Tag: CCU-2026

October 2026 Community Newsletter

October 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

Another month has flown by – Maya just turned one and I am excited to head into fall with lots of work ahead. Here are a few things that are top of mind for me. 

Community Baby Shower 

Treasurer-Steiner-and-Director-Chatterjee

This month I visited a community baby shower in McMinnville with my family, it was wonderful being able to connect with local families as well as the local Early Learning Hub. A part of the visit included supporting State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner as she announced a $100 Baby Grad bonus for parents who open an education savings account before their child’s first birthday. The event provided families with resources, education, and infant essentials to help give children the strongest possible start in life.   

For more information about the Baby Grad $100 incentive, families can visit embarksavings.com/baby-grad to learn more about Embark, Oregon’s official 529 education savings program. 

Oregon ELMS Phased Launch 

Thank you for your continued partnership as Oregon prepares to launch the Oregon Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS). The new online platform will make it easier and faster for child care providers to access information, complete paperwork, get updates, and more.  Providers told us they need more time to prepare, and our system partners asked for more time to learn the new platforms so they can support you along the way. In order to be responsive to this feedback, we are moving to a phased launch of the system. DELC staff and some system partners will start to use select features of Oregon ELMS this fall. System partners and child care providers received an announcement about this change directly this month.

Head Start Awareness Month 

This month is Head Start Awareness Month! Governor Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating October as Head Start Awareness Month. Head Start has been serving children and families across the country since 1965. Recognizing the tremendous impact of the program, Oregon created in 1987 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. For more information, read the press release.   

Agency Request Budget 

DELC has submitted the 2027-29 Agency Request Budget (ARB) for the agency. All agencies were required to submit this by August 31st as a part of the starting point in the broader budget process for all state agencies. This was a difficult budget to develop, given that, statewide budget instructions required agencies to submit revenue neutral requests. This means that any new request proposed by state agencies must be funded using existing revenue. This is the first time in over 10 years this frame has been used, due to statewide revenue challenges and federal conditions. DELC focused on identifying foundational supports essential to effectively serve the early learning and care sector.  All content within the DELC ARB are proposals and not final decisions. To review  the DELC 2027-29 ARB, please visit the DELC website. 

Legislative Days  

September Legislative Days were held from September 8-10 this year. The legislature announced the formation of a new committee – the House Early Childhood Committee – in addition to the Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee. DELC got the opportunity  to provide some grounding context on the history of DELC to the House on September 8th, before sharing some information on Child Care Resource & Referrals on September 9th. To watch the committee recordings you can visit OLIS: Senate Early Childhood & House Early Childhood. 

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Caring Communities Tour Visits South Central Oregon

DELC staff visited the South Central Region, connecting with local child care programs during the final Caring Communities Tours, enhancing collaboration in rural Oregon.

We are closing in our last few Caring Communities Tours! This month DELC staff visited the South Central Region CCR&R and Early Learning Hub. It was wonderful being able to connect with local partners and several child care and preschool promise programs serving rural Oregon. We are always thankful for the opportunity to learn and connect with local partners! 

Collage of Caring Communities tour group photos.

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Celebrating the legacy and impact of Head Start in Oregon 

Governor Kotek proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month in Oregon, celebrating the program’s significant impact on children’s education and family support since 1965.

SALEM, ORE. – Today, Governor Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating October as Head Start Awareness Month. The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) join communities across Oregon and the nation in honoring the enduring legacy and vital work of Head Start in the lives of young children, families, and early learning professionals. 

“Head Start is more than a preschool program—it is a comprehensive support system for children and families,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “From early learning services to dental and vision screenings, to the wraparound resources that help families meet daily needs, Head Start ensures children enter school healthy, supported, and ready to succeed. Its impact reaches far beyond the classroom, strengthening families and opening doors for every child, regardless of zip code or circumstance.” 

Since its launch in 1965, Head Start has nurtured hundreds of thousands of children in Oregon, strengthened family stability, and consistently demonstrated positive impact through comprehensive, community-centered, and family-driven services. 

“During Head Start Awareness Month, we have an opportunity in Oregon to recognize the lasting impact of quality early education and family support,” said OHSA Executive Director Nancy Perin. “Head Start programs across our state work alongside families and communities to ensure children learn, grow, and succeed. We are grateful to the educators, staff, families, and community partners commitment to children and their futures.”   

The Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) program, established in 1987 and modeled after Head Start, is administered by DELC and available across all 36 Oregon counties. OPK has expanded to support children from prenatal to age five, exceeding the federal investment in Head Start to help tens of thousands more children and their families statewide. 

Throughout October, DELC and OHSA will celebrate Head Start Awareness Month by raising awareness of the essential role Head Start plays in Oregon. To find a head start center visit: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov). To learn more about Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten/Head Start visit: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/Pages/head-start-opk.aspx 
 

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care 

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates. 

