As we wrap up December, we’re taking a moment to look back at some highlights we shared on our social media channels throughout the month. If you haven’t already, we invite you to follow us on social media!
As we wrap up December, we’re taking a moment to look back at some highlights we shared on our social media channels throughout the month. If you haven’t already, we invite you to follow us on social media! It’s one of the easiest ways to stay up to date on child care resources, early learning news, and opportunities to get involved.
The Caring Communities Tour continued through Eastern Oregon, where our Executive Leadership Team and program experts met with educators, caregivers, and partners who make early learning thrive in their communities.
The team visited Heppner Day Care, Stanfield School District Preschool at Stanfield Elementary School, Patriot Heights Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc., Little ToTs DayCare/Preschool, Blue Mountain Nature School, and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start—along with a stop at Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. They also connected with partners at Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. and Eastern Oregon University Head Start to hear about the incredible work happening across the region.
We’re deeply grateful to Blue Mountain Early Learning HUB and all our local partners for opening their doors, sharing their stories, and helping us strengthen support for children and families across Oregon.
#earlylearning#DELC#CaringCommunity
It was wonderful to see the collaboration and advocacy in action during a recent visit to Head Start of Lane County. A big thank-you to Lindsay Pearson and Rachel Elliott for representing the Department of Early Learning and Care and helping amplify the voices of families and educators working every day to make a difference in Oregon’s early learning system.
Every Child Belongs Connect is growing!
More Oregon regions now have access to expert support for early learning providers — helping ensure every child gets the care they deserve.
This December, 71,863 children across Oregon will find a special gift in their mailboxes—a brand-new book from the Imagination Library!
In this season of wonder, we’re celebrating every cozy storytime, every spark of imagination, and every child who discovers the joy of reading.
If you have a little one under five, they’re eligible to enroll—free for families across Oregon.
We’re celebrating 100 years of excellence in early childhood education in 2026—and we’re inviting dedicated professionals to help make this milestone unforgettable.
Join us as a Centennial Volunteer! Flexible roles include:
Social Media & Virtual Engagement
Local Story Sharing
Community Celebrations Support
Resource Distribution
What’s provided: Templates, materials, and full staff support—you bring your time and enthusiasm.
Time commitment: As little as 15 minutes a month
Sign-up deadline: January 15, 2026
Be part of shaping the next century of early childhood education while building meaningful connections in your community.
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) for the revision and update of the Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines (ELKG). The selected contractor will provide expertise and support in updating the ELKG to reflect current research, policy priorities, and inclusive practices across early learning and K-3 systems.
The deadline for this application is December 22, 2025.
Please visit the DELC website to learn more about key dates for this opportunity and apply!
Click below to view other Child Care Update articles
The Oregon Center for Career Development has moved to Canvas for training modules, maintaining previous content. Self-study options in multiple languages are also available for required trainings.
December 16, 2025
The Oregon Center for Career Development (OCCD) has transitioned their Learning Management System (LMS) to a new platform, Canvas beginning Dec. 2nd and available at https://catalog.pdx.edu/browse/occd The training modules on this platform are the same trainings that were posted on the former LMS. If you have completed any of these trainings, you do not need to retake the trainings or create an account on the new platform.
The following required trainings will continue to be available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Chinese on the OCCD website in pdf form as a self-study option for those who prefer the self-study process.
Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (ICCHS)
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
We understand that changes like this can create a challenge for programs, and DELC and OCCD are both committed to ensuring that providers are supported to successfully navigate this change. If you have any questions or need additional support, please reach out to your licensing specialist or contact your CCR&R or OCCD.
Click below to view other Child Care Update articles
December 2025 Department of Early Learning and Care Updates.
A Message from leadership
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.
This month’s update from Interim Director Carey McCann
It is hard to believe that December is upon us, with the end of the year quickly approaching. I have a few things to share in this edition of the Community Newsletter. DELC will be sharing 2025 highlights of programs and impact closer to the first of the year. Please be on the lookout!
Visiting Casita Azul
A couple of weeks ago I had to the chance to join Senator Sollman and Wendy Gibson in a site visit at Casita Azul, a new center in Hillsboro offering Spanish immersion early learning and care. It was wonderful to see how a program is leveraging private pay, Preschool Promise, and ERDC to offer services to families in their community. We were joined by their community partners from the Washington County Early Learning Hub and Community Action’s Child Care Resource & Referral and Head Start leaders for a discussion that explored the opportunities and challenges from the local, county and state perspectives. We appreciated the robust conversation and wonderful hosts.
