Tag: CCU-2026

June 2026 Community Newsletter

June 2026 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 Director Alyssa Chatterjee

Spring is flying past and many graduation ceremonies are underway. As we head into warmer days ahead here are a few recent updates: 

Budget Building

Oregon’s constitution requires a balanced budget, so agencies and elected leaders use quarterly revenue forecasts to develop budgets and make important financial decisions. The May revenue forecast was recently released, which showed a modest increase in state revenue. However, changes at the federal level will likely offset this relatively stable economic outlook in Oregon, and agencies are expecting continued strain on state resources. DELC is in the process of developing its Agency Request Budget (ARB) for the 2027-29 biennium, which will focus on maintaining core programs and operations amid limited revenue. If you would like to share your suggestions for the ARB, you can review our Community Webinar and share your thoughts via this survey open through 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 3.

Community Visits & Provider Appreciation 

May was a busy month – the Governor signed a proclamation to officially recognize Provider Appreciation Day on May 8th and honor child care providers across the state for their contributions to families and the state’s economy. Celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, this is an opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate the amazing work of child care providers across the state. Over the last month I had the pleasure of attending site visits including visits to the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties and Salem Keizer School District Program at Kennedy Elementary School, where I got to see the countless ways that early educators are making a positive difference in the lives of young children. Other members of the Executive Leadership Team also recently had the pleasure of attending a visit on the Caring Communities Tour to the Northwest Region hosted by the Northwest Early Learning Hub. Getting out into the communities we serve and seeing the good work happening is always a moving and reenergizing experience, and I can’t wait to see more programs in the coming months.

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Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session

Join us on June 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. for a virtual event discussing Every Child Belongs, Oregon ELMS, and program updates. Registration is required.

June 1, 2026

Join us in June to learn about the topics below:

  • Every Child Belongs (ECB)
  • Oregon Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS)
  • Agency and Program Updates

Wednesday, June 17 | 6 – 7 p.m.

All provider types. (Interpretation available)

Zoom Registration: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_RNdExikSTrK4gn9Ebr3X-Q#/registration

This is a virtual event. Registration is required to attend via Zoom. You may submit questions in advance on the registration form.

For more information, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/delc/providers/pages/provider-info-sessions.aspx

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New Free Professional Development Series Supports Early Learning Providers Across Oregon 

The Oregon DELC is launching free professional development series for child care providers to improve behavior management and relationship-building techniques, available in multiple languages.

June 1, 2026

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is launching two new free professional development series to help child care providers better understand behavior, respond to escalations, and build stronger relationships with children and families. 

The optional self-paced courses will be available through the Oregon Center for Career Development (OCCD) learning platform. The courses are approved for ORO credit in the Understanding and Guiding Behavior Set One category. 

The new series were created to give child care professionals practical tools and strategies they can use in early learning settings. Courses will be available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, English, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. 

Managing Behavioral Escalations Series 

The first series focuses on understanding and responding to challenging behaviors in early learning settings. The five-module series is designed to be taken in order so participants can practice and apply strategies between modules. 

Topics include: 

  • Understanding the escalation cycle – June 8, 2026
  • Responding to children’s needs – June 22, 2026
  • Promoting positive social skills – July 6, 2026
  • Tailoring interventions through observation and documentation – July 20, 2026
  • Maintaining professionalism and safety during escalations – August 3, 2026

Each module takes about 1 to 1½ hours to complete and includes activities providers can use in their own programs. 

The first module is expected to launch on June 8, with additional modules released every other week.

Connections Series 

The second series focuses on building strong relationships and support systems to support children and their families.

Topics include: 

  • Understanding behavior through connection 
  • Partnering with families 
  • Navigating difficult conversations 
  • Building systems of support for children 

The Connections Series is expected to begin releasing in mid-July. 

Designed for Providers 

Early reviewers shared positive feedback about how easy the training is to understand and how useful it is for providers. 

