Department of Early Learning and Care receives $7.3 million to strengthen early care and education

April 16, 2026

Media Contact: delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

SALEM, ORE. – The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) secures $7.35 million in federal funding to support early childhood system alignment after submitting a successful proposal last December. The Preschool Development Grant—Birth through Five (PDG B-5) is a competitive federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.

“Oregon’s selection for this award is tremendously exciting,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “This funding will strengthen DELC’s system-building and infrastructure work in partnership with the Governor’s Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable. Together, these efforts will help us move toward a shared, comprehensive vision for early childhood education – one that is coordinated, culturally appropriate, and centered on the strengths of children, families, and early learning professionals.”

Oregon is one of 23 states awarded the grant that covers 12 months of activities designed to enhance the infrastructure for the early childhood education (ECE) system. Funds will support DELC in building a unified early learning system that is rooted in accountability and efficiency, while maximizing family choice.

Previously, Oregon received PDG funds which were vital in understanding the strengths and needs of the early learning and care system prior to the launch of the Department of Early Learning and Care. These funds supported the creation of Raise Up Oregon, the state’s early childhood system plan. They also helped the state build the capacity to support parent choice, improve quality of programs, incorporate best practices in early learning and care, and use data to support improvement and decision-making.

“As we celebrate the Week of the Young Child, we know early investments pay off for young children not only in their earliest years but in setting the course of their life,” said Director Chatterjee. “Securing millions of dollars to our state for much needed early learning system-building and infrastructure is a huge win for the Oregon communities we serve.”

For more information about Oregon’s PDG funding please visit the Preschool Development Grant page of the DELC website.

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

Versión en Español

16 de abril de 2026

Contacto para medios: delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

El Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano recibe $7.3 millones para fortalecer el cuidado y la educación temprana
La subvención federal refuerza los sistemas en desarrollo desde la creación de la agencia

SALEM, OREGÓN. – El Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano (DELC, por sus siglas en inglés) obtuvo $7.35 millones en fondos federales para apoyar el alineamiento del sistema de cuidado temprano después presentar una pta exropuesitosa el pasado mes de diciembre. La Subvención para el Desarrollo Preescolar: Desde el Nacimiento Hasta los Cinco Años (PDG B-5, por sus siglas en inglés) son fondos federales otorgados por la Administración para Niños y Familias del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos.

“La selección de Oregón para este premio es tremendamente emocionante”, dijo Alyssa Chatterjee, directora del DELC. “A medida que este trabajo se vaya desarrollando, estos fondos reforzarán la creación de sistemas y la infraestructura de DELC con el fin de seguir desarrollando una visión compartida y global de la educación infantil. De este modo, nos ayudará a seguir fomentando servicios coordinados, culturalmente apropiados, y centrados en la familia que reconozcan y respeten las necesidades de todos los niños, las familias, y los profesionales de la educación infantil”.

Oregón es uno de 23 estados que han recibido la subvención, que cubre 12 meses de actividades diseñadas para apoyar la mejora de la infraestructura del sistema educativo de la primera infancia (ECE). Los fondos apoyarán a DELC a crear un sistema de aprendizaje temprano unificado, basado en la rendición de cuentas y la eficiencia, al tiempo que se maximizan las opciones de las familias.

Anteriormente, Oregón recibió fondos del PDG para comprender las fortalezas y necesidades del sistema de aprendizaje y cuidado temprano antes de la creación del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano. Estos fondos apoyaron la creación de Raise Up Oregon, el plan estatal para el sistema de primera infancia. También ayudaron al estado a desarrollar la capacidad para apoyar las decisiones de los padres, mejorar la calidad de los programas, incorporar las mejores prácticas en el aprendizaje y cuidado temprano, y utilizar datos para apoyar el mejoramiento y tomar decisiones informadas.

“Mientras celebramos la Semana del Niño Pequeño, sabemos que las inversiones tempranas dan frutos para los niños pequeños, no solo en sus primeros años, sino también en el curso de sus vidas”, afirmó la directora Chatterjee. “Conseguir millones de dólares para nuestro estado con el fin de desarrollar el tan necesario sistema de aprendizaje temprano y la infraestructura necesaria es una gran victoria para las comunidades de Oregón a las que servimos”.

