Category: Resources

Kindergarten: It’s that time of the year!  

As the school year approaches, many young children and families are getting ready for their move from preschool to kindergarten. This experience is also called “kindergarten readiness.” But what does Kindergarten Readiness mean? And how does the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) support kindergarten readiness for Oregon’s families?

What is Kindergarten Readiness? 

Kindergarten readiness includes schools, caregivers, families, and children working together for a positive kindergarten year and a successful future of learning!  

Raising an eager learner is the goal, and it can be achieved through play and day-to-day activities.  

DELC’s Programs support Kindergarten Readiness! 

The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) offers programs that support children and families while also nurturing the growth of the whole child.  

These programs include: 

  • Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten 
  • Preschool Promise 
  • Home visiting programs like 
  • Healthy Families Oregon and  
  • Relief Nurseries 

Simply put, kindergarten readiness helps children have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life.  

These are guidelines on skills that will support children in school. Every child is different and will learn at their own pace and in their own way. 

Kindergarten Readiness looks like:  

Approaches to Learning 
Children who are able to follow rules and routines with increased independence. 

Physical skills 
Children are able to hold and use a pencil or crayon, able to run, and jump with increased independence, 

Language and literacy 
Children are able to recognize and write their name, identify letters and numbers, and be familiar with basic sight words with increased independence. 

Math 
Children are able to identify numbers and count to 10 or recognize and create patterns with increased independence. 

Social and emotional skills 
Children are able to share with others, manage emotions, and resolve conflicts with peers with increased independence. 

For more information on the domains of learning and development, please reference the Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines. 

Oregon increases income limits for food and child care assistance

This news release is from the Oregon Department of Human Services.
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Need to know

  • Oregon has increased the income eligibility limit for food and child care
    assistance up to 200% of the federal poverty level
  • Previous income limits were 185% of the federal poverty level
  • Approximately 18,000 additional households in Oregon may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under these new income guidelines
  • Approximately $25 million in additional food benefits will be issued to
    Oregonians annually
  • Find resources to meet your basic needs: Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, 211info.org
  • Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has increased the income limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program to 200% of the federal poverty level, or $2,147 a month for an individual or $3,660 for a family of three. The previous income limit for these programs was 185% of the federal poverty level, or $1,986 a month for an individual or $3,386 for a family of three. This change took effect in Oregon on Jan. 1, 2022, and approximately 18,000 new households are expected to be eligible to enroll in SNAP. Approximately $25 million in additional food benefits will be issued to Oregonians annually.

“Coming into the COVID-19 pandemic, life was difficult for many Oregonians, especially people of color, Oregon Tribal Nations, people with disabilities and older adults,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “As COVID-19 continues to impact our communities, we know that many are struggling to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families. This increase will provide critical food support to thousands of Oregonians.”

The ERDC program has two income limits to participate in the program, for when a family applies to participate in the program and when a family renews their participation in the program. The entry income limit to enroll in the program has increased to 200% of federal poverty level. Families can continue to participate in the program until their income is above 250% of the federal poverty level, or $5,303 a month for a family of three.

“It’s encouraging to see child care prioritized with other critical benefits to support Oregon families,” said Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “This change will help more families access child care at a pivotal time – one that’s brought uncertainty and challenges.”

Oregonians can apply for medical, food, cash, and child care assistance in one place online at ONE.Oregon.gov, over-the-phone at 800-699-9075, or in-person at a local office. Due to COVID-19, Oregonians are encouraged to call ahead before their local office.

ODHS offers these tips to Oregonians to help them as they apply for benefits:

  • Before you begin an application, compile all documents you think you might need ahead of time. This can prevent your application from being held up and taking additional time. These documents could include: Identification, proof of income, social security numbers or other documents to determine eligibility for anyone in the household who is applying for benefits.
  • If you have already submitted an online, in-person or over-the-phone application, you do not need to reapply. ODHS has your application and will process it as quickly as possible.
  • If you applied through the ONE online application, you can track your application’s status using the same system you used to apply. Log in to one.oregon.gov to start tracking. Note: This website is accessible on computers, tablets and phones, but it is not optimized for mobile viewing.
  • If you prefer to apply over the phone, the ONE Customer Service Center is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Currently hold times are lowest in the morning from 7 until 8 a.m.
  • If you are only applying for medical benefits, you can get free application help from an OHP-Certified Community Partner. Community Partners are trained and certified to help clients understand and use their health coverage options, including helping them complete eligibility and enrollment forms. Find a Community Partner at https://healthcare.oregon.gov/Pages/find-help.aspx

Resources to help meet basic needs

  • Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
  • Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or http://www.adrcoforegon.org.
  • Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, http://www.211info.org
  • Locate a child care provider by texting ‘children’ to 898-211 or visiting http://www.211info.org
  • Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: http://www.caporegon.org/find-services/
  • Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

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About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

Contact: Jake Sunderland, Jake.Sunderland@dhsoha.state.or.us

The Office of State Fire Marshal recently moved to a new website

The Office of State Fire Marshal recently moved to a new website and the link to the Renewal of License Fire Safety Inspection Form in OCC renewal/pre-cert packets (LIC-346A) is no longer active.