Versión en Español 

Celebrando el legado e impacto de Head Start en Oregón 

La gobernadora Kotek proclama octubre como el Mes de Concientización sobre Head Start 

SALEM, ORE. – Hoy, la gobernadora Kotek emitió una proclamación estatal designando oficialmente octubre como el Mes de Concientización sobre Head Start. La Gobernadora y el Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano (DELC, por sus siglas en inglés) se unen a comunidades alrededor de Oregón y del país para honrar el legado y el trabajo vital de Head Start en la vida de niños pequeños, familias, y profesionales del aprendizaje temprano. 
 

“Head Start es más que un programa preescolar: es un sistema integral de apoyo para niños y familias”, dijo la directora de DELC, Alyssa Chatterjee. “Desde servicios de aprendizaje temprano hasta exámenes dentales y de visión, pasando por los recursos integrales que ayudan a las familias a cubrir sus necesidades diarias, Head Start asegura que los niños entren a la escuela sanos, apoyados, y listos para tener éxito. Su impacto va mucho más allá del aula, fortaleciendo a las familias y abriendo puertas para cada niño, sin importar el código postal o las circunstancias.” 

 
Desde su inicio en 1965, Head Start ha apoyado el crecimiento de cientos de miles de niños en Oregón, fortalecido la estabilidad familiar, y demostrado consistentemente un impacto positivo a través de servicios integrales, centrados en la comunidad y orientados a la familia. 

“Durante el Mes de Concientización de Head Start, tenemos la oportunidad en Oregón de reconocer el impacto duradero de la educación temprana de calidad y el apoyo familiar”, dijo Nancy Perin, directora ejecutiva de OHSA. “Los programas Head Start en todo nuestro estado trabajan junto a familias y comunidades para asegurar que los niños aprendan, crezcan y tengan éxito. Estamos agradecidos con el compromiso de los educadores, el personal, las familias y los socios comunitarios con los niños y su futuro.” 
El programa de Prenatal a Kínder de Oregón (OPK), establecido en 1987 y basado en Head Start, es administrado por DELC y está disponible en los 36 condados de Oregón. OPK se ha expandido para apoyar a niños desde etapa prenatal hasta los cinco años, superando la inversión federal en Head Start para ayudar a decenas de miles de niños más y sus familias en todo el estado. 

Durante octubre, DELC celebrará el Mes de Concientización sobre Head Start dando mayor visibilidad al papel esencial que desempeña Head Start en Oregón. Para ubicar un programa de Head Start visite: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov). Para saber más sobre Oregon Prenatal a Kínder/Head Start visite: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/Pages/head-start-opk.aspx. 
 
Acerca del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano de Oregón 

La misión del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano es fomentar servicios coordinados, culturalmente apropiados, y centrados en la familia que reconozcan y respeten las fortalezas y necesidades de todos los niños, las familias, y los profesionales del aprendizaje y cuidado temprano. Para obtener más información sobre la agencia, visite Oregon.gov/DELC. También puede conectarse con la agencia en Facebook o inscribirse para recibir noticias y actualizaciones. 

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DELC on Social: September 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 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! 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

Today is Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance, reflection, and resilience. We honor the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and sent to boarding and residential schools designed to erase their languages, cultures, and identities.

As an agency dedicated to young children and families, DELC has a responsibility to understand the intergenerational trauma these systems caused and to make sure our work supports healing, equity, and justice. Honoring Tribal sovereignty is one of our top priorities.

We invite you to take time today to learn this history, reflect on its ongoing impact, and consider how we can each help build a future where every child is honored, protected, and empowered.

Last week, the Caring Communities Tour traveled to the South Central region for two days in Klamath Falls, Myrtle Creek, Roseburg, and Sutherlin.

Our team visited Klamath Early Childhood Development Center, Klamath Community College’s new campus child care center, Baby Llamas Learning Path, Wildflower Preschool and Child Care, Umpqua Wonders Academy, and Happy Hearts. Along the way, we heard about new centers opening, programs growing from family child care into larger centers, and the barriers and wins that come with that growth.

A big thank-you to our partners at Child Care Resource & Referral of Douglas, Lake, and Klamath Counties, the South Central Early Learning Hub, and every program that opened its doors to us. Your work is making a real difference for kids and families in Southern Oregon.

What a sweet day celebrating new and growing families at the bilingual community baby shower in McMinnville! 

We were honored to be part of it. Opening an Embark account before your baby’s first birthday gets you a $100 Baby Grad bonus toward their future. Learn more: embarksavings.com/go-far 

On July 28th, DELC was honored to host the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) for its first-ever in-person gathering at our Salem office. 

OTELA members, DELC staff, and partners came together to help shape the first draft of Oregon’s Tribal Early Learning Plan — a statewide plan for Native American and Alaska Native children, birth to eight. The day centered shared voices, Tribal sovereignty, and a collective vision for culturally and linguistically responsive early learning across Oregon.

