FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Aug 5, 2025

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292, delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Michelle Klampe, 541-737-0784, michelle.klampe@oregonstate.edu

New Report Shows State Child Care Investments Are Paying Off

Supply boosted to pre-pandemic levels and the majority of Oregon counties are no longer considered child care deserts for preschoolers

SALEM, ORE. – The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the progress being made to provide high quality early learning to children across the state. A new report commissioned by DELC was released the by Oregon State University Child Care Research Partnership titled “Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2024,” which found a significant decrease in child care deserts for preschool-aged children, with just nine counties in that category in 2024 compared to 27 in 2018.

Child care deserts exist when there are three or more children for a single regulated child care slot. Regulated care includes child care centers and home-based providers that are licensed by the state, which meet and maintain required health and safety standards. Without public funds, all 36 Oregon counties would still be considered child care deserts for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties for preschoolers.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see state investments delivering real results for Oregon families,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Director of the Department of Early Learning and Care. “The fact that more communities are no longer child care deserts for preschoolers means more children are accessing the early learning experiences they deserve—and that’s a win for our entire state.”

“We’re seeing state and community investments making a difference in the available supply,” said Megan Pratt, the report’s lead author and an associate professor of practice in the OSU College of Health and the Extension Family and Community Health Program. “There’s more child care available than there has been in the recent past.”

This is the fourth biannual report commissioned by DELC, providing a snapshot of the availability of child care following similar analysis released in 2018, 2020 and 2022, and now 2024. Important findings include:

• While all but two counties remain deserts for infant and toddler care, 25% of counties are child care deserts for preschool age children. This is a continued declining trend with 27 counties in being preschool deserts in 2018, 25 counties in 2020, 18 counties in 2022, and nine counties in 2024.
• Without public slots, all counties would be a child care desert for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties would be a child care desert for preschoolers.
• 1 in every 3 children age five and under have access to a regulated childcare slot statewide.
• Of the non-metropolitan counties, 32-100% of slots are publicly funded compared to 16-50% of slots publicly funded in non-desert metropolitan counties.

Many in-home providers are women owned and operated small businesses. Pratt points to the growth of registered family home slots as a bright spot in this year’s report. “This is the first increase for small home care since 2016,” said Pratt.

The report does not account for all public investments in child care, including those supported by local school districts or counties that are not licensed by the state. This analysis also does not include the use of vouchers such as with the Employment Related Day Care program. Publicly funded programs examined in the analysis include Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten, Preschool Promise, and Baby Promise programs along with federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

“With continued federal uncertainty, it’s even more important for Oregon to maintain the remarkable progress being made. Thanks to sustained investment from the Legislature, Oregon’s child care supply is rebounding after the pandemic,” said Chatterjee. “These gains show what’s possible when we prioritize early learning—it’s helping families access quality, affordable child care and building a stronger foundation for our future.”

The report’s coauthor is Michaella Sektnan of OSU’s College of Health. To read the full 2024 report including county maps and infographics, please visit the Oregon State University website at: health.oregonstate.edu/early-learners/supply.

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

June 19, 2025 

Contact: 

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292 

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov 

Bill Establishing Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund Advances with Bipartisan Support 

HB 2815 upholds Tribal sovereignty and self-determination in early learning

SALEM, ORE. – After a successful work session and passage out of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, HB 2815 passed out of the House and Senate floor. The bill previously passed out of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education with unanimous support before moving to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. The legislations intent is to create a Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund, as well as a new Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance to ensure Tribes can operate early learning programs and supports in accordance with their unique needs.  

HB 2815 helps to ensure that the nine federally recognized Tribes within Oregon’s border hold the ability to focus on initiatives most relevant for their Nations, and is in line with Governor Tina Kotek’s outlined budget priorities. The creation of a Tribal Early Learning Fund allows for flexible funding access to early learning resources for Tribes and strengthens Oregon’s government-to-government relationships.   

HB 2815 is designed and supported by Tribal representatives from across the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon. The Plan will support experiential early learning and child care, promote and revitalize language, and ensure access to cultural resources and curriculum in early learning spaces. These resources are focused primarily on increased supports to Tribal children prenatal through age eight. 

Previously, the legislature passed HB 2055 (2021), which among other things, outlined expectations for a new Tribal Early Learning Hub to coordinate early learning services in Tribal communities. However, as Tribal Representatives began working towards implementation, it was determined that the hub model created administrative burdens and limited the ability of Tribes to express their rights to self-determination in a government-to-government relationship with the State.  