Para más información sobre la financiación PDG de Oregón, visite la página del Preschool Development Grant en el sitio web de DELC.

Acerca del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano de Oregón
La misión del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano es fomentar servicios coordinados, culturalmente apropiados y centrados en la familia que reconozcan y respeten las fortalezas y necesidades de todos los niños, las familias y los profesionales del aprendizaje y cuidado temprano. Para obtener más información sobre DELC, visite Oregon.gov/DELC. También puede conectarse con DELC en Facebook o inscribirse para recibir noticias y actualizaciones.

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care celebrates Week Of the Young Child

April 13, 2026

DELC Media Contact: Delia Hernández, delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

SALEM, ORE. – The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the Week Of the Young Child proclaimed by Governor Kotek as April 11-17 to recognize the importance of high-quality early childhood education.

Week of the Young Child 2026 Download

“We are proud to celebrate the Week Of the Young Child and to recognize how important early learning is to children, families, and communities,” said Carey McCann, childhood policy and strategy director. “We appreciate the Governor for recognizing this week and continued support to prioritize early learning and care in Oregon.” 

To bring attention to the educators who make a difference every day, DELC and Child Care Resource & Referral staff visited Norma’s Daycare Bilingual School in Hillsboro. Children engage in different activities throughout the week starting with Music Monday.

Music Monday during Week Of the Young Child at Norma's Daycare Bilingual School in Hillsboro — Music Monday during Week Of the Young Child at Norma’s Daycare Bilingual School in Hillsboro

“We work every day to create a nurturing space where every child feels seen, supported, and excited to learn,” said Norma Gaona, owner of Norma’s Daycare Bilingual School. “The Week Of the Young Child reminds us of the importance of the needs of young children and celebrating the professionals dedicated to meeting those needs.”

The annual event is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to build awareness about young children and to recognize the early learning professionals and programs meeting those needs. 

For more information about the importance of early childhood education in Oregon visit the DELC website.

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

Versión en Español

13 de abril

Contacto para medios: Delia Hernández, delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano celebra la Semana Del Niño Pequeño

La gobernadora Kotek emite una proclamación conmemorando esta semana

SALEM, ORE. – El Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano (DELC, por sus siglas en inglés) celebra la Semana del Niño Pequeño, proclamada por la Gobernadora Kotek del 11 al 17 de abril, para reconocer la importancia de una educación infantil de alta calidad.

“Estamos orgullosos de celebrar la Semana del Niño Pequeño y de reconocer la importancia que tiene el aprendizaje temprano para los niños, las familias, y las comunidades”, dice Carey McCann, directora de política y estrategia infantil de DELC. “Agradecemos a la gobernadora por reconocer esta semana y seguir apoyando la priorización del aprendizaje y el cuidado tempranos en Oregón”. 

Con el fin de rendir homenaje a los educadores que marcan la diferencia cada día, personal de DELC y de Recursos y Orientación del Cuidado Infantil, visitó la guardería bilingüe Norma’s Daycare en Hillsboro. Los niños participan en diferentes actividades a lo largo de la semana, inicianod con el lunes musical y terminando con el viernes en familia.

  “Trabajamos cada día para crear un espacio acogedor en el que cada niño se sienta visto, apoyado, y con ganas de aprender”, dice Norma Gaona, propietaria de la guardería bilingüe Norma’s Daycare. “La Semana del Niño Pequeño nos recuerda la importancia de las necesidades de los niños pequeños y nos invita a rendir homenaje a los profesionales dedicados a satisfacerlas”.

Este evento anual está patrocinado por la Asociación Nacional para la Educación de Niños Pequeños con el fin de sensibilizar sobre la infancia y reconocer a los profesionales y programas de educación infantil que atienden esas necesidades.

Para obtener más información sobre la importancia de la educación temprana en Oregón, visite el sitio de internet de DELC.

Acerca del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano de Oregón

La misión del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano es fomentar servicios coordinados, culturalmente apropiados y centrados en la familia que reconozcan y respeten las fortalezas y necesidades de todos los niños, las familias y los profesionales del aprendizaje y cuidado temprano. Para obtener más información sobre DELC, visite Oregon.gov/DELC. También puede conectarse con DELC en Facebook o inscribirse para recibir noticias y actualizaciones.

