Tag: CCU-2025

DELC on Social: October Highlights

As we wrap up September, 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 October, 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.

🔗 Follow us: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Did you know? In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as National Head Start Awareness Month to honor the program’s impact.

Every October, we celebrate the children, educators, families, and communities who are part of our Head Start family. Since its founding in 1965, Head Start has provided high-quality education, health care, and family support to more than 40 million children and their families nationwide.

📣 This month, we invite you to be a part of #HeadStartAwareness by sharing a story, memory, or experience you’ve had with Head Start. go.nhsa.org/HSAM

Thank you to the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children (ORAEYC) for inviting the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to speak at the Early Childhood Summit! 🌟

It was a wonderful event celebrating collaboration, innovation, and the incredible work happening across Oregon’s early learning community.

Exciting news from the Government to Government Summit!

Governor Tina Kotek met with leaders from Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes and signed House Bill 2815 — directing DELC to work in partnership with Tribal Nations to develop a statewide early learning and care plan for Native American and Alaska Native children ages 0–8.

We’re honored to support this important collaboration for Tribal sovereignty and early childhood success. 💛

Earlier this month, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation recognizing the vital role Head Start plays in supporting children, families, and communities.

To celebrate, DELC and the Oregon Head Start Association visited a Lane County preschool classroom to witness firsthand how Head Start is helping Oregon’s youngest learners grow and thrive.

In this special video, Charleen Strauch and Heather Edge from Head Start of Lane County share how—for over 60 years—Head Start has been a place of opportunity, belonging, and support for families across our state.

Repost from Oregon Department of Human Services:

The federal government shutdown is affecting funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If the shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for November will not be issued until federal funding starts again.

You can still use any SNAP benefits already on your EBT card. SNAP funds do not expire right away. Your current balance will stay available during this time.

When federal operations resume, ODHS will issue November benefits as quickly as possible. The timing will depend on national systems that process benefits for many states, which may cause some delays.

We know this is stressful for many people who rely on SNAP. We are watching the situation closely and will share updates as soon as we have them.

Get more details here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx

Repost from NeighborImpact Child Care Resources:

🌟 Baby Promise in Salem! 🌟

This week, our CCR Baby Promise team- joined by the Department of Early Learning and Care Baby Promise Data Crew and Baby Promise program manager- met up in Salem with teams from Central, Multnomah, and South Coast regions for some cross-region collaboration! 🤝

We connected, shared common challenges, and worked together on ways to better support our teachers, programs, and the families we serve. 💛

Grateful for teamwork, fresh ideas, and the big impact we can make together! 🙌

November SNAP food benefits are delayed

If the federal government shutdown extends into November, Oregonians may face delays in SNAP benefits, affecting 757,000 individuals. ODHS provides resources and updates for assistance.

November 3, 2025

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Oregonians are already experiencing delays in SNAP benefits, affecting approximately 757,000 individuals including children, older adults, and working families. ODHS continues to provide resources and updates for those seeking assistance.

We understand this news may feel stressful. Food benefits are important and delays are hard. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working to keep people informed and will share updates as soon as more is known.

ODHS will post updates on its website (in English and Spanish), on its official social media, and through partner organizations and the media.

Here are some things you can do to prepare:

  • Check your EBT card balance regularly
  • Continue to follow SNAP rules and reporting requirements
  • Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels
  • Sign-up for an ONE Online account and downloading the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get updates about your SNAP case

Know where to find local food resources if you need them.

  • Visit the ODHS Food Resources web page to find local programs and food support.
  • Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting http://www.211info.org.
  • Older adults and people with disabilities: Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit http://www.adrcoforegon.org.

We know this may be a difficult time. You are not alone, and there are resources and support available to help.

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Celebrating Tribal Heritage Month: The historical milestone of Oregon’s Tribal Early Learning Plan

Governor Kotek signs HB 2815, establishing the Tribal Early Learning Plan, enhancing Tribal sovereignty and providing flexible funding for early learning initiatives within Oregon’s Tribal Nations.