HB 2815 improves upon the initial concepts in HB 2055 by reducing barriers for Tribes in accessing state funding. Now that the bill has passed both houses it will be enrolled and sent to the Governor for her signature. The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will administer grant awards directly to Tribes instead of third parties. In doing so, the bill will streamline the grantmaking process while ensuing Oregon is upholding government-to-government expectations.  

HB 2815 also establishes the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) in place of the current Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) and clarifies DELC’s rulemaking authority.  

Supporters of the bill say this updated approach, along with the dedicated funding, will help to advance the state’s early learning goals while helping to close disparities in accessing early learning opportunities faced by Tribal communities. The funding may be used as directed by each Tribe to expand access to culturally relevant classroom materials, preschool or child care services, Tribal language immersion programs and caregiver education programs among many other Tribal early learning and care-focused goals defined within the Plan.  

“It is imperative to send up words of respect and appreciation for our ancestors who did foundational work to get us to where we are today,” said Julie Siestreem, Tribal Council member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. “The state hasn’t always upheld our right to self-determination. This bill is a step towards extending Tribal Sovereignty. A dedicated fund is needed to move the needle in the right direction – towards centering and respecting Tribal ways of knowing what’s best for our children.” 

“This initiative was developed by the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon through a multi-year, Tribal-led process grounded in self-determination and government-to-government collaboration in close partnership with DELC, to ensure our youngest children have stable resources and brighter futures,” said Paulina Whitehat, DELC Tribal Affairs Director. “Now pending legislative approval, this initiative represents a powerful example of what respectful governance can achieve. In a time of uncertainty, it offers hope and demonstrates how honoring Tribal sovereignty, and mutual trust can guide meaningful, inclusive public policy, setting a model for others to follow.” 

“The Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund is a critical and vital next step for centering Tribal sovereignty in the early learning system,” said Angela Fasana, Education Director of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. “The Plan and Fund will assist the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde in furthering our goals as a people to foster and support our youth and families.” 

“Investing in our youngest of learners allows for a strong foundation of lifelong learning, this bill does just that,” said Alissa L. Lane, CTSI Education and Cultural Programs Director. Dedicated funding would ensure Tribes can implement Tribal specific supports, learning materials and interventions, which is vital for ensuring our Tribal students have the strong start they need in life. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Education department fully supports the proposed bill.”  

The Office of Tribal Affairs at DELC will continue to provide support to implement the plan and fund. To read more about this work please visit Tribal Advisory Committee page of the DELC website. Tribal Sovereignty is one of six goals in DELC’s strategic plan. To learn more visit the Growing Oregon Together page of the DELC website.  

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.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

May 16, 2025 

Contact: 

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292 

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov 

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Head Start’s 60th Anniversary

SALEM, ORE. –The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) works closely with the Oregon Head Start Association through programs that support early learning, health, and family wellbeing while engaging parents as partners. On Friday, agency leadership joined Head Start staff and partners from the Oregon Head Start Association along with representatives from the Governor’s office in honor of the 60th anniversary for a tour of the Community Action Head Start Center in Silverton.  

“Head Start’s transformative programs have positively impacted the lives of children and their families since inception in 1965,” said Nancy Perin, OHSA Executive Director. “For the last six decades, we’ve seen the way Head Start programs improve school readiness, reduce learning disabilities, help to increase graduation and to enhance family well being among numerous other positive outcomes. Head Start programs positively set up children and families to succeed and continue to be a force for good.” 

“It’s wonderful to help elevate this significant milestone,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “After working alongside the Oregon Head Start Association, I can attest to the tremendous impact Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start programs are making each day to families across Oregon. This anniversary is an opportunity to elevate the high quality services that make Head Start so impactful for families here and across the nation.”  

Governor Tina Kotek signed a proclamation in celebration of Head Start’s birthday which will take place on May 18. The Governor also recently provided celebratory video remarks to Head Start staff and partners at their State Director meeting: “In Oregon, we’ve seen firsthand that when we support children and families early on, the impacts are immeasurable,” said Governor Kotek. “Happy 60th anniversary …here’s to many more decades of transforming lives, one child, one family, one community at a time.” 

Head Start programs utilize a unique federal-to-local structure to tailor services to each community and serve children from diverse backgrounds including rural communities, children with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and dual language learners. DELC administers the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) program. OPK is modeled after the successful federal Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool program and serves children from prenatal to five years old. Since OPK’s establishment in 1987, tens of thousands of children and their families have benefited from the program. Programming is available across all 36 Oregon counties. 