The following links are updated and working:

Please reach out to us if you have questions (ChildCare.emp@state.or.us or 1-800-556-6616).

New Drinking Water Advisory for Vulnerable Populations Applies To: Vulnerable Populations of the City of Salem, City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association

Applies To: Vulnerable Populations of the City of Salem, City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association

Does Not Apply To: Healthy individuals over 6, Keizer, Private drinking water wells

Results from water quality samples received Wednesday morning (June 6, 2018) indicate that cyanotoxins are present in the City of Salem’s water distribution system at levels that exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for children and vulnerable populations.

For the vast majority of Salem residents, the water is safe to drink and no action is needed.

Until further notice, a Drinking Water Advisory is in place that applies to the following populations ONLY:

• Children under the age of six
• People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing liver conditions
• People receiving dialysis treatment, or other sensitive populations
• The elderly
• Pregnant women or nursing mothers
• Pets

The City is currently working on distribution sites for vulnerable populations. Residents in need of assistance can contact City of Salem Public Works at 503-588-6311. For medical information during the advisory, please call 2-1-1. Industrial consumers with questions and those seeking health-related information can contact the Marion County Environmental Services at 503-588-5346.
The City will continue to post sample results, and updated information related to Salem’s water advisory on the City of Salem website and Facebook Page. Neighbors are encouraged to look out for those who are unable to collect bottled water on their own.
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La ciudad de Salem emite un nuevo aviso sobre el agua potable para las poblaciones vulnerables

Aplica a: Poblaciones Vulnerables de la Ciudad de Salem, Ciudad de Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, y Orchard Heights Water Association
No se aplica a: personas mayores de 6 años, Ciudad de Keizer, pozos de agua potable privados

Salem, Oregon – Los resultados de muestras de calidad del agua recibidas el miércoles 6 de Junio de 2018 indican que las cianotoxinas están presentes en el sistema de distribución de agua de la Ciudad de Salem en niveles que exceden las pautas de la EPA (Agencia de Protección Ambiental) para niños menor de 6 años poblaciones vulnerables.
Para la gran mayoría de los residentes de Salem, el agua es segura para beber y no se necesita tomar ninguna medida.

Hasta nuevo aviso, existe un Aviso de agua potable que se aplica SOLAMENTE a las siguientes poblaciones:
• Niños menores de seis años
• Personas con sistemas inmunes comprometidos o condiciones hepáticas preexistentes
• Personas que reciben tratamiento de diálisis u otras poblaciones sensibles
• Los ancianos
• Mujeres embarazadas o madres lactantes
• Mascotas

La Ciudad actualmente trabaja en establecer sitios de distribución para poblaciones vulnerables. Los residentes que necesiten asistencia pueden ponerse en contacto con la Ciudad de Salem Public Works al 503-588-6311. Para obtener información médica durante el aviso, llame al 2-1-1. Los consumidores industriales con preguntas y aquellos que buscan información relacionada con la salud pueden comunicarse con los Servicios Ambientales del Condado de Marion al 503-588-5346.
La Ciudad continuará publicando los resultados de las muestras y la información actualizada relacionada con el aviso de agua de Salem en el sitio web de la Ciudad de Salem y la página de Facebook. Se alienta a los vecinos a buscar a aquellos que no pueden recolectar agua embotellada por sí mismos.

Salem drinking water contaminated, children shouldn’t drink tap water

DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER – MAY 29, 2018

INFANTS, YOUNG CHILDREN, AND OTHER VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS

Applies to City of Salem, City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association

https://www.cityofsalem.net/Pages/drinking-water-advisory.aspx

 

WHY IS THERE AN ADVISORY?

  • Low levels of cylindrospermopsin and microcystin (cyanotoxins) have been found in treated drinking water. These toxins are created by algal blooms in the source of City of Salem drinking water, Detroit Reservoir.
  • To ensure the greatest quality of drinking water, City of Salem voluntarily samples for such toxins during algal events. Samples were collected on May 23, 2018 and May 25, 2018. Results confirmed the presence of cyanotoxins in the drinking water at levels above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Cyanotoxins National Drinking Water Health Advisories.
  • Levels of toxins have been detected in the City of Salem water system that supplies water to City of Salem, City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association.
  • Children under the age of six, people with compromised immune systems, people receiving dialysis treatment, people with pre-existing liver conditions, pets, pregnant women or nursing mothers, or other sensitive populations should follow this advisory. At this time, people not on this list may continue to drink the water unless additional messaging is received. Please visit cityofsalem.net for the most up to date information.
  • City of Salem is continuing to adjust treatment operations to reduce concentrations of cyanotoxins as quickly as possible.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