What Am I Reading
At least monthly, I look forward to receiving an update from the RAPID Survey Project, featuring the voices of families and child care providers since April 2020. The Survey Project seeks to understand and elevate the experiences and challenges facing families and to provide timely, actionable insights that inform policies and programs. You can explore their publications – the most recent ones in November included: Hunger is Increasing Among those Who Provide Care to Young Children, and Five Years of Parent Voices.
Visiting with Head Start of Lane County
Last week, DELC staff joined the executive leadership of Head Start of Lane County, along with other local and state-level leaders, including Senator Merkley, Mayor Knudson of Eugene, and Mayor VanGordon of Springfield. This visit was an opportunity for roundtable discussions on the positive impact of Head Start in communities. It also allowed for open sharing of the challenges the program has faced. We are grateful to all who visited with us and shared the important stories of impact.
Caring Communities update
In February of 2025, DELC leadership and teams began visiting sites across Oregon as a part of the Caring Communities Tour. We would like to thank the communities below for sharing space and time this year. We appreciate our partners and their teams who coordinated visits and educational opportunities, answering our questions, and joyfully shared stories of adversity and success so DELC teams could learn more about the work that is happening in each community.
This year we have visited the following regions:
Yamhill
Eastern
Blue Mountain
Linn, Benton, Lincoln
Clackamas
Harney, Grant
Southern
Lane
We look forward to visiting more communities next year.
Legislative Days
Recently, given the forecasted decrease in state revenue for the current biennium (2025-2027), the legislature was very focused during the November Legislative Committee Days, on hearing from agencies about 2.5% and 5% reduction scenarios they were required to prepare in the event that future revenue forecasts continue to show a deficit as we enter the February 2026 legislative session.
On Tuesday, November 18, DELC leadership presented to the Ways and Means Joint Education Subcommittee. (For those interested in checking it out, DELC’s presentation starts at 1:54:00.) Committee members expressed how difficult these conversations around possible reductions are. At this time, no reduction decisions have been made by the legislature, but we will continue to work with the Legislative Fiscal Office and legislators to respond to questions and requests.
Aside from budget presentations, DELC was also invited to give two other presentations to the Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee. Child Care Licensing Director Alicia Gardiner provided an update on the Micro-Center Pilot Project. The committee shared continued interest in looking at ways to support more centralized childcare options, including by addressing local zoning and investing more in ECE programming around the state. Following the Micro-Center presentation was a presentation on Child Care Liability Insurance, a topic that is still being researched here in Oregon and by national groups.
Click below to view other Community Newsletter articles
As we wrap up November, we’re taking a moment to look back at some highlights we shared on our social media channels throughout the month. If you haven’t already, we invite you to follow us on social media!
As we wrap up November, we’re taking a moment to look back at some highlights we shared on our social media channels throughout the month. If you haven’t already, we invite you to follow us on social media! It’s one of the easiest ways to stay up to date on child care resources, early learning news, and opportunities to get involved.
Established in 1990 and expanded in 2008 to recognize Alaska Native communities, this month invites us to deepen our awareness and show respect through learning and action.
And for early learning professionals: check out the Tribal Resources for Providers Guide (PTA-0951), https://www.oregon.gov/…/PTA-0951-Tribal-Resources-for… , developed by the Child Care Licensing Division and Office of Tribal Affairs. This resource supports culturally responsive care for American Indian and Alaska Native children and families — with classroom strategies, language tips, and more.
Reminder: The application portal for Business Oregon‘s Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program is currently open. It closes December 16, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. PST.
The Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program provides critical financial assistance for infrastructure activities that support child care facilities. Business Oregon is working with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, other state agencies, and private and non-profit entities to implement this grant and loan program.
Last week, the Caring Communities Tour kicked off in Eastern Oregon, where collaboration, community, and the power of relationships were front and center.
Our Executive Leadership Team and program experts spent time connecting with early learning professionals and community partners across the region, learning more about the incredible work happening to support children and families.
The team met with Malheur Education Service District, where they observed an ESD LEAP classroom, visited Ontario Early Learning Center and connected with local partners. Their journey continued with stops at Malheur County Child Development Center Head Start, Cuevas Child Care, Little Hands Child Care, Momma Lupe’s Preschool, Treasure Valley Children’s Relief Nursery, Eastern Oregon University Head Start, Baker Relief Nursery, Wallowa Cougar Cubs, Joseph Collaborative Preschool Promise, and Enterprise Collaborative Preschool Promise with Wallowa County ESD.
A heartfelt thank-you to Eastern Oregon Early Learning and Care and all our community partners for the warm welcome and inspiring conversations.