Tribal Nations and the Department of Early Learning and Care collaborate to advance opportunities for Tribal children

April 7, 2026

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

SALEM, ORE. – The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) held the first Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) meeting with Tribal early childhood education and care leaders to develop a plan to build a stronger future for Tribal youth and families in Oregon.

“The collaborative discussion between our Tribes and the state gave inspirational hope the future actions to be taken will best serve our birth to age 8 members, our “littles”, as they need,” said Julie Siestreem, Hanis Coos, Tribal Council member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.

To recognize Tribal sovereignty and right to self-determination, the Oregon legislature passed a bill in 2025 to create OTELA and the Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund. Representatives from each of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon are working closely with DELC’s Office of Tribal Affairs, to guide the development and implementation of the plan.

“We are grateful to begin this work in true partnership with Oregon’s sovereign Tribal Nations,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “We are excited to listen, learn, and honor the leadership of Tribes as they tell the state what they envision for their children, birth through age eight. Their guidance is essential, and it will shape a stronger, more responsive early learning system for Tribal children and families across Oregon.”

The statewide early learning and care plan is for Native American and Alaska Native children, ages birth to eight, who are enrolled in one of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes within Oregon’s borders or participate in Tribal-operated early childhood care or education programs.

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde’s Early Childhood Education Center

“It is exciting to see the voices of our Tribal people being prioritized in any level of education. Both OTELA and the Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund demonstrate DELC’s commitment to meaningful collaboration with Oregon Tribes,” said Justine Flynn, School Administrator for the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde’s Chinuk Wawa language immersion Shawash-iliʔi Skul, and one of the Tribe’s OTELA representatives. “In addition, facilitation of the OTELA group offers Oregon Tribes the space to engage in big picture planning with regards to education for our tribal people in both the short and long term.”

Learn more about OTELA and follow the committee’s work on our website: Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance .

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

DELC’s 2025 highlights for impact

At DELC there are so many things to celebrate. As we look forward to a new year we pause to look back on moments that inspired us:

DELC’s Director welcomed a new baby!

The Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund was signed into law.

First Licensed Outdoor Nature Based Preschool opened in Phoenix Oregon.

Photo credit: Yessie Joy Verbena/Blackberry Academy Outdoor School

The Caring Communities Tour completed nine regional visits and learned from local communities regarding the vital work occurring. Thank you to Early Learning Hubs and Child Care Resource and Referrals Agencies for hosting us! We look forward to continuing more visits in the New Year.

Thanks to strong partnership with the Oregon Infant Mental Health Association, Regional Service Providers, Child Care Resource & Referral agencies, and community advocates we launched Every Child Belongs in nine early access regions to provide supports to educators and reduce suspension and expulsions in early education settings.

Responded to federal uncertainty, were the only state in the nation to assist partners with bridge funding supports to keep doors open, and stood up the DELC Incident Response Team.

Worked with legislators and advocates to help move new policy forward during legislative session, analyzed more than 150 bills, provided impactful testimony on topics such as Micro-center pilots, Federal briefings, Insurance, and Preschool Promise, hosted federal partners and engaged over 200 community participants in 15 Rules Advisory Committees.

Worked with the Governor’s office to highlight the transformative impact of Head Start on their 60th anniversary.

Woman playing with a child in a preschool setting

Welcomed a new Early Learning Council Chair and continued progress on Raise Up Oregon 2.0.

The recently released Child Care Desert Report showed major progress with 10 additional counties are no longer deserts for preschoolers.

Worked with other agencies and partners to increase access to child care with innovative ideas such as colocation of early learning facilities within affordable housing developments.

Group of staff on a construction site wearing hard hats and reflective vests

The second and third rounds of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund closed successfully with funding already going out the door from Business Oregon for infrastructure improvements including upgrades to outdoor spaces. In total, over three rounds of funding, roughly 2000 providers received technical assistance support from First Children’s Finance and Northwest Native Chamber.

This year’s preschool graduations from Preschool Promise, Early Childhood Equity Fund and Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten were extra special – babies born during COVID are now heading off to kindergarten.

Preschooler in a cap and gown hugging their parent

The Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) continued vital work to help ensure child health and safety. Some highlights included: handled over 18,000 Central Background Registry applications, 4,000 facility applications, and 30,000 calls, implemented new rulesets, piloted Micro-centers and much more.