We’re grateful for the thoughtfulness and care each member brought to this work, and we look forward to the partnership ahead.

Learn more about OTELA and DELC’s commitment to Tribal sovereignty by visiting: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/about-us/pages/otela.aspx

Oregon child care providers, help shape how the state understands the true cost of care. DELC is partnering with Prenatal to Five Fiscal Strategies to update Oregon’s child care cost model, which helps inform ERDC payment rates. Join a provider input session in your region (or a statewide one) to share what it really takes to offer quality care and stay in business. Sessions are also available for license-exempt providers.

Learn more and register here: https://www.prenatal5fiscal.org/oregon

Imagine dropping your little one off at childcare just steps from your front door. DELC’s Director Alyssa Chatterjee was interviewed at the new Elm Park development about bringing childcare into affordable housing, so more Oregon families have care close to home.

Updates to Child Care Facility Rules: What Providers Need to Know

On September 23, 2026, the Early Learning Council established permanent rules for child care facilities regarding program inactivity, closures, and new defined terms to improve compliance.

On September 23, 2026, the Early Learning Council adopted permanent rules to Chapter 414, Division 75, General Rules for All Child Care Facilities, defining the requirements for program inactivity and the conditions and processes for various program closures. The rules took effect on September 24, 2026.

Summary of Rule Changes

  • Some definitions have been added, including: “Administrative Closure”, “Paused Status”, and “Voluntary Surrender”
  • Licensed programs have the right to voluntarily surrender their licenses
  • The rules outline when a program must notify DELC of Paused Status
  • The rules outline when DELC may consider closures appropriate either due to long periods of inactivity or in the case of abandoned operations
  • An additional rule was passed which defines an inspection exception process, which grants a 60-day inspection waiver in some cases

What does this mean for your program?

If you are a licensed or regulated subsidy provider and you currently have children in care, you do not need to take any action. If you are a licensed or regulated subsidy provider and you have not had any children in care or will not have any children in care, for more than 30 consecutive calendar days, then you need to let us know here at the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). DELC will provide technical assistance tools and resources to help programs understand and put into practice the new requirements.

If you have questions about the new rules, please contact your licensing specialist or DELC customer service at ccld.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov

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Update on the Oregon ELMS Rollout: What Providers Can Expect

Oregon is launching the Oregon Early Learning Management System (OELMS) with a phased approach, allowing providers more time for training and preparation to ensure successful usage.

Thank you for your continued partnership as Oregon prepares to launch the Oregon Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS). The new online platform will make it easier and faster for child care providers to access information, complete paperwork, get updates, and more.

We are excited to share that Oregon ELMS is ready from a technical perspective. However, providers told us they need more time to prepare, and our system partners asked for more time to learn the new platform system so they can support you along the way.

In order to be responsive to this feedback, we are moving to a phased launch of the system. DELC staff and some system partners will start to use select features of Oregon ELMS this fall, and providers will now have a longer period of time for orientation and training.

We know providers are juggling a lot with the start of a new program year, and we hope the additional time and resources will ensure providers feel comfortable using the new system. System partners and child care providers received an announcement about this change directly this month. Please keep an eye out for additional updates and timelines.

Thank you for the important work you do every day.

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Share your feedback on updating Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines

DELC and ODE invite early childhood professionals to participate in a virtual session to update Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines, providing feedback and receiving stipends.

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) would like to hear from you at a virtual engagement session! We are updating and expanding the Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines to include infant and toddler development, align with recent state-wide initiatives and frameworks, and support early learning and care settings serving children ages birth to five. 

  • If you are interested in participating in a virtual session, please fill out this short interest form. 
  • Participants in engagement sessions will receive a stipend for their time.  
  • After you fill out the interest form, we will contact you in the next few weeks if there are spaces available on the dates you have selected. 

DELC and ODE want to hear from the professionals who use the guidelines and support young children every day: early educators, program leaders, administrators, kindergarten teachers, and others working with children from birth through age five are invited to participate. During the session, you will have an opportunity to review proposed updates and share feedback based on your experiences working with young children and families. Your perspective will help ensure the updated guidelines are relevant, practical, culturally responsive, and useful across Oregon’s diverse early learning settings.  

Thank you for supporting Oregon’s early learning initiatives! 

Comparta sus comentarios sobre la actualización de las Pautas de Aprendizaje Temprano y de Kindergarten de Oregón

¡El Departamento de Aprendizaje Temprano y Atención Infantil de Oregón (DELC) y el Departamento de Educación de Oregón (ODE) desean conocer su opinión! Estamos actualizando y ampliando las Pautas de Aprendizaje Temprano y Kindergarten para incluir el desarrollo de los bebés y los niños pequeños, armonizarlas con las recientes iniciativas y marcos estatales, y apoyar a los centros de aprendizaje y atención temprana que atienden a niños desde el nacimiento hasta los cinco años. 