“These modules will be an excellent resource for early learning providers,” one reviewer shared. “The information is so relatable.” 

Another reviewer shared that it can be difficult to find research-based training about managing escalating behaviors and appreciated having more accessible learning opportunities. 

The series were designed to be practical, approachable, and accessible for providers across Oregon. 

More information, including registration details, will be shared through DELC and OCCD channels as modules become available. 

Click here to Access The Modules

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Oregon Summer EBT food benefit program is back!

The Oregon Summer EBT program provides eligible families with $120 in grocery benefits for children during the summer, ensuring access to nutrition when school meals are unavailable.

June 1, 2026
This message is being reshared from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) for awareness.

Good nutrition during the summer helps children stay healthy, grow, and be ready to learn. The Oregon Summer EBT program supports families by providing grocery benefits when school meals are not available. It helps children grow strong and do well in school by giving families money to help buy groceries when school meals aren’t available. 

Each eligible child can receive $120 in food benefits for the summer. Children who are automatically eligible received their benefit on June 5. Some families may qualify but need to apply. Online applications open June 5.

Who is automatically eligible:

  • Children in households receiving benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or the Oregon Health Plan.
  • Children who attend a Head Start program that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
  • Children in resource (foster) care, part of a migrant education program, experiencing houselessness, attend a qualifying Head Start program, or part of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

Who needs to apply:

  • Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), AND
  • Your family meets the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals at school.

What else should you know?

  • If your family is new to Summer EBT, you must apply by September 1, 2026. Applications are available online or with a paper form at sebt.oregon.gov for details.
  • Families with children automatically eligible for Summer EBT will get the benefit starting June 5 on an Oregon EBT card. This card can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets.
  • Families that got Summer EBT in 2025 through an approved application that was received on or after July 1, 2025, don’t need to apply again.
  • You can protect your Oregon EBT card and benefits from electronic theft by following a few simple tips. Stolen Summer EBT benefits can’t be replaced.

Need help or want to apply?

  • Visit sebt.oregon.gov or email summerebtinfo@odhs.oregon.gov.
  • Questions? Call the Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 starting June 1, 2026, through Sept. 25, 2026. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time  

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Oregon Department of Human Services Free Food Markets Also Help Families With Free Diapers

The Oregon Department of Human Services provides free food markets in Tigard and Hillsboro, distributing diapers to support families facing diaper insecurity and related struggles.

June 1, 2026
This message is being reshared from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) for awareness.

The Oregon Department of Human Services in Washington County holds two free food markets each month — one in Tigard and one in Hillsboro. Each market also gives out more than 2,000 diapers. That adds up to about 48,000 diapers a year. The hour-long markets typically serve more than 600 Oregonians from about 150 households.

Diaper insecurity in Oregon is high, with one in two families in 2025 struggling to afford adequate supplies costing about $1,200 per child per year. That’s about $100 a month. Infants need about 12 diapers per day; toddlers need about eight.

“Families experiencing diaper need are often facing food insecurity as well, which makes the markets an ideal distribution point,” said Dawn Dzubay, Community Partnership Coordinator at the ODHS Tigard office. “Having to choose between rent, food and diapers places a huge strain on families. As a community, I know we can do better.”

“People get emotional when sharing how much it means to them to receive free diapers. The stress touches every part of their lives,” Dzubay said. “Think about it—you can’t take your child out into the community without clean diapers. No library story time. No trips to the zoo. No daycare or playdates. One mother told us she kept her baby in the bathtub out of necessity when running low on diapers. It’s heartbreaking.”