Governor Kotek signs HB 2815. Pictured above from left to right, front row: Representative Tawna Sanchez (Shoshone-Bannock, Ute), Dana Castano, DELC (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), Marsha Frost (Coquille Indian Tribe), Becky Cantrell (Coquille Indian Tribe); back row; Senate President Rob Wagner, Cooper Brown, DELC, Tribal Council Secretary-Treasurer Jackie Chambers (Coquille Indian Tribe)

November 3, 2025

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 here:

My Oregon News Story

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Celebrating Head Start Awareness Month

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared October as Head Start Awareness Month, highlighting the program’s impact on children and families through community visits and a video featuring leadership reflections.

November 3, 2025

Last month, Governor Tina 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 continued impact of Head Start in improving the lives of children, families, and communities.

The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) recently visited a Head Start of Lane County preschool classroom located at Lane Community College. The visit offered a firsthand look at how Head Start programs are building strong foundations for Oregon’s youngest learners by helping children grow, families thrive, and communities strengthen.

As part of this celebration, DELC partnered with Head Start of Lane County to create a short video featuring Charleen Strauch, Executive Director, and Heather Edge, Board Chair.

Through their heartfelt reflections, they share the profound impact of Head Start. How for more than 60 years, it has served as a cornerstone of opportunity and belonging for families across Oregon.

Watch the video: Head Start: Building Strong Foundations for Children, Families, and Communities

Learn More

To learn more about Head Start programs or find one near you, visit the Head Start Center Locator.

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October 2025 Community Newsletter

October 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

Update Regarding Federal Government Shutdown 

Many of you likely noticed this morning’s news headlines this morning regarding a federal government shutdown. We have been planning for this potential scenario and are not anticipating immediate disruptions to DELC’s services and operations.  

At this time, programs remain operational, and we don’t currently anticipate having problems drawing down funds in October and reimbursements should move forward uninterrupted.  

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 if the shutdown is prolonged. If the shutdown continues into November, the DELC leadership team will be monitoring the situation and will continue to provide timely updates as information becomes available. Grantees can reach out to their grant administrator or DELC contact with additional questions or concerns.  

While we are unlikely to see any immediate impact to early learning programs and supports, 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.  

She’s here! I’m thrilled to share that Alyssa and family welcomed baby Maya (My-Uh) in September. All are doing well and back at home settling into new routines. Alyssa passed on appreciation for all of the supportive messages, kind words, and well wishes from staff and partners.  

Hunt Institute 

I had the opportunity to attend the Hunt Insitute conference recently alongside other early learning partners. We heard from leaders from across the country as they shared innovative ideas for increasing access to preschool and child care, along with the importance of the early years on a child’s long-term development. One of the new presentations was by the Prenatal to Age 3 Policy Impact Center – check out their roadmap on Oregon about how we are doing on the what they have identified as the 12 most effective evidence-based investments states can make to foster opportunities for infants and toddlers. 

Head Start Awareness Month 

This month is Head Start Awareness Month! Head Start has been serving children and families across the country since 1965. Recognizing the tremendous impact of this two-generation program, Oregon created the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program (Oregon Prekindergarten at the time) to extend the federal Head Start model with state funds. Now, thousands of families are benefiting from these services across the state. You can learn more about Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten/Head Start on our website: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/Pages/head-start-opk.aspx.   

Outdoor Nature Based Programs – Celebrating the First Certified Outdoor Program

I am excited to share that with the first Outdoor Nature Based Program has gained certification as of this summer. You may know that DELC, with the support of partners and community, has been working to define rules and regulations surrounding the rules for certification of outdoor programs.  

In 2023, House Bill 2717 added outdoor child care program to the definition of “child care facility” opening the way for the DELC to develop a path for outdoor programs to become licensed. The process for developing Oregon’s Certified Outdoor Nature-Based child care rules included consulting with current programs in Oregon, using Washington’s ONB rules as a guide, conducting site visits in Washington and Oregon, and gathering feedback from an advisory committee of advocates and professionals knowledgeable in this type of care. Throughout the process DELC has remained focused on foundational health and safety standards. 

Thank you to the outdoor programs who provided feedback and guidance to help us create strong foundational standards for certification.  

Federal CCDF Site Visit 

As many of you know, DELC receives federal funding through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Every three years, federal staff conduct an on-site monitoring visit to ensure our practices align with our CCDF State Plan. This year’s visit took place September 9–11, 2025.