Alicia Gardiner speaking in front of legislators

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books are currently available to all children under five in every zip code and county across Oregon.

The Baby Promise bypass under the Employment Related Day Care program ensured eligible families were able to receive care for their infant or toddlers and helped the program continue to expand to more families. (As of the end of 2025, over 12,000 households are actively accessing subsidized child care through ERDC, which continues to be some of the highest number of families we’ve seen served.)

Continued to make steady progress in building a strong and inclusive organizational culture. Fostered greater engagement, inclusion, and alignment with DELC’s core values through intentional efforts and trainings led by Human Resources in collaboration with the Social Equity Office.

Continued to expand workforce resources including technical assistance and training modules. 150 Pyramid Model trainings were successfully held with educators to help better support children with their behavioral and emotional needs.

With the help of families, child care providers, and professionals from across Oregon, as part of a robust community engagement strategy, to date over 2000 Oregonians have offered their time and experience in the Spark redesign process.

Birth Through Five Literacy Plan Initiative launched statewide, with investments distributed to expand culturally responsive early literacy supports and Tribal language revitalization efforts.

Major foundational work continues as part of the strategic plan priorities of Growing Oregon Together. (For example the first Research and Policy Agenda was created, IT released additional guidance on AI, and Tribal consultations are now underway.)

DELC programs and broader community helped deliver assistance to hundreds of thousands of households with young children such as Baby Promise, Early Childhood Equity Fund, Employment Related Day Care, Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten, Healthy Families Oregon, Preschool Promise, Relief Nurseries, and additional support was provided by Early Learning Hubs and Child Care Resource and Referrals. Together, these efforts are helping to unify and strengthen early learning and education.

This work represents only a small sampling of what we’ve done over the last year. We’ve got a great deal more work ahead to ensure families, children, and providers have what they need to thrive. This work isn’t possible without incredible partnerships especially during difficult times. Over the course of this last year we moved this work forward alongside countless community groups, families, advocates, agencies, legislators, the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, and partners. Thank you for all that you do in making advancements in the early childhood system and best wishes for continued success as we begin 2026!

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

Update on Federal Child Care Funding and Provider Safety

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is aware of recent reports about a possible federal spending freeze on child care funds nationwide. At this time, Oregon has not received any official notice of changes to federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) dollars that support Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) and related programs.

Providers should please continue billing for ERDC and related programs as usual. DELC will monitor federal guidance and share updates promptly if anything changes.

There have also been concerning news reports that some states have seen harassment and unsubstantiated fraud claims against child care providers. At DELC, we aim to ensure that every child, family and provider feels safe, respected and supported. Oregon educators should never feel threatened while providing essential services for children and providing safe places for them to thrive and learn. If you receive harassing or threatening communications, contact local law enforcement immediately. If you experience or witness bias or hate incidents, you can report them to the Oregon Attorney General’s Bias Response Hotline at 1-844-924-BIAS (2427) or online at StandAgainstHate.Oregon.gov. The hotline offers trauma-informed support and interpreters in over 240 languages.

Thank you for your continued support of Oregon children. Your work is important and valued.

Carey McCann
Interim Early Learning System Director
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

Actualización sobre la financiación federal para el cuidado infantil y la seguridad de los proveedores

El Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano (DELC) de Oregón está al tanto de los recientes informes sobre una posible pausa en el gasto federal de los fondos para el cuidado infantil en todo el país. Por el momento, Oregón no ha recibido ninguna notificación oficial sobre cambios en los fondos federales del Fondo para el Cuidado y Desarrollo Infantil (CCDF) que apoya el Cuidado Infantil Relacionado con el Empleo (ERDC) y otros programas relacionados.

Los proveedores deben seguir facturando por el ERDC y los programas relacionados como de costumbre. DELC supervisará las directrices federales y le comunicará cualquier novedad tan pronto como se produzca algún cambio.

También ha habido noticias preocupantes sobre acoso y denuncias de fraude sin base alguno en contra de proveedores del cuidado infantil en algunos estados. En DELC, nuestro objetivo es garantizar que todos los niños, familias y proveedores se sientan seguros, respetados y apoyados. Los educadores de Oregón nunca deben sentirse amenazados mientras prestan servicios esenciales a los niños y proporcionan lugares seguros para que prosperen en su aprendizaje. Si recibe comunicaciones de acoso o amenazas, póngase en contacto inmediatamente con las autoridades locales. Si experimenta o es testigo de incidentes de discriminación u odio, puede denunciarlos a la línea directa de respuesta a la discriminación de la Fiscalía General de Oregón, llamando al 1-844-924-BIAS (2427) o en línea en StandAgainstHate.Oregon.gov. La línea directa ofrece apoyo especializado en traumas con apoyo de intérpretes en más de 240 idiomas.