#CaringCommunity#DELC
November SNAP benefits are here in Oregon! The federal government remains shut down, but ODHS was able to issue full November SNAP benefits with federal approval. We know how important these benefits are, so we worked quickly to begin issuing benefits last night. Everyone should have full November SNAP benefits on their EBT cards this morning, Nov. 7, 2025 – even if you normally receive SNAP later in the month.
Before shopping, check your EBT card balance to make sure their benefits have been issued. There are several ways to check your balance:
– Call ebtEDGE customer service toll-free at 888-997-4447
ODHS does not recommend any other EBT management websites or apps.
While the release of SNAP benefits is not a scam – we want everyone to remain aware of potential scammers who could be trying to take advantage of the confusion in this situation. Do not click any suspicious links in emails, texts or social media posts, and only trust ODHS for information about Oregon benefits. You can find tips to protect yourself from electronic theft here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx
The South-Central Early Learning Hub – for info on Klamath and Lake Counties is ensuring families across Douglas, Klamath, and Lake counties don’t go hungry. Their new bilingual food resource guides connect families with local food pantries and community kitchens. Read more on Kobi5 News
Did you know November is National Family Literacy Month? It’s the perfect time to make reading a fun family tradition!
Here are a few ideas to celebrate:
⦁ Read aloud at bedtime
⦁ Take turns picking books
⦁ Explore your local library for new favorites
⦁ Listen to audiobooks together on car rides or quiet afternoons
⦁ Let your kids read to you — it builds confidence and makes story time special!
Make reading a family adventure this month! #FamilyLiteracyMonth
DELC and ODE are seeking proposals to update Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines (ELKG). This is a great opportunity for experts in early learning and K-3 systems to help shape inclusive, research-aligned guidance for educators.
Today, on Native American Heritage Day, we honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. We recognize the deep roots of Tribal Nations across Oregon and remain committed to listening, learning, and partnering in support of Native children, families, and educators.
For early educators, this is also an opportunity to begin meaningful conversations in the classroom. Our Tribal Resources for Early Learning Providers offers guidance on how to center Tribal Nation awareness and share accurate, respectful information with young children. To download a copy of the Tribal Resources for Providers visit: https://www.oregon.gov/…/PTA-0951-Tribal-Resources-for…
The Every Child Belongs Connect initiative enhances support for early learning programs in Oregon, aimed at reducing suspensions and expulsions while addressing children’s specialized needs effectively.
December 1, 2025
Over the summer, the Department of Early Learning and Care began testing Every Child Belongs Connect in three participating Early Access Regions. This new service helps early learning programs get more coordinated and culturally responsive support. These supports come before a new law takes effect in July 2026 that prohibits suspensions and expulsions in early learning settings.
The idea for Every Child Belongs (ECB) began in 2021 after House Bill 2166 and Senate Bill 236 passed. These laws were created to reduce and eventually eliminate suspension and expulsion in early childhood programs across Oregon.
It is not uncommon for programs to self-report seeing an increase in children with specialized needs. Providers often do not have enough resources or support to handle challenging situations. ECB is designed to help early learning providers make sure children get the social, emotional, and behavioral help they need.
ECB Connect testing expanded on November 21, 2025, bringing services to more regions across Oregon. New regions include Lane County; Four Rivers (Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, Wheeler Counties); Clackamas County; Eastern (Baker, Malheur, Wallowa Counties); South Central (Douglas, Klamath, Lake Counties); and Southern (Jackson, Josephine Counties). The second phase expansion will allow more early learning providers to connect directly with specialists and local resources. To learn more about Every Child Belongs please visit About Every Child Belongs.
Click below to view other Child Care Update articles
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) for the revision and update of the Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines (ELKG). The selected contractor will provide expertise and support in updating the ELKG to reflect current research, policy priorities, and inclusive practices across early learning and K-3 systems.
DELC will be hosting a voluntary informational webinar for interested proposers on:
Date: December 2, 2025 Time: 10:30 am – 11:00 am Location: Virtual: Join via zoom
This session will provide an overview of the RFP, highlight key deliverables, walk through the submission process, and offer an opportunity for participants to ask clarifying questions.
Attendance is not required to submit a proposal, but it is strongly encouraged for those seeking to better understand the scope and expectations of the project.
The deadline for this application is December 22, 2025.
Please visit the DELC website to learn more about key dates for this opportunity and apply!
Click below to view other Child Care Update articles
The third round of Oregon’s Child Care Infrastructure Fund offers $20 million in grants, closing December 16, 2025, with technical assistance available through webinars and providers.