Here is what some people who came to a recent Free Food Market at the ODHS Tigard office said:

  • “I can’t afford a lot, so the free diapers help me cover other essentials.”
  • “It helps me put my mind at ease.”
  • “It feels like neighbors helping neighbors. It’s very relieving, especially when you have to pick and choose what bills to pay and sometimes you can’t not pay a bill and then there’s no money for diapers which are essential when you’ve got a baby at home.”
  • “I don’t want to wait six hours to change my baby’s diapers. This shows our community cares.”
  • “If I don’t have to think about my immediate needs, I can do my resume. I can write my cover letter and I can get a job”

Kosar Meman is a Family Coach at the ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Tigard office. She helps distribute diapers at the monthly Free Food Market.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our community cares deeply. The health of our community is our health and we feel it directly. We see firsthand how meeting basic needs can change everything for a family. That’s why we work so hard to help people meet their needs. People are often overwhelmed – sometimes at their breaking point. They are looking for resources. They sometimes have no hope, and then someone donates a bed that they needed and they become very emotional. It truly changes lives,” she said.

PDX Diaper Bank has been a driving force in bringing free diapers to Washington County, and Executive Director Rachel Alston continues to partner with ODHS to secure sustainable, long-term funding. Past supporters of this county wide outreach effort include Trillium Community Health, the City of Tigard, the Hillsboro Rotary Club, and Nikon.

“We definitely need to find our next funding stream,” Dzubay said.

The Hillsboro Free Food Market is down to only size 1 diapers, and the Tigard market has just sizes 1, 4, 5, and 6 left.

“Many people have to balance what they spend their money on, such as for food and rent. To be healthy thriving members of our community you also need essential such as diapers,” she said.

Monetary gifts sent straight to PDX Diaper Bank boost bulk buying power, maximizing every dollar. To donate purchased diapers to ODHS in Washington County, contact Volunteer and Donations Coordinator Theresa Huang at WashingtonCounty.Volunteer@odhs.oregon.gov.

Tigard Free Food Market., on the fourth Monday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., 10777 SW Cascade Ave.

Hillsboro Free Food Market, on the second Tuesday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy.

Statewide List of ODHS-hosted Food Markets:  Free Food and Resource Events

ODHS Community Partnership Team, Washington County:

Kaylie Camp, Beaverton - kaylie.n.camp@odhs.oregon.gov

Aubrey Stark, Hillsboro- aubrey.stark@odhs.oregon.gov

Dawn Dzubay, Tigard - dawn.dzubay@odhs.oregon.gov

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DELC on Social: May Highlights

As we wrap up May, 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 May, 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

A graphic layout featuring three individual portrait photos, each set against an outdoor background with greenery. Under each portrait is a colored panel displaying a name and division or program area. A central section of the graphic reads “2026 Ambassadors of Public Service” with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care logo.
An adult seated on the floor with a young child in their lap inside a child care setting. Additional children sit nearby playing with toys on the floor. Wooden shelves and colorful toys are visible in the background.
A young child sits in a playground swing, gripping the swing chains. Colorful graphic shapes are overlaid across the image. A woodchip-covered ground and outdoor play structures appear in the background. Text on a graphic reads “61 Years of Head Start Since 1965.”
A group of adults seated at tables in a classroom-style setting with large windows along one wall. A presenter stands near a screen at the front of the room. Papers, drinks, and food items rest on the tables.

Child care providers do more than care for kids, they support whole families and help lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Today, we celebrate you.

Happy Provider Appreciation Day! #EarlyLearning#providerappreciationday

Register to Attend DELC’s June Provider Information Session

Join us on June 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. for a virtual event discussing Every Child Belongs, Oregon ELMS, and program updates. Registration is required.

May 15, 2026

Join us in June to learn about the topics below:

  • Every Child Belongs (ECB)
  • Oregon Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS)
  • Agency and Program Updates

Wednesday, June 17 | 6 – 7 p.m.

All provider types. (Interpretation available)

Zoom Registration: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_RNdExikSTrK4gn9Ebr3X-Q#/registration

This is a virtual event. Registration is required to attend via Zoom. You may submit questions in advance on the registration form.

For more information, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/delc/providers/pages/provider-info-sessions.aspx

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Apply to Join DELC’s Liability Insurance Workgroup

Senate Bill 1535 establishes a workgroup by DELC to assess liability insurance costs for child care providers, inviting applications from various provider types until May 29.

