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August 2026 Department of Early Learning and Care Updates.
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Happy Summer! With August here, Summer is whizzing past. It’s hard to believe the days are getting shorter and many young children will soon be starting at a new program, moving up to a new classroom, or transitioning to kindergarten. Here are a couple of quick highlights about what we’re working on here at DELC. We’ve also gotten the opportunity to take part in a handful of community events recently that you can read more about featured in the posts below.
I know I have been writing about this a lot, but it’s a big deal! We are in the final weeks of assembling our Agency Request Budget, the first step in the 27-29 budget process. As a reminder, this biennium’s guidance was to produce revenue-neutral budget requests (Policy Option Packages – POPs), which means any new resources DELC needs must be paid for within our existing budget. The final ARB will be posted online by September 1st.
Oregon Early Learning Management System (ELMS) is our new system replacing child care payments for ERDC and our child care licensing system. This system has been years in the making, and we’re heading into the final phases of development, testing, and training. July was a really big milestone month for this project, with User Acceptability Testing (UAT) happening with internal DELC staff. UAT is a critical checkpoint that allows us to identify bugs and defects with enough time to implement solutions prior to system launch. Keep an eye out for pre-registration information as we get ready to launch this system on October 14th!
As we wrap up July, 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 June, 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
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Preschool Promise program from eligible preschool programs in specific counties.
We are excited to announce the release of the 2026–2027 Preschool Promise (PSP) Eligible Provider List Request for Applications (RFA).
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is seeking applications from preschool programs that are not currently participating in Preschool Promise and are located within the Eastern Oregon Early Learning Hub (Baker, Malheur, and Wallowa counties) and the Northwest Early Learning Hub (Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties)
Preschool Promise slots are currently available, and providers placed on the Eligible Provider List will be considered for available slots and any additional slots that become available through June 30, 2027. Placement on the Eligible Provider List does not guarantee the award of Preschool Promise slots.
PSP grant amounts are based on the number of slots awarded. Funding amounts include:
Interested in Applying?
Applicants may submit materials in English or Spanish. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM PST on Monday, August 17, 2026.
To learn more about this opportunity, eligibility requirements, and the application process, please visit the Preschool Promise RFA.
What does it mean to be on the Preschool Promise waitlist?
If you apply to be a part of the Preschool Promise program and are placed on the PSP Eligible Provider List, you have the chance to be chosen for PSP slots for the 2026-2027 program year.
What is Preschool Promise (PSP)?
Preschool Promise is a high-quality, publicly funded preschool program that serves families living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level and children in foster care. Preschool Promise is delivered in a variety of settings, including centers, homes, and schools.
The Willamette Valley JATC Graduation celebrated 14 diverse graduates committed to enhancing Oregon’s early learning workforce, highlighting collaboration among various partners to improve child care access.
The recent Willamette Valley JATC Registered Apprenticeship Program Graduation, serving Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties, brought together an inspiring and diverse group of graduates and the partners who supported them throughout their journey. Early educators, families, children, early learning organizations, training institutions, community programs, and state and local agencies gathered to celebrate a milestone that reflects both individual dedication and collective investment in the future of early childhood education.
During the ceremony, 14 graduates from diverse backgrounds, experiences, languages, and early learning settings were recognized for completing a rigorous registered apprenticeship pathway and for their commitment to strengthening Oregon’s early learning workforce. Their achievements were supported through partnerships that provided coaching, financial support, on-the-job learning, training, college coursework, and mentorship. Representatives from partner organizations joined in honoring the graduates and highlighting how collaboration can expand access to high-quality child care across the region.
Speakers emphasized that this graduating cohort represents a new generation of early learning professionals helping shape a stronger, more sustainable, and more representative child care system. Their journey demonstrated what is possible when employers, training partners, workforce programs, community organizations, and state initiatives work together toward a shared goal.
The event closed with gratitude, pride, and excitement for the graduates’ next steps. These newly graduated professionals are entering the field with strengthened skills, expanded knowledge, and the support of a partnership-driven pathway that helped make their success possible.
The Northwest Native Chamber’s Quarterly Luncheon gathered Tribal leaders and partners to discuss Native-focused child care improvements, funding resources, and community strategies for supporting Native children and families.
On June 17, the Northwest Native Chamber hosted its Quarterly Luncheon at Barbie’s Village, bringing together Tribal leaders, Native‑led organizations, and partners committed to strengthening Native-centered child care systems. Over the past two years, NWNC has led transformative work by developing Tribal‑focused funding resources and delivering extensive technical assistance that has helped Tribes and Native organizations access critical investments through the Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF).
The luncheon highlighted these efforts and featured a panel discussion with Chenoa Landry (Puyallup) of Future Generations Collaborative (FGC), Valeria Atanacio (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde), owner of Native Mama Scholars, and DELC’s Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) Liaison, Dana Castano (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa). The panel explored early learning pathways, public funding opportunities, and community‑driven strategies for expanding child care in ways that strengthen Native children, families, and culture.
