Tag: CCU-2026

DELC on Social: February Highlights

As we wrap up January, 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 February, 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

In early learning spaces, every child deserves to see themselves reflected, valued, and celebrated. During Black History Month, we uplift the stories, leaders, and cultures that continue to inspire stronger, more inclusive communities for families and children. Today and always. #DELC #EquityinEducation #BlackHistoryMonth

Interested in Early Childhood Education? Join WOU’s Zoom Info Night on Feb 11th, 6-7:30pm! Learn about their flexible EC bachelor’s degree & EI/ECSE licensure program. 

Link in flyer! 

Repost from Seasme Street in Communities:

Rest is about more than just closing our eyes for a good night’s sleep. Read this article to learn about the many kinds of rest and why they’re important: https://m.sesame.org/rethinkrestfb 

Repost from Reach Out & Read:

Those first few years are short, but, as Reach Out and Read Wisconsin’s David Gerhard knows, they shape so much of what comes next.

Having support early on can help families feel steadier, more confident, and less alone as they learn and grow together.

And that can make all the difference.

Happy 167th Birthday, Oregon! We’re grateful to be part of this incredible state and honored to serve the children and families who make it so vibrant. What do you love most about calling Oregon home?

Repost from Northwest Native Chamber:

We’re excited to share a new round of Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) webinars happening this month and into March!

Whether you’re a child care provider working hands-on in your program or part of agency leadership guiding big-picture strategy, there’s something here for you. Each session offers practical guidance, helpful tools, and space to learn alongside others doing this important work.

Our first webinar kicks off tomorrow! Take a look through the slides to see which sessions are the best fit for you, and we hope to see you there.

Repost from Oregon Head Start Association:

The OHSA Spring State Meeting is coming up! Make plans to join us in Salem on April 29 – May1 for this chance to come together and focus on strengthening our impact and continue making a difference in the lives of young children and their families in Oregon. https://ow.ly/Bis950YihVV

Repost from BuildUp Oregon:

IN MARCH: Free online workshops for family child care providers on outdoor spaces – in English and Spanish!

ENGLISH: March 5, 5:00-6:30pm PT

WATER, WIND, AND WEATHER: ENGAGING INFANTS AND TODDLERS IN OUTDOOR SPACES: Explore positive and engaging ways to support infant and toddler growth and development through outdoor settings. For both FCCs and child care centers.

Register: https://bit.ly/4klgS20

ESPAÑOL: 6 de marzo, 5:00-6:30pm PT

AGUA, VIENTO Y CLIMA: CÓMO INVOLUCRAR A LOS BEBÉS Y NIÑOS PEQUEÑOS EN LOS ESPACIOS AL AIRE LIBRE: En este entrenamiento de una hora y media, le invitamos a explorar formas positivas y atractivas de apoyar el crecimiento y el desarrollo de los bebés y los niños pequeños a través de actividades al aire libre.

Regístrese: https://bit.ly/46vNEHQ

 Created in partnership with Low Income Investment Fund and Early Childhood Health Outdoors

Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) Opportunity for Suspension and Expulsion Prevention

The Oregon DELC is forming a Rules Advisory Committee for feedback on suspension and expulsion prevention rules, inviting diverse stakeholders to apply by March 27, 2026.

March 2, 2026

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will be adopting Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) related to suspension and expulsion prevention. DELC will create a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to gather feedback on proposed rules and identify supports that may be needed to implement the proposed ruleset.

DELC would like to invite members of the following groups to apply to participate in the RAC:

  • Certified Center Representatives
  • Certified Outdoor Nature-Based Representatives 
  • Certified Family Child Care Providers
  • Registered Family Child Care Providers
  • Child Care Provider Union Representatives
  • Families of young children impacted by suspension and expulsion
  • Child Care Resource and Referral Representatives
  • Early Learning Hub Representatives 
  • Tribal Nation Representatives 
  • Culturally specific organizations serving young children
  • Regional Service Provider of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC)

Participants will be compensated for their time and insights. The application period opens March 2, 2026 and closes March 27, 2026. There will be two RAC meetings hosted on:

Certified Center and Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care Programs:
April 14, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm

Registered Family and Certified Family Child Care Programs:
April 21, 2026 6:00pm-8:00pm

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Abby Strom abby.strom@delc.oregon.gov

for more information on this RAC, click here!