Gracias por su continuo apoyo con los niños de Oregón. Su trabajo es importante y valioso.

Carey McCann
Directora interina del Sistema de Aprendizaje Temprano
Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano de Oregón (DELC) Updated January 2, 2026

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

Baby Promise: Building Strong Foundations for Families in Sisters, Oregon

When child care provider April Farmer first envisioned creating a space for babies in her community of Sisters Oregon, she faced the same challenges many providers do: long hours, high costs, and limited resources. With financial support from the Child Care Expansion Project, she was able to build her program over the span of a year and a half – often while holding down another job.

Funding for expansion was made available through the State of Oregon and NeighborImpact, acting on a General Fund Grant from House Bill 5202. In total, over $8 million was directed to Central Oregon to expand programs like April’s, covering operating expenses, renovations, supplies, and professional development.

April’s perseverance paid off with the program built. The catch, however, was that families who, when surveyed, had positive feedback about program costs, found themselves in a bind with the costs ending up being too high for many incomes. That is when April reached out to Baby Promise, a program administered by the Department of Early Learning and Care that financially supports families in need of child care with children ages 0-3 available in 3 regions

With the support of Baby Promise, April’s vision has blossomed into a program that not only provides quality care for infants and toddlers but also stabilizes families in the Sisters community.

Meeting an Urgent Need

For years, families had almost no options for early child care. Before Baby Promise, programs like April’s were nearly impossible to sustain because the costs were too high for many families.

Thanks to a mix of state grants and Baby Promise funding, April’s program can now serve both families with low incomes and those paying privately. All five Baby Promise slots filled immediately in July 2025, and there is already a waitlist. Families who once feared they couldn’t remain in Sisters due to a lack of care are now able to stay, pursue careers, or return to school—knowing their children are in safe, nurturing hands.

“Families are awesome, and so grateful,” April shared. “Some of these families didn’t know what they were going to do in order to live in Sisters. Baby Promise has made it possible for them to grow their income and education while their children thrive.”

More Than Child Care

As Hannah, a partner from the CCR&R team, explained, “This program is a tribute to April. What we’ve learned is that it goes beyond funding—it’s about determination, support, and quality. Baby Promise increases program quality through training, access to coaches, and collaboration with families.”

This support helps establish the secure attachments and social-emotional development so critical in the first three years of life. These early relationships build confidence, trust, and resilience—skills children carry with them into preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.

Looking Ahead

April’s dream doesn’t stop here. She hopes to slowly expand, build more community partnerships, and even create intergenerational connections with seniors at the local community center. Her vision is not just about child care—it’s about community care.

“More families need support,” April emphasized. “Baby Promise has made a huge difference in our program, and I believe it’s the kind of stabilizing factor every community needs.”

Photo’s provided by Trav Williams, Broken Banjo Photography

Instagram: @BrokenBanjoTrav Facebook: BrokenBanjoPhotography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 7, 2025

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month

SALEM, ORE. –The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) visited a Head Start of Lane County preschool classroom located at Lane Community College.

“For over 60 years, Head Start has provided children and families with more than quality early childhood education; it has become a generational building block that has touched the lives of more than 40 million children and families across the United States,” said Charleen Strauch, Executive Director, Head Start of Lane County. “The crucial work of Head Start is knowing that when the family and child succeed then the community succeeds. Head Start changes lives for the positive.”

Earlier this month Governor Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating October as Head Start Awareness Month. The month is celebrated annually across the country as a way to honor the legacy and current work of Head Start in positively impacting the lives of communities, families, and young children.

Education is only one component of the impactful work of Head Start. In addition to early childhood education, Head Start programs support family well-being by connecting families to medical and dental care while helping parents achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Oregon also offers Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool supports for children from Migrant and Seasonal working families along with additional Tribal Head Start programs administered by the federal government.