May 1, 2026

Senate Bill 1535 asks the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to bring together a workgroup to look at the cost and availability of liability insurance, along with other liability issues that may impact child care providers. This workgroup will include representatives from DELC and other state agencies, the insurance industry, subject matter experts, and child care providers from all provider types and across regions. This application will remain open through May 29. Selected providers will be notified in June.

DELC is inviting the following types of providers to apply:

  • Certified Centers
  • Certified Family
  • Registered Family
  • Recorded Programs
  • License-exempt Providers
Click here to apply to the Liability Insurance Workgroup

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New Temporary Rules on Inactive Status and Administrative Closures

On April 22, 2026, the Early Learning Council implemented temporary rules for Inactive Status and Administrative Closures to clarify child care program operations for providers and families.

May 1, 2026

On April 22, 2026, the Early Learning Council adopted temporary rules related to two things: Inactive Status and Administrative Closures. These rules help show whether a child care program is open and serving children. These rules support DELC’s work in making our systems clearer, more consistent and easier for child care providers and families to use. What does this mean for your program?

What does this mean for your program?

Inactive Status. Inactive status is used when a program is not currently providing care. Child care programs are required to notify DELC if there are no children enrolled or attending for 30 consecutive days or more and when the program plans to begin operating again. The program’s license is still active during this time, but the program is marked as “not operating”.

Administrative Closure. Administrative closure is used when DELC has clear evidence that the program is no longer operating. This may happen when there is a confirmed closure, such as an eviction or moving out of the space or multiple failed attempts to contact the program. To start providing care again, the program must submit an application and complete the required initial inspections.

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the DELC rulemaking page to review the temporary rules: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/about-us/Pages/rule-making.aspx#Temporary

If you have questions, please reach out to your licensing specialist or contact DELC customer service at 1-800-556-6616.

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Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

Oregon ELMS, launching in July 2026, will integrate licensing, payments, and services, enhancing collaboration among providers, families, and staff with upcoming training opportunities.

Published May 1, 2026

Updated May 20, 2026: We are rescheduling the launch date and training dates for Oregon ELMS. Please be on the lookout for more communication from us soon!

Oregon’s Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS) is coming soon! This new, modern online system will bring together licensing, provider payments, and service coordination in one place – making it easier for partners, providers, families, and DELC staff to access information, complete tasks, and work together.

As we move closer to launch this summer, we’re excited to share what’s happening now and what you can expect next.

What’s Happening Now?

The project team is making strong progress to ensure Oregon ELMS is ready for a smooth and successful launch. Current work includes:

  • Making sure information from current systems transfers accurately into Oregon ELMS
  • Confirming Oregon ELMS works seamlessly with other systems
  • DELC staff and partners are walking through real tasks and workflows to ensure the system works as expected
  • Continuing regular check-ins with teams and partners across the state

Optional Training Opportunities Are Coming Soon

We are preparing to begin training! The project team is actively working to confirm scheduling details – more information to be communicated soon.

We’ll share more details soon, including how to sign up and what to expect. These trainings will help you feel confident using Oregon ELMS from day one. These trainings will be recorded – instructions to watch the recordings will be shared at a later date.

Staying Connected with Providers

The main topic of DELC’s April Provider Information Session was Oregon ELMS. The Information Session presentation slides and recordings are linked below.

April Session Materials: English | Spanish | Traditional Chinese | Russian | Vietnamese
April Session Recordings: English | Spanish

Looking Ahead

We are on track for a July 2026 launch of Oregon ELMS. In the coming weeks, you can expect:

  • Opportunities to pre-register for your Oregon ELMS account
  • More details about training and how to participate
  • Opportunities to preview the system
  • Continued updates to help you prepare

Oregon ELMS is a big step forward for Oregon’s early learning system. We appreciate your partnership and the role you play in supporting children, families, and providers across the state.

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