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

March 2026 Community Newsletter

March 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

I can’t believe it’s already time for another Chatterjee Chats! February has totally flown by – never under-estimate a legislative short session.  

Legislative Session

Most of my time has been spent talking to legislators about DELC spending and needed policy changes. While we enter more constrained budget environments, one thing that continues to be clear is the recognition that families need support in accessing child care and early learning across the state. 

Governor’s Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable

The Governor announced a new roundtable on Tuesday, February 24th that will focus on increasing access to child care and preschool services across the state. The Governor is a long-standing champion of early learning and previously named early learning as one of her three priorities for the 25-27 biennium. DELC is going to be a part of this roundtable, and our own Carey McCann and Dorothy Spence will be part of the staffing team. We are excited to work alongside the Governor’s Office as this ambitious and exciting work gets underway.

Carey’s Corner: What Am I Reading

We recently rediscovered the interactive and learning space – ECHOES – the Early Childhood History, Organizing, Ethos, and Strategy Project. It tells the many histories of the ECE system and spotlights the untold stories of the women who taught and cared for young children. ECHOES explores the voices and visions of women of color, immigrant women, and working-class women by offering archival materials, stories, papers, audio and video clips, historical timelines, and contemporary material. An example of the history it describes is how Black women organized to expand child care, kindergarten and professional development as part of broader efforts to advance racial and gender justice at the turn of the century. 

Click below to view other Community Newsletter articles

Oregon ELMS: Project Update and What’s Coming Next

Oregon ELMS is an evolving online platform for early learning, streamlining licensing, payments, and coordination. Updates, training, and communication will begin in March through April 2026.

March 2, 2026

Oregon’s Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS) is a new, modern online platform that will bring together licensing, provider payments, and service coordination in one place — making it easier for DELC staff, partners, providers, and families to access information, complete tasks, and collaborate. This update shares the latest news on project progress, upcoming milestones, and how these changes connect to your work in supporting Oregon’s early learning system.

What Is Happening?

  • Through April 2026, DELC will continue developing, testing, and refining Oregon ELMS to ensure it meets immediate needs, while also identifying and planning for future priorities and system enhancements.
  • Monthly communications will share progress updates, key messages and action items. Messages will also include training-related information and system previews as details are confirmed.
  • Training on how to use Oregon ELMS for child care providers, partners, and families will happen this summer.

The first monthly communication with more information about Oregon ELMS will be mailed and emailed to child care providers in early March.

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

Announcing the New Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance

The Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) is established to enhance early learning for Native American children, with its first meeting on March 24, 2026.

March 2, 2026

The Department of Early Learning and Care and its Office of Tribal Affairs is excited to announce the launch of the new Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance advisory body.

DELC would like to formally congratulate and welcome the following individuals to OTELA, who have been appointed by the respective Tribe to serve in this capacity:

Burns Paiute Tribe

Elise Adams

Amber Weller

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

Jennifer Reid

Jesse Jackson

Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

Jemiah Wassman

Julie Siestreem

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

Ashlee Webb

Justine Flynn

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Alissa Lane

Sonya Moody-Jurado

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Jaimie Crane

Jory Spencer

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Valerie Switzler

Taw (T.J.) Foltz

Coquille Indian Tribe

Becky Cantrell

Barb Shelton

Klamath Tribes

Jennifer Jackson

The first OTELA meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026. The meeting will take place from 1:00-2:30pm PST.

If you would like to attend the meeting, please email Dori Houser, Tribal Affairs Coordinator, at Dorianne.Houser@delc.oregon.gov.

About OTELA

House Bill 2815 (2025) created OTELA and the Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund (TELP/F), codified in ORS 417.831. OTELA is the formal advisory committee established by DELC to guide the development and implementation of the TELP/F. The Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund is a statewide early learning and care plan for Native American and Alaska Native children, ages birth to eight, who are enrolled in early childhood care or education programs.

OTELA will be responsible for advising DELC on the development and implementation of the Tribal Early Learning Plan; recommending the distribution of funds; and providing input on the delivery of culturally and linguistically responsive early learning services.

DELC looks forward to working with the newly formed Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance and strengthening Tribal early learning in Oregon together.