DELC also administers the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program with programming available across all 36 Oregon counties. OPK is the state equivalent of the successful federal Early Head Start program that serves children from prenatal to five years old. Since OPK’s establishment in 1987, tens of thousands of children and their families have benefited from the program.

“Head Start Awareness Month has never been more important,” said Kate Gonsalves, DELC Communications Director. “At a time of federal instability, this is an important moment to draw awareness to the strong historical roots of Head Start along with the current positive impact Head Start makes for thousands of families across Oregon. DELC joins in celebrating the transformative impact of Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start during Head Start Awareness Month.”

These free, high-quality early care and education services and wrap around social supports are available to families including pregnant people and expectant families. Eligible participants include children aged birth through five whose families meet the federal low-income guidelines whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty guidelines or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program public assistance services. Other eligible participants include children who are in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness. Some families with special circumstances are also eligible to receive support regardless of family income status. To find a head start center visit: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov)

###

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Child Care Infrastructure Fund Round Three Accepting Applications on September 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sep 12, 2025
Contact:
Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292, delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Child Care Infrastructure Fund Round Three Accepting Applications on September 17

$20 million will be awarded for infrastructure projects at Oregon child care facilities.

Business Oregon is pleased to announce that the application portal for Round Three of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund program will be opening on September 17, 2025. The Child Care Infrastructure Fund program, created in response to Oregon’s House Bill 3005 (2023), provides critical financial assistance for infrastructure activities that support child care facilities. Business Oregon is working with the Department of Early Learning and Care, other state agencies, and private and non-profit entities to implement this grant and loan program.

With $50 million in lottery bonds approved by the Oregon Legislature at the recommendation of Governor Tina Kotek, the Child Care Infrastructure Fund is dedicated to improving and expanding the spaces where Oregon’s youngest minds learn and grow, ultimately making a significant impact on children, families, and communities statewide. This third and final round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program offers grant funding for minor repairs and renovations, new construction, major renovations, and property acquisition awards.

The Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program directly supports Governor Kotek’s Education and Early Learning priority by expanding and improving child care infrastructure so that children in Oregon have the opportunity to thrive in their early learning environments and families are empowered with the child care support they need to succeed.

“Every Oregon family deserves access to affordable, high-quality childcare, no matter where they live,” Governor Kotek said. “This third round of child care infrastructure funding will create and expand vital childcare options across the state, helping ensure Oregon’s future is strong, equitable, and full of opportunity.”

The first round of Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program awarded a total of $10 million in grants to 64 child care businesses in 29 different Oregon counties for eligible projects involving fixed, immovable assets including new construction, repairs, renovations, modernizations, retrofitting, property acquisition and planning projects. The second round of Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program awarded a total of $20 million in grants to 57 child care businesses in 30 different Oregon counties for eligible projects including minor renovation and repairs, major renovation, or new construction and property acquisition. This third round of awards will be the last round of funding awarded from the Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program unless additional funds are allocated for the program. Learn more about the awarded projects at www.oregon.gov/biz/.

“Child care is foundational to thriving families, strong communities, and a resilient economy,” said Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon. “This round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund program represents a continued commitment to building safe, high-quality spaces where young Oregonians can learn and grow. Every dollar invested in improving child care infrastructure is an investment in Oregon’s future.”

This third round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund program will continue to make a meaningful difference in the availability and quality of child care services throughout Oregon. Access to the application portal for Round 3 can be found on the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/biz/ starting at noon on September 17. Applications are due by December 16, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. PST. Award notification is expected on or after February 17, 2026.

“The previous two rounds of Child Care Infrastructure Fund grants were tremendously popular and successful,” said Carey McCann, DELC Interim Director. “The release of the third round of funding will continue to build the infrastructure Oregon needs to expand high quality care and preschool options to families across the state.”

There are many upcoming technical assistance webinars to support prospective applicants with their Round 3 applications. Each webinar focuses on a different aspect of the application process and is offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, and Chinese. To register for these informational webinars, visit www.oregon.gov/delc/.

If you have questions or need technical assistance completing the Child Care Infrastructure Program application, please contact one of the technical assistance providers below:

Northwest Native Chamber
Website: www.nwnc.org/ccif/
Email: ccifsupport@nwnc.org

First Children’s Finance
Website: www.fcforegon.org/
Email: InfoOregon@FirstChildrensFinance.org

###

Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency’s services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at biz.oregon.gov.