November 18, 2025
Business Oregon and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) are reminding communities that the third round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) will close soon. The application window closes at 4:59pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. This round includes $20 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects that support the well-being of Oregon children and families. Updated grant materials are available on Business Oregon’s website: Business Oregon : Child Care Infrastructure Program : Child Care Infrastructure Program : State of Oregon
If you have questions or need technical assistance completing the Child Care Infrastructure Program application, please contact one of the technical assistance providers below:
DELC’s Research and Policy Agenda, aligned with strategic plans, outlines five core priorities to guide research in early learning and care, fostering informed decision-making and public engagement.
November 3, 2025
A key priority from DELC’s strategic plan, Growing Oregon Together, states that DELC will use data and research to inform decisions and share these with the public. One way we fulfill this goal is in the drafting and release of DELC’s first Research and Policy Agenda, informed by and aligned with DELC’s other strategic plans, Growing Oregon Together and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan. DELC leadership and staff worked together over several months to draft the 5 core priorities and their subsequent research and evaluation questions, and we are proud to share this research and evaluation vision for the early learning and care sector with the public.
This agenda provides a roadmap for how DELC will use research and evaluation to learn how we are making progress toward our strategic goals and know what is missing. Asking and answering some of these questions can inform future strategy for our agency and drive how we partner with our research and evaluation community across the state and country.
November 2025 Department of Early Learning and Care Updates.
A Message from leadership
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.
This month’s update from Interim Director Carey McCann
It’s hard to believe that Fall is almost over! For many young children and educators that means a new program year is well underway, and some of our littlest learners are experiencing early learning and care for the first time. October was also Head Start Awareness Month, when we honor the work Head Start has been doing to create opportunity for children and families across the nation.
Remembering Representative Hoa Nguyen
I wanted to start my message by remembering with honor and great respect the late Representative Hoa Nguyen. On October 9, the State of Oregon lost a passionate and fierce advocate for children and families in our state. Rep Nguyen was a champion for DELC and early learners; she chaired the Early Childhood and Human Services Committee and the Child Care Caucus. This Fall DELC co-organized with the Child Care Caucus a tour of childcare facilities around the state. I was in Bend on a Baby Promise site tour with Rep Nguyen’s Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Jules Walters, the morning of October 9. Rep Walters led a moment of silence, and also wrote this touching tribute to her late colleague and friend: Remembering Hoa Nguyen. OPB has also written an article in remembrance: Oregon state Rep. Hòa Nguyễn dies at 41 – OPB.
What I am Listening to this Month:
Check out the podcast Early Link by Oregon’s own Children’s Institute that is highlighting national, regional, and local voices working in the field of early care and education. In the most recent episode, Kali Thorne Ladd interviews Isabelle Hau, author of Love to Learn, an exploration of how early relationships shape the architecture of the brain and the foundation for lifelong learning. I was struck by their discussion about what it takes to fuel curiosity, resilience, and growth. Hau shares that this book is for educators, parents, grandparents, and changemakers who believe the future begins with how we care for our youngest learners.
Out and About
September and October were busy months!
In addition to the Bend Baby Promise site visit I mentioned above, I joined a group of almost 30 legislators, staff, advocates and system partners at a tour of the Gladstone Center for Children and Families, which hosts Head Start/Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten and Preschool Promise classrooms, as well as a Relief Nursery in the same complex. It was wonderful to witness how state and local investments in early learning care are making a difference in community.
September 29 – October 1st the Oregon Legislature convened for interim legislative committee days. During Legislative Days, committees hold informational hearings on topics that may lead to future legislation, hear updates on bill implementation, listen to reports from state agencies and Task Forces, and keep current on emerging issues affecting Oregonians.
Changes at the federal level were top of mind for legislators during committee days. On Monday, September 29, DELC’s Early Learning Programs Director, Dorothy Spence, and I presented to the House Early Childhood Human Services Committee alongside Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) staff at a hearing on the impacts of HR 1 – the massive tax bill passed by Congress in July. ODHS spoke about how HR 1 will impact those who participate in Oregon’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program. We spoke about the impacts of federal changes on Oregon families and the early childhood education workforce, challenges experienced by local Head Start programs, and future actions we will be watching closely. Click here to view the agenda and watch a recording of the presentation.
On Wednesday, October 1st, newly-appointed Early Learning Council (ELC) Chair Liz Farrar Campbell presented to the Senate Interim Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health. Chair Farrar Campbell introduced the committee to the ELC and its current priorities. To view the presentation, click here. Many thanks to Early Learning Council Administrator Gaby Hernandez, who developed the presentation and represented DELC at the committee hearing.