In addition, NWNC’s Tribal Technical Assistance Specialist, MyKel Johnson (Nez Perce), presented on the ongoing work to support Tribes and Native‑led organizations in accessing child care infrastructure resources, navigating state opportunities, and building long‑term capacity for Native‑centered early learning systems. The event underscored the innovation, partnership, and collective momentum shaping the future of child care across Native communities.
Pictured above: NWNC’s Quarterly Luncheon, Panel Speakers (pictured from left to right: Valeria Atanacio (Grand Ronde), Native Mama Scholars, Dana Castano (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), DELC OTELA Liaison, Chenoa Landry (Puyallup), FGC Education Mode Lead, and MyKel Johnson (Nez Perce), NWNC Tribal Technical Assistance Specialist
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care seeks proposals for Training and Technical Assistance to support OPK grantees in enhancing early learning services statewide.
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is soliciting proposals from qualified Contractor(s) to provide Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) services to Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten grantees.
The purpose of this procurement is to deliver a coordinated system of training and individualized, grantee-specific technical assistance that:
The Agency anticipates awarding one or more contracts as a result of this RFP.
*Note: All work products developed under this contract will be the exclusive property of the Agency. The Contractor assigns all rights, title, and interest in such work to the Agency, while retaining ownership of any pre-existing intellectual property. The Contractor grants the Agency a perpetual, royalty-free license to use any Contractor or third-party intellectual property incorporated into deliverables. Except as expressly authorized, neither party may use the other’s intellectual property or branding without prior written consent, and the Contractor may continue to provide similar services to other clients.
Contract Option for providing Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) for Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) Grantees
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to provide statewide Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) services to Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) grantees.
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish a coordinated, high-quality system of training and individualized, grantee-specific technical assistance that strengthens early learning programs across Oregon. Services will support OPK grantees in delivering comprehensive, equitable, and effective services for children and families statewide.
Selected contractor(s) will be responsible for designing and delivering TTA that:
Through this work, the goal is to ensure OPK programs are equipped to meet performance standards, respond to community needs, and sustain high-quality early childhood services.
Additional details, including application requirements, timelines, and submission instructions, will be provided in the Request for Proposal (RFP) that accompanies the application.
DELC anticipates awarding one or more contracts as a result of this solicitation.
The DELC has upgraded its phone system, merging CCLD and DPU into a single Call Center, streamlining access to services with updated menu options and callback features.
We want to let you know about an update to the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) phone system. The next time you call us, things may sound a little different.
On Friday, July 24, we upgraded our phone systems for the Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) and the Direct Pay Unit (DPU). These two systems are combined into one new DELC Call Center.
Whether you want to make a complaint on a child care facility, reach the Direct Pay Unit, or ask general questions for customer service, you can reach those services with just one phone number.
Thank you for your patience while we make these changes. If you have questions, please call 1-800-556-6616 or email ccld.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov.
The Department of Early Learning and Care will launch Oregon ELMS on October 14, 2026, providing an integrated online system for child care providers and families.
We are pleased to announce that the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is launching Oregon ELMS on October 14, 2026. Oregon ELMS is a new online system designed to support child care providers and families across Oregon by bringing licensing and subsidy (ERDC) tools together into one easy‑to‑use platform accessible from a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Providers – your training sessions will be available in late September – early October. You will be able to sign up for Oregon ELMS training through the Oregon Registry Online Training Calendar later this summer. These training sessions are specially designed for providers and will help walk you through how to use the system.
These sessions will be:
Child care providers – you were sent a letter in the mail and email in July about the updated launch date for Oregon ELMS and the training sessions coming up. If you did not receive that letter, please let DELC know by calling 1 (800) 556-6616 or email ccld.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov.
DELC will share updates by email, mail, the DELC website, and the Child Care Updates newsletter.
Thank you for the important work you do for Oregon’s children and families. DELC looks forward to making Oregon ELMS a smooth transition and a better way to work together.
Questions or feedback? Please contact the Department of Early Learning and Care: 1 (800) 556-6616 or ccld.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov.
Wildfires in Oregon are impacting communities, prompting updated health guidelines to protect children’s health from unhealthy air quality. Stay informed and prepared with local resources.
Wildfires and smoke are affecting communities across Oregon. As conditions change, it is important to stay informed and take steps to keep children, families, and early learning communities safe.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently updated its guidance for outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy. The updated recommendations reflect growing evidence that wildfire smoke and air pollution can affect children’s health at lower levels than previously understood. Child care and preschool programs can use this guidance when deciding whether to modify, move indoors, or cancel outdoor activities.
Stay prepared and bookmark these resources:
Continue to monitor local conditions and emergency alerts, as wildfire and smoke conditions can change quickly.