Education is only one component of the impactful work of Head Start. In addition to early childhood education, Head Start programs support family well-being by connecting families to medical and dental care while helping parents achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Oregon also offers Early Head Start and Head Start supports for children from Migrant and Seasonal working families along with additional American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs administered by the federal government. 

“No matter their background or zip code, Head Start helps to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive regardless of circumstances,” said Chatterjee. “As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the multiple comprehensive services provided by Head Start staff to children and families. We share our appreciation for the dedication that these community partners bring to improving educational opportunities for some of Oregon’s most vulnerable children.“ 

These free, high-quality early care and education services and wrap around supports are available to families including pregnant people/expectant families. To find out more about eligibility or to find a Head Start center visit: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov)  

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.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

May 9, 2025 

Contact: 

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292 

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov 

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Leaders Visit Early Education Programs in Celebration of Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

SALEM, ORE. –The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the work of providers on Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. Provider Appreciation Day recognizes the child care workforce and their important contributions to young children, families, and communities. DELC Leadership representatives spent the morning visiting with early learning educators at The Exploration Center in Dallas and Diaz Day Care in Salem.  

“Every day, child care providers like you are making a difference – not just for the children in your care, but for their families and the very fabric of Oregon’s economy,”  said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee while speaking to providers in Dallas. “You are shaping futures, making it possible for parents to work with peace of mind – knowing their children are safe and loved. Today, we celebrate you and extend our deepest gratitude for the profound difference you make in so many lives.”  

Earlier this month Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating May 9, 2025 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. The Day is celebrated annually across the country on the Friday before Mother’s Day as a way to say “thank you” to the educators and care professionals positively shaping the lives of young children. 

Some families are choosing to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day with a card or flowers for their care provider. Community members are encouraged to tag DELC on social media with pictures or words of appreciation. 

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.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

May 6, 2025 

Contact: 

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292 

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov 

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Full Statewide Access to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

The Imagination Library of Oregon is now available across all 36 counties and zip codes

SALEM, ORE. – The Imagination Library of Oregon welcomed the Lower Umpqua Library in Reedsport as the 57^th Local Program Partner, making it possible for families in Reedsport and Gardiner to register children under 5 to receive free books by mail each month. To make this coverage possible, the Lower Umpqua Library partnered with the Reedsport Rotary Foundation and was funded by a generous grant from the Oregon Community Foundation. 

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library isn’t just about books – it’s about fostering relationships between caring adults and children that spark the joy of reading at an early age,” Governor Tina Kotek emphasized. “This program is essential to improve our literacy outcomes and helps make sure every Oregon student, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to develop a love of reading before they ever step into a classroom.”

The Imagination Library is a book gifting program developed by The Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton. Since launching in 1995, the Imagination Library has become the preeminent, international early childhood literacy program. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by mailing books each month to children (0-5 yrs. old), free of charge to families, through funding shared by Dolly, the State of Oregon, and local community partnerships.

“This is an incredible milestone.  The goal of the statewide expansion was to ensure that children ages 0-5 in every zip code in Oregon have access to books. With the addition of Reedsport, that goal has been achieved,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “By expanding the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we’re helping more young children across the state build early literacy skills and develop a lifelong love of reading – no matter where they live or what their background may be.”

During the 2023 legislative session, under Senate Bill 5506, $1.7 million was appropriated to DELC to help administer and expand the program statewide. Today, the program is already having a significant reach and impact. Currently, 65,000 Oregonian children are enrolled in the Imagination Library, which translates to approximately 30% of all children under the age of five.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to fall in love with reading, no matter their zip code or family income,” said Majority Leader Ben Bowman, who successfully championed the library going statewide. “The Imagination Library is one of the most effective tools we have to close early literacy gaps and invest in Oregon’s future.”

Primary caregivers of children ages 0-5 can sign up to receive a new book each month by mail at no cost to families. Children can be registered as early as birth and will receive books monthly until their 5^th birthday month.  “It’s a wonderful way for families to build routines and cherished memories together,” said Imagination Library of Oregon, Community Engagement Coordinator, Kaylee Chrystal. 

To learn more about the Imagination Library, or to enroll your child, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/oregon. To view Dolly Parton’s video remarks from the Oregon launch, please visit the DELC website.  

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.
 
 
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community Partners.  The Imagination Library mails more than 3  million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families.  Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More®.
The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

April 7, 2025 

Contact: 

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292 

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov 

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Acknowledges the  
Week of the Young Child 

SALEM, ORE. – The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) joins partners across the country in celebrating the Week of the Young Child. In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating the Week of the Young Child as April 5 – 11, 2025. The annual event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children helps to build awareness about young children and to recognize the early learning professionals and programs meeting those needs.  