Speaking of the Early Learning Council, on October 20-22 I attended the Council’s annual retreat in Salem. The retreat brought together council members, community partners, parents, home visitors and regional leaders from Early Learning Hubs and CCR&Rs to share their efforts in child care. The Council also hosted a reception with legislators, community leaders, advocates, and champions – an inspiring evening that reaffirmed collective dedication in the work we all do for Oregon’s youngest children and their families. The final day of the retreat consisted of updates from DELC and our agency partners in Raise Up Oregon – the Oregon Health Authority, the Departments of Education and Human Services, along with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, sharing their early childhood focus for the upcoming year. Johnna Timmes, Governor Tina Kotek’s Education Advisor, concluded the retreat by joining the Council to discuss the importance of maintaining a strong focus on young children and families across the state.
Update Regarding Federal Government Shutdown
As the federal government shutdown continues, our update is similar to what we shared last month. DELC continues to not anticipate immediate disruptions to services and operations. At this time, programs remain operational, and we have not had problems drawing down federal funds in October. We will continue to monitor the situation.
For contracts that receive federal funding, we are working in close coordination with the Governor’s office to continually assess and mitigate any potential impacts. Grantees can reach out to their grant administrator or DELC contact with questions or concerns. We recognize that the ongoing federal uncertainty can be distressing. We are here to help navigate this situation and as always — we recognize and appreciate your work.
Tribal Heritage Month
In this month of November, we proudly join in celebrating Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and uplift the enduring cultures, histories, and contributions of Tribal Nations. As a part of that celebration, we want to highlight the historical milestone of Oregon’s Tribal Early Learning Plan.
On October 8, the 2025 Tribal-State Government to Government Summit was held at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort in Coos Bay co-hosted by the Coquille Indian Tribe. During a morning bill signing ceremony “From Words to Actions” Governor Kotek recognized legislative advancements in early learning. HB 2815, the Tribal Early Learning Plan puts Tribal sovereignty and self-determination at the forefront. Ensuring that the nine federally recognized Tribes within Oregon’s borders hold the ability to focus on initiatives most relevant for their Nations, the creation of a Tribal Early Learning Fund allows Tribes flexible funding access for early learning resources and strengthens Oregon’s government-to-government relationships.
You can read more about the 2025 Tribal-State Government to Government Summit in the blog posts below.
Supporting Oregon’s immigrant families, workforce and children
Recent events, including the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demonstrations in Portland, are affecting Oregonians in different ways. We have also heard heightened concerns from providers about ICE presence near Oregon childcare facilities in recent weeks. All families should feel safe in their communities, and while we at DELC can do to prevent this from happening, I wanted to reiterate DELC’s commitment to upholding our responsibilities under Oregon sanctuary laws.
Oregon is a Sanctuary State and Governor Tina Kotek has made it clear that these laws have been on the books since the 1980s and exist because the state believes that immigrants are integral to the culture and success of Oregon. State law prohibits state and local government agencies, including law enforcement, from using public resources to enforce federal immigration laws without a signed judicial warrant. This means that everyone in Oregon should be able to live, work, attend school, report crimes and access public services without fear of being reported to ICE by state or local officials. If you believe these laws are being violated, please report it to the Sanctuary Promise Violations Hotline at 1-844-924-STAY (1-844-924-7829). Operators are standing by 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday with interpreters in over 240 languages. The Oregon Department of Justice offers an online Justice Sanctuary Promise Guidance webpage with helpful resources for employees and communities, including: Community Toolkit, Information for Public Schools, and Outreach Materials and Media. In addition to these resources, DELC has also shared the following two resources with our programs and partners geared for providers in September:
We are also monitoring the federal government shutdown closely. November SNAP food benefits are delayed due to the federal shutdown. Benefits will be issued after funding resumes. We know this is difficult for families who rely on food assistance programs.
If families have any unused SNAP funds on their EBT cards from previous months, those funds will rollover and can be used by families after November 1, 2025. The shutdown means that November’s allocation will not be added.
OHA also continues to monitor federal legislative developments and their impacts on WIC funding as the government shutdown continues. At this time, the federal government provided funding for Oregon’s WIC program to continue into November. This includes services such as enrollment, breastfeeding support and connection to community services. WIC offices are open. However, funding for the food benefit (EBT) is only through November 15.
Free and reduced price school meals will still be available. The shutdown is not currently impacting the National School Lunch Program.
During the month of November, we will use our social media and blog posts to update any changes around food access. In the meantime, please see these community resources from ODHS if you are looking for resources near you:
Here’s what you can do:
Check your EBT balance. Any unused SNAP benefits will stay available after Nov. 1, 2025
If SNAP benefits are delayed, ODHS will announce it through the media and our websites. We will not send a letter. For fast updates, sign up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app.