Our federal partners reviewed documents, interviewed staff, and observed how we implement policies across licensing, training, and eligibility processes—including collaboration with ODHS on ERDC subsidy determinations. A heartfelt thank you to all who supported this successful visit, including the: 

  • Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) Tualatin Field Office
  • CCLD Salem Field Office
  • Grants Management
  • Internal Audits
  • Policy & Government Affairs
  • Direct Pay Unit
  • Child Care Assistance Program
  • Child Care & Development Fund Office
  • CCLD Director’s Office
  • Operations Director’s Office
  • Early Childhood Policy and Strategy Office
  • Enforcement Office

Your expertise and collaboration were key in representing Oregon’s child care system to our federal partners. Thank you! 

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Business Oregon and DELC are excited to announce the third round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund

Business Oregon and DELC announce the third round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund opening on September 17, 2025, offering $20 million in grants for infrastructure projects.

September 16, 2025

Business Oregon and DELC are excited to announce that the third round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) will be opening on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, at 12:00pm! This round will consist of $20 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects that further the wellbeing of children and families in Oregon. Applications for Round 3 must be submitted by 4:59pm on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025. Updated grant materials for Round 3 can be found on Business Oregon’s website here: Business Oregon : Child Care Infrastructure Program : Child Care Infrastructure Program : State of Oregon

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 Department of Early Learning and Care : Child Care Infrastructure Fund : Programs : 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:

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

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

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The Department of Early Learning and Care is seeking applicants for the Employment Related Day Care Rulemaking Committee (RAC)

The Employment Related Day Care Program is updating rules for clarity and consistency, seeking diverse representatives for input, with applications due by October 1, 2025.

September 16, 2025

The Employment Related Day Care Program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care. The Child Care Assistance Program is making changes to 5 ERDC related rules to clean up language, update language based on new policies and makes sure that the language is easy to read and understand.

  • 414-175-0010: Waitlist for ERDC

Updates allow DELC to activate or deactivate specific waitlist exemption criteria independently based on available funding. Only the exemption criteria in effect at the time of application may be applied to determine placement on the waitlist.

  • 414-175-0024: Verification Requirements

Consolidates verification requirements for the Special Needs Rate (SNR) and Special Needs Age (SNA) into one rule. Clarifies verification standards, including that SNA must be verified at both application and renewal, with self-attestation allowed only in limited circumstances.

  • 414-175-0030: General Financial Eligibility

Adds Medical Savings Accounts (MSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) as additional examples of income types considered when determining available earned income. This aligns ERDC rules with ODHS program rules for consistency.

  • 414-175-0075: Child Care Provider Eligibility Standards, Payment Rates, Payment Limits, and Payable Hours

Moves SNR verification requirements to OAR 414-175-0024 and updates language for clarity. Revises the rule to reflect 2026 provider rates (effective date only until bargaining is complete) and updates commute time language from “two hours per day” to “25 percent” for alignment with current process and ONE system functionality.

  • 414-175-0076: High Needs Child Care Payments

Moves existing supplemental high need payment eligibility language from OAR 414-175-0075 to consolidate requirements. Adds a requirement for a written plan within the last 12 months (with flexibility for program delays) and requires the Department to review the supplemental payment annually.

The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is seeking diverse voices to represent families, Baby Promise early learning programs, child care resource and referral agencies, early learning hubs, and early learning system community partners.

Apply today to give input on the Employment Related Day Care

We are seeking diverse voices to represent groups within Oregon’s Early Learning system. Committee members may include:

  • Families
  • Early Learning and Care Programs and providers with contracted Baby Promise slots
  • Child Care Resource & Referral representatives
  • Representatives from advocacy organizations
  • Union Representatives
  • Representatives from programs who provide care for young children
  • Representatives from culturally specific, community-based organizations
  • Early Learning Hub representatives
  • Higher Education Early Childhood Education Degree Program representatives
  • Tribal Nations representatives

Participants will be reimbursed for their time dedicated to this RAC and will positively impact Oregon’s children, families, early learning programs, and communities. Applications are due October 7, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 1, 2025 The application deadline has been extended to October 7, 2025.

English Application
Aplicación en español
中文申请
Ứng dụng bằng tiếng Việt
Приложение на русском языке

Visit the DELC Rulemaking Page to view the Rulemaking Calendar, Proposed Rules for Public Review and Comment, Rulemaking Advisory Committees that are recruiting or meeting, and Recently Adopted Rules. To receive ongoing updates on rulemaking activities, please sign-up here to subscribe and click on the Public Notices box.