DELC leadership, alongside the Executive Director of the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub, kicked off the start to the week with a visit to a local child care program in Silverton. The visit included a tour of a Preschool Promise classroom of young children ages 3-5 years old.  

“We are thrilled to celebrate the Week of the Young Child across Oregon. This is a chance for us to recognize this critical time in a child’s life and the transformational impact early learning and child care has on Oregon communities. Child care and early learning programs and the dedicated early learning professionals who do this work every day create a pivotal space for children to develop curiosity, joy, and a love of learning – providing a strong start before they enter the doors of kindergarten, “ said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “We are grateful to Governor Tina Kotek for recognizing the Week of the Young Child and for elevating the importance of the earliest years for children and families.”  

Each day during the celebratory week, there will be multiple themes highlighting early learning, young children, their families, and early learning professionals. DELC is currently spotlighting these daily themes and information over social media. To share pictures and stories about your family use the hashtag #WOYC25 and tag DELC’s social media pages. 

For more information on Week of the Young Child®, visit naeyc. Learn more about the importance of early childhood education in Oregon: Oregon.gov/DELC. 

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
March 21, 2025

Child Care Infrastructure Fund Round Two Accepting Applications on March 26

$15 million will be awarded for infrastructure projects at Oregon child care facilities.

Business Oregon is pleased to announce that the application portal for Round Two of the Child Care Infrastructure Program will be opening on March 26, 2025. The Child Care Infrastructure Program, created in response to Oregon’s House Bill 3005 (2023), provides critical financial assistance for infrastructure activities that support child care facilities. Business Oregon is working with the Department of Early Learning and Care, other state agencies, and private and non-profit entities to implement this grant and loan program.

With $50 million in lottery bonds approved by the Oregon Legislature at the recommendation of Governor Tina Kotek, the Child Care Infrastructure Fund is dedicated to improving and expanding the spaces where Oregon’s youngest minds learn and grow, ultimately making a significant impact on children, families, and communities statewide.

The Child Care Infrastructure Program directly supports Governor Kotek’s Education and Early Learning priority by expanding and improving child care infrastructure so that children in Oregon have the opportunity to thrive in their early learning environments and families are empowered with the child care support they need to succeed.

“Affordable, accessible child care is an essential support for working families,” Governor Kotek said. “The first round of child care funding is showing results for Oregon families across the state, serving children with a wide range of needs. Let’s keep going.”

The first round of Child Care Infrastructure Fund funding awarded a total of $10 million in grants to 64 child care businesses in 29 different Oregon counties for eligible projects involving fixed, immovable assets including new construction, repairs, renovations, modernizations, retrofitting, property acquisition and planning projects. Learn more about the awarded projects at www.oregon.gov/biz/.

“Access to affordable, safe, and high-quality child care is necessary to support the needs of Oregon families and our state’s workforce,” said Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon. “The need for these grants is clear. In the first round, we received 736 applications requesting a total of $280 million in funding. We were only able to award $10 million of those requests. So, we are looking forward to awarding another $15 million in Round Two and even more later this year to continue to support these critical projects.”

This spring, another $15 million will be distributed to awardees in the second round of funding. The application portal for the second round of funding opens on March 26, 2025 and closes on April 30, 2025. Access to the portal starting at noon on March 26 can be found on the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure webpage at www.oregon.gov/biz/.

“This second round of grants will provide resources to expand high quality child care and preschool options for families who desperately need care,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “Child care and infrastructure are intimately linked. We know that when we remove barriers in locating, developing, and expanding child care facilities, we are creating economic opportunities and care options to Oregon workers to help grow the economy and support children and families to thrive.”

An additional $25 million in Child Care Infrastructure Funding will become open for applications later in 2025. These rounds of funding will continue to address the demands of child care providers, ensuring that every dollar invested makes a meaningful difference in the availability and quality of child care services throughout Oregon.

If you have questions or need technical assistance completing the Child Care Infrastructure Program application, please contact the CCIF Technical Assistance providers below:

Northwest Native Chamber

Website: Child Care Infrastructure Fund – Northwest Native Chamber

Email: ccifsupport@nwnc.org

First Children’s Finance

Website: First Children’s Finance – Oregon

Email: InfoOregon@FirstChildrensFinance.org

Media Contact: Amber Nabors, amber.nabors@biz.oregon.gov

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Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency’s services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at biz.oregon.gov.

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.