DELC Community Newsletter – Page 3

July 2025 Community Newsletter

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 27^th! 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!

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Early Learning Council Chair Transitions

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

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.

Celebrating Two Years of DELC

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!

Preschool Promise Program Celebrates Five Years of Statewide Impact

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

“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.”

June 2025 Community Newsletter

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 June Update

Legislative Session

Recently we received the May revenue forecast, which still shows an increase in revenue from the current 2023-2025 biennium, just at lower levels than previously forecasted. We are working closely with the Governor’s Office, legislators, and the Legislative Fiscal Office as the legislature works to identify their priorities for funding. The legislative session must constitutionally end by June 29th, so we’ll know our DELC budget in the next couple of weeks.

Healthy Families Oregon Summit

I had the privilege of joining HFO program managers, supervisors, and home visitors across the state for a day and a half summit in Bend. Healthy Families Oregon was the first program I learned about when I joined the Early Learning Council (the Council was housed in the Governor’s Office back in 2011-2013), so it was really special to spend time with the folks delivering critical home visiting services for families every day. This work is challenging and incredibly impactful, and I appreciate the chance to hear so many moving stories and continue to advocate for additional staff capacity with the Legislature.

Community Visits

Last month I highlighted that May held both the 60th anniversary of Head Start and Provider Appreciation Day. I had the opportunity to visit The Exploration Center in Dallas and Diaz Daycare in Salem for Provider Appreciation Day. These beautiful programs are a testament to the incredible work happening every day in our Preschool Promise programs. I was also able to join Community Action Head Start in Salem alongside the Governor’s Office and Congressional Delegate staff to celebrate Head Start and Oregon’s unique partnership through Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten. Also in case you missed it, Governor Tina Kotek signed a proclamation in celebration of Head Start’s 60th birthday and recently provided celebratory video remarks to Head Start staff and partners at their State Director meeting.

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Child Care Business Conference Registration Deadline Extended!

First Children’s Finance Oregon announces the FCF Oregon Child Care Business Conference on June 14, 2025, for child care owners to enhance operations, finances, and enrollment. Registration ends June 7.

First Children’s Finance Oregon is thrilled to announce the statewide FCF Oregon Child Care Business Conference: Essentials of Excellence, designed for Oregon child care business owners who want to strengthen their operations, finances, and enrollment.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
Where: Willamette Heritage Center; 1313 Mill St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $50
Registration deadline has been extended and closes June 7th!

At the conference you will:

Attend trainings (including Spanish training options) and earn professional development credit through the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
Gain impactful strategies to manage costs, attract staff, maximize enrollment, and sustain your child care business!
Build a network of supportive child care professionals who share your goals and challenges.
Listen to First Children’s Finance President and CEO Heidi Hagel-Braid, who will deliver an actionable keynote to help you lead with confidence.
Hear from a panel of key voices shaping child care in Oregon and participate in the conversation.
Walk away with fresh ideas to tackle the everyday hurdles of running your child care business!

Register for the Conference Today!

Child Care Business Conference Registration Closing Soon!

The FCF Oregon Child Care Business Conference on June 14, 2025, offers training, networking, and resources for child care business owners. Registration closes May 31st.

Child Care Business Conference Registration Closing Soon!

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
Where: Willamette Heritage Center; 1313 Mill St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $50
Registration closes May 31^st!

At the conference you will:

Attend trainings (including Spanish training options) and earn professional development credit through the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
Gain impactful strategies to manage costs, attract staff, maximize enrollment, and sustain your child care business!
Build a network of supportive child care professionals who share your goals and challenges.
Listen to First Children’s Finance President and CEO Heidi Hagel-Braid, who will deliver an actionable keynote to help you lead with confidence.
Hear from a panel of key voices shaping child care in Oregon and participate in the conversation.
Walk away with fresh ideas to tackle the everyday hurdles of running your child care business!

Public Funding Navigation Resource

First Children’s Finance has created a comprehensive resource to help child care businesses navigate Oregon’s public funding programs Building Strong Business Practices: A Public Funding Navigation Resource for Child Care Business Owners in Oregon.

For child care business owners who have already secured public funding, this guide helps them build strong systems to meet funding program compliance requirements, manage finances, and stay on top of program monitoring. Developed with input from funding administrators, child care support organizations, and business owners, it offers practical guidance to help businesses sustain their funding and operations.

Access the guide here: https://www.firstchildrensfinance.org/oregon/

Available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese.

Thank you for your dedication to this vital work! If you need assistance, please reach out to the FCF Oregon State Office at InfoOregon@firstchildrensfinance.org.