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New Report Shows State Child Care Investments Are Paying Off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Aug 5, 2025

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292, delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Michelle Klampe, 541-737-0784, michelle.klampe@oregonstate.edu

New Report Shows State Child Care Investments Are Paying Off

Supply boosted to pre-pandemic levels and the majority of Oregon counties are no longer considered child care deserts for preschoolers

SALEM, ORE. – The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the progress being made to provide high quality early learning to children across the state. A new report commissioned by DELC was released the by Oregon State University Child Care Research Partnership titled “Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2024,” which found a significant decrease in child care deserts for preschool-aged children, with just nine counties in that category in 2024 compared to 27 in 2018.

Child care deserts exist when there are three or more children for a single regulated child care slot. Regulated care includes child care centers and home-based providers that are licensed by the state, which meet and maintain required health and safety standards. Without public funds, all 36 Oregon counties would still be considered child care deserts for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties for preschoolers.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see state investments delivering real results for Oregon families,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Director of the Department of Early Learning and Care. “The fact that more communities are no longer child care deserts for preschoolers means more children are accessing the early learning experiences they deserve—and that’s a win for our entire state.”

“We’re seeing state and community investments making a difference in the available supply,” said Megan Pratt, the report’s lead author and an associate professor of practice in the OSU College of Health and the Extension Family and Community Health Program. “There’s more child care available than there has been in the recent past.”

This is the fourth biannual report commissioned by DELC, providing a snapshot of the availability of child care following similar analysis released in 2018, 2020 and 2022, and now 2024. Important findings include:

While all but two counties remain deserts for infant and toddler care, 25% of counties are child care deserts for preschool age children. This is a continued declining trend with 27 counties in being preschool deserts in 2018, 25 counties in 2020, 18 counties in 2022, and nine counties in 2024.
Without public slots, all counties would be a child care desert for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties would be a child care desert for preschoolers.
1 in every 3 children age five and under have access to a regulated childcare slot statewide.
Of the non-metropolitan counties, 32-100% of slots are publicly funded compared to 16-50% of slots publicly funded in non-desert metropolitan counties.

Many in-home providers are women owned and operated small businesses. Pratt points to the growth of registered family home slots as a bright spot in this year’s report. “This is the first increase for small home care since 2016,” said Pratt.

The report does not account for all public investments in child care, including those supported by local school districts or counties that are not licensed by the state. This analysis also does not include the use of vouchers such as with the Employment Related Day Care program. Publicly funded programs examined in the analysis include Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten, Preschool Promise, and Baby Promise programs along with federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

“With continued federal uncertainty, it’s even more important for Oregon to maintain the remarkable progress being made. Thanks to sustained investment from the Legislature, Oregon’s child care supply is rebounding after the pandemic,” said Chatterjee. “These gains show what’s possible when we prioritize early learning—it’s helping families access quality, affordable child care and building a stronger foundation for our future.”

The report’s coauthor is Michaella Sektnan of OSU’s College of Health. To read the full 2024 report including county maps and infographics, please visit the Oregon State University website at: health.oregonstate.edu/early-learners/supply.

###

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

ECB Connect: Early Access Pilot Launching July 2025

The pilot of Oregon’s new Every Child Belongs (ECB) Connect system is launching in select regions starting July 2025, with phased expansion through July 2026.

The pilot of Oregon’s new Every Child Belongs (ECB) Connect system is launching in select regions starting July 2025, with phased expansion through July 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.

This effort aligns with a new law effective July 2026 that prohibits suspensions and expulsions in early learning settings. Through ECB Connect, providers may be connected to technical assistance, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health consultation (IECMHC), Early Intervention/ECSE, or other regionally coordinated services. Every Child Belongs helps keep children connected to safe, supportive environments where they can grow and thrive.

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

Over the weeks ahead we will be continuing to build awareness, launch trainings with early access regions, and translate information. As system testing continues, we appreciate the feedback of partners and communities as we refine the consultation approach. This will help ECB to build a responsive service in lead up to a full statewide launch next year.

We are working closely with Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies, IECMHC providers, and other community groups to ensure a phased and equitable rollout that meets the needs of providers and families across Oregon.

Learn more and stay updated at: Visit the everychildbelongs.org website