I go, I wanted to take one final opportunity to acknowledge you for the incredible work you do for Oregon’s children and families. And, to say thank you for all that we have accomplished together in my nearly four years in this role.

Since starting in 2017, I could not have imagined how far we could go to elevate early childhood in Oregon, and to advance toward a more equitable early learning system. It has been an honor and privilege to serve in this role.

I will carry all of my experiences here to my next role – the successes and the challenges, the many lessons, especially from this last year of COVID-19, and my passion for young children, families, caregivers, and early educators in Oregon. I think we are in a unique moment in our field, and I am excited to take this experience and contribute at the federal level. I look forward to helping shape federal policy for Oregon and other early learning and child care systems in our nation.

In closing, I want to thank Alyssa Chatterjee for stepping in to lead at this important time for early learning and child care in Oregon. I have nothing but excitement and hope about the future direction for early childhood in this state, and have no doubt that the best days yet are soon to come.

With Gratitude,

Miriam

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF CHILD CARE FOR OREGON FAMILIES

For Oregon families, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges. It also increased existing barriers to high-quality, affordable early care and education. In Fall of 2020, the Early Learning Division (ELD) contracted with Portland State University’s Center for the Improvement of Child and Family Services and OSLC Developments, Inc. They conducted a statewide survey and listening sessions with families about their child care services, supports, and experiences during the pandemic. 

To learn more about the impacts of COVID-19 on families’ experiences with child care, click here. 

REMINDERS:

  • Share feedback on Oregon’s draft Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State Plan for 2022-2024. ELD invites you to participate in a public hearing on April 27 OR submit a comment through a public feedback form. Learn more: oregonearlylearning.com/administration/state-plans/
  • National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (May 7) and National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3 to 7) are coming up! Join ELD in recognizing the MANY ways Oregon educators have made a difference in the lives of children and families. Encourage your community to join in celebrating! Check out these ideas from Child Care Aware of America (click here) and National Parent Teacher Association (click here). 

April 5, 2021 | Child Care Update

FREE SUPPLY ORDER FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

The Early Learning Division (ELD) wants to help ensure child care providers have personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 1, 2021, Emergency Child Care providers are eligible to receive one free order of supplies by applying through the state’s website: https://supplyconnector.org/states/oregon/free-ppe/.

For more information on eligibility and how to complete an order, click here.

CHILD CARE & DEVELOPMENT FUND

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to State, Territory, and Tribal grantees. CCDF supports Oregon’s efforts to provide child care services for low-income families and enhance the quality of child care for all children.

Let your voice be heard and share feedback on Oregon’s draft CCDF State Plan for 2022-2024. ELD invites you to participate in a public hearing on April 27 OR submit a comment through a public feedback form. LEARN MORE: oregonearlylearning.com/administration/state-plans/

FINDINGS FROM THE COVID-19 VACCINE BARRIER SURVEY

In February 2021, the Early Learning Division (ELD) invited child care providers to participate in a survey about their experiences accessing a COVID-19 vaccine and any barriers they may be facing. The survey was open to anyone formally linked with a child care program or facility (in-home, family-based, or center-based care) who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine AND who is at least 18 years old. Click here to learn about the results.

Thank you to all who took time to offer feedback!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ELD regularly updates the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the “For Providers” webpage. Below is a summary of new or updated FAQs.

*UPDATED* Q: Once children return to school, they will have a stable group at school and a different stable group at child care. Is this allowed and is this safe?

Yes, it is not expected for child care to mimic the school’s cohorts. Outbreaks in the child care setting are rare. As this is the current practice, ELD allows children to be in different cohorts in school and in child care.