Please contact the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) Liaison, Dana Castano, via email at dana.castano@delc.oregon.gov or by phone at 971-718-4393 if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

-DELC Office of Tribal Affairs

We invite you to stay connected! Check out our OTELA webpage or sign up for our monthly Office of Tribal Affairs Newsletter at the following link: Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (govdelivery.com)

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

February 2026 Community Newsletter

February 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

Happy New Year! I have returned from maternity leave. I had an amazing four months with my new little family, and I could not have enjoyed that time without the support of my team. Jumping back into the Chatterjee Chats, you’ll still get to hear from Carey McCann throughout the year – especially as we get ready for the 2026 Legislative Short Session. Here are a few things that are top of mind for me as I am jumping back in:

Legislative Session

As we head into the six-week short session, DELC will be ready to triage and distribute any legislative bills that may impact the programs and services we provide. This is a fast and furious time, while we simultaneously begin preparing for the 2027 legislative session. Let the whirlwind begin!

Budget

On February 3, Cooper Brown and I will be giving a presentation to the Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education (our budget committee) to review underspend from last biennium. In this context, underspend refers to the funds that were unspent by the end of the biennium. Some underspend is common amongst agencies, but as a new agency with one biennium officially under our belt, we are poised to make improvements to ensure we maximize the funding that goes out the door in service of our communities.

Immigration

Oregon continues to be a Sanctuary State, and Governor Kotek has made her commitment to that status clear. If you haven’t already, you can listen to her remarks from an immigration roundtable that she convened last weekend. As we continue to navigate the uncertainty and fear that we, and our communities, are experiencing, I am buoyed by the Governor’s commitments and our vision that all children, families, early care and education professionals, and communities are supported and empowered to thrive.

Oregon Early Learning Management System

I have to say, this project was a really exciting one to come back to. There has been so much progress since I left as the team hurtles towards a summer launch of the Oregon Early Learning Management System (Oregon ELMS)! I know how excited folks are to see what Oregon ELMS can do. Stay tuned for more information regarding rollout and trainings.

Carey’s Corner: What Am I Reading

With the New Year as a time when many reflect on the past year and set intentions for the upcoming year, I was looking back at what we’ve been reading and listening to in 2025. I would like to highlight Elliot Haspel’s book, Raising a Nation:10 Reasons Every American Has a Stake in Child Care For All. This book offers a combination of real-life stories, history, and policy analysis. It presents a case for the importance of child care. There is a 30-minute interview with Haspel by the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children that can be watched here. And, New America offers an excerpt of the book on their website. He explores the “very human activity” that all early learning and care settings offer across our country in fostering the development of young children, supporting families to thrive by having meaningful choices, and contributing to our communities’ assets and well-being.

Click below to view other Community Newsletter articles

DELC on Social: January Highlights

As we wrap up January, 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 January, 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

Check out the latest edition of DELC’s Community Newsletter!

IN THIS ISSUE: 

  • Message from our Interim Director
  • Office of Tribal Affairs announces updated Tribal webpage

Click the link below to explore the latest issue of DELC’s Community Newsletter and Child Care Update. Don’t miss out—subscribe today to have these updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a month! https://delcnews.org/child-care-update/

Today, we honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing the work of building a more just and equitable future—starting with our youngest learners. Access to quality early learning and care lays the foundation for lifelong opportunity, equity, and belonging. #MLKDay #EarlyLearning #EquityInEducation

Repost from Oregon Department of Education:

Help Feed Kids This Summer: Schools and Community Organizations Needed to Offer Meals Through the Summer Food Service Program

Read the release: 

https://content.govdelivery.com/…/ORED/bulletins/40444ef

Repost from United Way of the Columbia-Willamette:
STEAM activities are a great way to create an accessible, supportive space where families play and learn together. Our Early Learning Washington County hub had a blast hosting 𝟯𝟭 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 and 𝟵𝟬+ 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀 for a day of hands-on STEAM learning! 

A special thank you to our Parent Accountability Council members who provided individualized social and emotional learning support, ensuring sensory needs were met and transitions were smooth for our little explorers. 

Shout-out to Hillsboro School District , IRCO Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization , Healthy Families, and Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care /Preschool Promise for helping us connect with our community for this event!

Repost from Oregon Department of Human Services:

We’ve seen some people are concerned about food benefits if the federal government enters another partial shutdown. We want you to know – your ODHS benefits, services and supports, including SNAP, will not be impacted in February 2026.