  • Do Not Drink the tap water if you are under the age of six, have a compromised immune systems, are receiving dialysis treatment, have a pre-existing liver condition, pregnant or nursing, or have other sensitivity concerns.
  • Bottled water should be used for drinking, making infant formula, making ice and preparing food and beverages.
  • Do Not Boil the tap water. Boiling the water will not destroy cyanotoxins and may increase the toxin levels.
  • Most water filters and purifiers will not remove this toxin from drinking water. See manufacturer’s recommendation for water filtration capabilities.
  • Everyone may use tap water for showering, bathing, washing hands, washing dishes, flushing toilets, cleaning and doing laundry. However, infants and young children under the age of six should be supervised while bathing and during other tap water-related activities to prevent accidental ingestion of water.
  • Drinking water containing cyanotoxins at levels exceeding the national drinking water Health Advisories can put you at risk of various adverse health effects including upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea as well as liver and kidney damage. Seek medical attention if you or family members are experiencing illness.
  • Animals may be vulnerable to adverse health effects of cyanotoxins at the detected levels indicated above; consider providing animals alternative sources of water. Contact a veterinarian if animals show signs of illness.
  • If you, your family members or your animals have experienced adverse cyanotoxin-related health effects, please contact your health care provider.

WHAT IS BEING DONE?

2018 OREGON CHILD CARE MARKET PRICE STUDY IS NOW AVAILABLE

Oregon Child Care Market Price Study

The Market Price Study identifies child care prices and geographic distribution of these prices across the state as well as examines geographic patterns in the prices charged by facility by age of child served, type of care, and pricing modes (hourly, monthly, etc).

2018 Oregon Child Care Market Study

Oregon Child Care Market Price Study: DHS Supplemental Findings

This supplemental document was produced for DHS’s use in making the transition from geographically grouping prices based on the previous three rate areas (A, B, C) to grouping prices in the clusters that appear to better represent the current market. Specifically, this supplemental presents the 2018 findings using the same three rate areas for all three types of care to geographically group prices by zip code.

2018 Oregon Child Care Market Study: DHS Supplemental Findings

2017-18 Preliminary Kindergarten Assessment Results

2017-18 preliminary kindergarten assessment results show correlation with 3rd grade skills

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Early Learning Division (ELD) today jointly released results from the 2017-18 kindergarten assessment. This year, for the first time, there is a cohort of students who have taken both the kindergarten assessment and the 3rd grade assessment – providing more information for the state and local communities to use to target resources for young children.

“Although we only have one year of comparison data, there is a clear correlation between kindergarten assessment and third-grade assessment results. This confirms what we have always known: if we can support children to be ready for success when they enter kindergarten, they are more likely to be on track in 3rd grade,” said Miriam Calderon, Oregon’s early learning system director.

The kindergarten assessment is given each fall to entering kindergartners and provides a snapshot of students’ foundational skills in three core areas of learning and development: early literacy, early math and interpersonal/self-regulation skills.

2017-18 kindergarten assessment results

  • Early literacy skills remained about the same: Oregon kindergartners recognized 8.2 letter sounds, compared with 8.9 letter sounds in the 2016-17 school year; 14.4 uppercase letters, compared with 14.8 last year, and 12.1 lowercase letters, compared with 12.5 last year.
  • Early math scores showed an uptick, as students correctly answered 11.2 out of 16 simple math questions, compared with 8.5 of 16 last year. However, these changes may be due to changes to this portion of the assessment last year.
  • The interpersonal and self-regulation ratings were unchanged from last year.

Additional analyses will be released in the spring that provide disaggregated data by socio-demographic characteristics.  In addition, ODE and ELD will conduct more detailed analysis on students’ progression from kindergarten to third grade.

“Oregon made some important investments in early learning programs in recent years, but there is more work to do to reach all our children,” said Acting Deputy Superintendent Colt Gill. “We know quality early learning sets students on the path for success from kindergarten on through to graduation.”

Oregon’s 16 regional Early Learning Hubs, which work across education, health, human services, and businesses to support families with young children, use the assessment data to prioritize investments, such as Kindergarten Readiness Partnership and Innovation Funds (KRPI).

“As a community, this information provides us the opportunity to look at where and how to invest in services and early learning programs,” said Lisa Harnisch, executive director of the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub.

Kindergarten assessment results, including district-specific data, are available here: http://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Pages/Kindergarten-Assessment.aspx.The initial analysis on the correlation between the kindergarten and third-grade assessments is available under “2017-18 Interpretive Guidance.”

Questions about the assessment can be referred to Brett Walker at Brett.Walker@ode.oregon.gov or 503.378.5160.

Media Contact: Lisa Morawski, lisa.morawski@ode.oregon.gov, 503.510.5576.

Child Care and the Solar Eclipse of 2017

The Early Learning Division is providing the following documents to help you prepare your program and families for the upcoming solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. The health and safety of children and staff is important during the solar eclipse event.

What: During the solar eclipse, the moon will cover all or part of the sun for up to three hours. Depending on location, the eclipse will occur from about 9:00 am‐11:45 am with a total eclipse between about 10:19‐10:21 am.

Where: In Oregon, the “path of totality,” where the sun is completely covered, is from Lincoln City, across Salem, through Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, John Day, and Ontario. Throughout the rest Oregon, the eclipse will be seen as a partial eclipse.

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