  • Si está interesado en participar en una sesión virtual, le rogamos que llene este breve formulario de interés. 
  • Los participantes en las sesiones de participación recibirán una compensación económica por el tiempo dedicado.  
  • Una vez que haya llenado el formulario de interés, nos pondremos en contacto con usted en las próximas semanas si hay plazas disponibles en las fechas que haya seleccionado. 

El DELC y la ODE desean conocer la opinión de los profesionales que utilizan las pautas y prestan apoyo a los niños pequeños a diario: se invita a participar a educadores de la edad temprana, responsables de programas, administradores, maestros de kindergarten y otras personas que trabajen con niños desde el nacimiento hasta los cinco años. Durante la sesión, tendrá la oportunidad de revisar las actualizaciones propuestas y compartir sus comentarios basándose en sus experiencias de trabajo con niños pequeños y sus familias. Su punto de vista contribuirá a garantizar que las pautas actualizadas sean pertinentes, prácticas, culturalmente sensibles y útiles en todos los diversos entornos de aprendizaje temprano de Oregón.  

¡Gracias por apoyar las iniciativas de aprendizaje temprano de Oregón! 

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Get Involved: Child Care Liability Insurance Workgroup Update

Halfway through the Child Care Liability Insurance Workgroup meetings, DELC invites providers to engage, watch recordings, register, and share feedback on their webpage.

We are half-way through our six-month Child Care Liability Insurance Workgroup meetings. DELC is encouraging interested providers to participate in this work by visiting the webpage to learn more about the goals of this workgroup, watch past meeting recordings, register to attend future meetings, and submit public comment with your ideas, experiences, and feedback.

Click here to learn more about the Child Care Liability Insurance Work Group.

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What is Every Child Belongs?

Every Child Belongs (ECB) is a publicly funded service in Oregon supporting childcare providers in creating inclusive environments and managing children’s needs effectively.

Every Child Belongs (ECB) is a publicly funded statewide service that helps Oregon child care providers create supportive, inclusive environments to help keep young children in care. 

Not sure what Every Child Belongs is or how it can support you? Watch our What is Every Child Belongs? video to learn what kinds of support are available and when to reach out.

The video is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese, making it easier for more providers and communities across Oregon to learn about Every Child Belongs.

Whether you are navigating challenging behaviors, looking for strategies to support inclusion, building a trauma-informed environment, or feeling unsure about next steps for a child in your care, Every Child Belongs can help connect you with support early — before challenges feel overwhelming.

You can reach out if:

  • A child’s behavior feels challenging 
  • You are unsure how to meet a child’s needs 
  • You want support for your early learning environment 
  • You would like help supporting a child, or children, before things escalate 
  • You are overwhelmed and that is making it difficult to care for children 
  • Your program or community experienced a traumatic event and needs support processing it 

Support may include infant and early childhood mental health consultation, technical assistance, behavioral support strategies, inclusion strategies, family engagement tools, professional development, and other resources. 

Reaching out early, while challenges are still small, can make the difference in keeping children in care where they belong.

Learn more or request support

Visit everychildbelongs.org to learn more about Every Child Belongs.

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Time for Reflection, Recognition, and Commitment

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognized in Oregon since 2021, honors Indigenous cultures and supports Tribal sovereignty, emphasizing equitable services for Indigenous families and communities.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed on the second Monday in October, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. In Oregon, this day has been formally recognized since 2021, following the passage of House Bill 2526. It is a time to reflect on truth, resilience, and the ongoing presence of Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities who enrich our state.

Why It Matters to DELC

For DELC staff, Indigenous Peoples’ Day aligns with our commitment to culturally grounded, family-centered services. Our work is deeply connected to Tribal sovereignty, early learning partnerships, and ensuring Indigenous children and families are supported, respected, and empowered. DELC’s Office of Tribal Affairs and strategic initiatives emphasize equity, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care—principles at the heart of this observance.

Ways to Honor the Day

  • Attend Indigenous-led events or celebrations in your community.
  • Learn from Indigenous educators, authors, and knowledge holders.
  • Support Indigenous artists, businesses, and organizations.
  • Explore whose Indigenous homelands you reside on using Native Land Digital map.
  • Commit to year‑round learning and relationship-building with Indigenous communities and Tribal Nations.

Working with Tribal Nations

DELC honors the sovereignty of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon and is committed to upholding Tribal Consultation and ensuring strong government-to-government relationships. Lead by the Office of Tribal Affairs, consultation and engagement with Tribes and the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) will continue to guide our work and strengthen our shared priorities.

Learn More & Explore

In addition to exploring films and books by Indigenous authors, here are some resources to deepen your learning:

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