SNAP is currently funded through September 2026. February 2026 SNAP benefits will go out like normal in Oregon.

The DELC Grants & Contracts Webpage Has Been Redesigned!

The DELC Grants & Contracts webpage has been redesigned to enhance access to funding opportunities and provide essential information for current and prospective grantees.

February 2, 2026

The DELC Grants & Contracts webpage has been redesigned!

Grants and contracts are essential to advancing DELC’s mission and vision. They enable DELC to invest in efforts that expand access to high-quality care, promote equity, and improve outcomes for children and families. The Grants and Contracts webpage is one of the first places organizations go to learn about DELC funding opportunities and serves as a platform for promoting DELC’s work.

To better support prospective and current DELC grantees and contractors, DELC has redesigned the external-facing webpage to more accurately reflect its purpose – providing relevant, accessible information about DELC grants and contracts.

The updated Grants & Contracts page provides:

  • Foundational information – From key definitions to answers to frequently asked questions, such as what a grant is and how to apply, the body of the webpage is designed to give visitors the foundational information they need to understand how grants and contracts work at DELC.
  • Links to funding opportunities – Not only can visitors see current DELC funding opportunities, but they can also browse those which have recently closed to get a sense of what options may be available in the future.
  • Access to a resource library – The resource library is a living space housing relevant DELC policies, program manuals, and guidance documents to support various aspects of award management. This section will continue to grow as new materials are developed.
Check out the updated page!

If you have feedback or questions, please contact DELC.Awards@delc.oregon.gov

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Grant

A grant supports child care facilities with lead remediation projects, providing funding for safe drinking water improvements, requiring licensed plumbers for most work.

February 2, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

  • Operating and has an active child care license at the time of the request.
  • Have failed their most recent lead test (lead levels of 15 parts per billion (ppb) or more).

This grant is designed to reduce lead in drinking water by supporting projects that address the underlying causes of elevated lead levels in child care and educational facilities. It provides essential funding to help facilities ensure safe drinking water for children. Eligible activities include remediation to decrease lead hazards and the replacement of water pipes and fixtures within facilities. Reimbursable expenses may cover the removal and replacement of internal plumbing, faucets, drinking fountains, water filling stations, lead service lines, lead connectors, and other lead-free devices used for drinking, cooking, or preparing infant formula and food. All remediation work must be performed by a licensed plumber, except for filter installations, which may be completed without one.

Funding Award by Program Type

Program TypeFunding Eligibility
Regulated Subsidy Child Care (RS)Not to exceed $5,000
Registered Family Child Care Homes (RF)Not to exceed $5,000
Certified Family Child Care Homes (CF)Not to exceed $5,000
Certified Child Care & School-Age Centers (CC)Not to exceed $15,000
Certified Outdoor Nature-Based Programs (ON)Not to exceed $15,000

Payment and Reimbursement

Upon project completion, submit the Payment Request Form and copies of all original receipts to The Research Institute (TRI). TRI will award payment for approved expenses up to the maximum allowed amount.

Learn More & Apply

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles

Welcome Lloyd Commander & Tribal Affairs Office Transition

Lloyd Commander has been appointed as the new Tribal Affairs Director for DELC, bringing 12 years of Head Start experience and a commitment to improving children’s lives.

February 2, 2026

We are excited to announce the hiring of Lloyd Commander as the new Tribal Affairs Director for the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).

Lloyd is an enrolled member and citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) in eastern Oregon. He brings more than 12 years of experience as a Head Start Director, along with several years of experience working with CTUIR and participating in Government-to-Government Education Cluster meetings. Lloyd holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, a master’s degree from a seminary, and extensive training in early learning. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, walking, and listening to great music.

Lloyd shared, “I am excited to start my job in the Department of Early Learning, Tribal Affairs Office, and look forward to meeting many of you in the near future. I believe together we can make a positive impact in the lives of children, their families, and communities.”

Lloyd will begin his position on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. At that time, the Office of Tribal Affairs will transition from the Programs Division to the Policy and Government Affairs Division. This move is intended to provide additional support to the Tribal Affairs team and to help ensure that agency policy and major decisions incorporate and uphold Tribal sovereignty and strong government-to-government relationships.

Please join us in welcoming Lloyd to the DELC team!

Click below to view other Child Care Update articles