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ERDC Waitlist Refresh Underway: Letters Sent to Families in August

Families who have been on the ERDC waitlist for a year received letters in August reminding them to confirm their status by October 31, 2025, or risk removal. Other child care support programs may be available to qualifying families.

September 16, 2025

The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is conducting an ERDC Waitlist refresh. Families who have been on the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) waitlist for a year must confirm they want to stay on the waitlist by October 31, 2025, to keep their place. 

Providers can help families stay informed, If someone you know is on the ERDC waitlist, it’s important they remember respond to the refresh request letter. Families who do not respond will be removed from the waitlist. If removed, they will need to reapply for ERDC and if the waitlist is active they will receive a new waitlist number.

Starting in 2026, DELC will conduct an annual ERDC waitlist refresh each August, families should also keep their contact information updated with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). 

Other Supports While on the Waitlist 
Families waiting for ERDC may qualify for additional programs, such as:

  • Preschool Promise (PSP): Free, high-quality early education for children ages 3–5 in families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. 
  • Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK): Free early care and education for families at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children in foster care, experiencing houselessness, or receiving public assistance qualify regardless of income 
  • Baby Promise: This program is available in Multnomah, Crook, Jefferson, Deschutes, Coos, and Curry counties as well as Reedsport. It offers free, high-quality infant and toddler care and education to families who are Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) eligible. Families interested in Baby Promise may skip the ERDC waitlist and must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit. 

To explore child care resources in your area, contact 211 by dialing 211 or 1-866-698-6155, texting “children” to 898211, or emailing children@211info.org. 

Questions? 

  • Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075 
  • Find your local ODHS office: ODHS Office Finder  
  • For free language assistance or other accommodations, call DELC at 1-800-556-6616 

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The Department of Early Learning and Care is seeking applicants for the Workforce Barriers Rulemaking Committee (RAC) 

The rulemaking process under HB 2991 aims to enhance Oregon’s early childhood workforce access by addressing specific barriers and inviting diverse committee member applications by October 3, 2025.

Updated on September 2, 2025

The rulemaking process, as instructed by HB 2991 (2023), aims to improve access to jobs in Oregon’s early childhood workforce by addressing barriers such as:  

  • The cost of translation,   
  • Unclear and inconsistent qualification evaluation,  
  • Inability to transfer professional development from outside the state, and  
  • Inability of employers to access registry records. 

We are seeking diverse voices to represent groups within Oregon’s Early Learning system. Committee members may include: 

  • Secondary and postsecondary education 
  • Early childhood educator and employers/owners 
  • Statewide/county early childhood education agencies 
  • Community based, advocacy 
  • Philanthropic organizations 
  • Government agencies 

Apply today to give input on the  Workforce Barriers rule set! 

Participants will be reimbursed for their time dedicated to this RAC and will positively impact Oregon’s children, families, early learning programs, and communities. Applications are due October 3, 2025. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 3, 2025 

Application in English
Aplicación en español
中文申请
Ứng dụng bằng tiếng Việt
Приложение на русском языке

  
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Please contact If you have questions, please contact Sidney Traen at sidney.traen@delc.oregon.gov.   

Visit the DELC Rulemaking Page to view the Rulemaking Calendar, Proposed Rules for Public Review and Comment, Rulemaking Advisory Committees that are recruiting or meeting, and Recently Adopted Rules. To receive ongoing updates on rulemaking activities, please sign-up here to subscribe and click on the Public Notices box.

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September 2025 Community Newsletter

September 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.

Our September Update

My name is Carey McCann, DELC’s Policy & Strategy Director and I’ll be serving as interim Director over the next few months while Alyssa is on leave. (As Alyssa shared previously, she will be out of the office on maternity leave through the end of the year). On behalf of the Director’s office, I am excited to share updates from DELC over the next few months. 

Deputy Director of Operations, Cooper Brown, and Deputy Director of Programs, Joel Metlen will also be providing additional coverage and leadership. You can learn more about the entire DELC Executive Team under “about us” on the DELC website.  

Alyssa wanted to share her thanks as she transitions away for a little while to enjoy her new stage in life: 

“I feel incredibly fortunate to not just live in Oregon, but work for DELC. The support I have received as I prepare to take maternity leave has been amazing, and I am lucky to live in a state that will allow me to spend these precious moments with my new family of three.”  

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