COVID-19 Resources: For Providers
The below resource will be regularly updated for child care providers to track important updates during COVID-19.
For full guidance on operating child care during COVID-19, visit oregonearlylearning.com/COVID-19-Resources/For-Providers.
Health and Safety Guidelines Version 2.0
In mid-May, ELD will publish updates to the “Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care and Early Education Operating During COVID-19.” Register to join a webinar to review Version 2.0 updates on the dates listed below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
For more information, download the flyer: https://oregonearlylearning.com/form_sets/flyer-version-2-0-health-and-safety-guidelines/
Registered Family (RF) and Certified Family (CF) Providers
May 26, 2021 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9128486796876515851
Certified Center (CC) Providers
May 27, 2021 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7960682302876105995
Spanish-speaking Providers
June 5, 2021 | 9 to 10 a.m.
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9073589280791625231
Upcoming Webinar on Early Childhood Legislation
You’re invited to attend a webinar on Tuesday, May 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. to learn about legislation related to early learning and child care. Early Learning Division joins the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Governor’s Office to host a webinar on House Bill (HB) 3073. Click here for more information on HB 3073, including frequently asked questions.
Click on your preferred language below to submit questions about HB 3073.
English | Spanish | Russian | Vietnamese | Chinese
Join the webinar on Tuesday, May 11 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Join by Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97960874011
Or phone: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 979 6087 4011
Thank you, Oregon Early Childhood Educators!
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and Friday, May 7 is National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. We admire Oregon early childhood educators for their passion, talent, perseverance, and BIG hearts. Thank you for supporting children and families, especially during this challenging year. Take care and be kind to yourself! Consider this advice from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, award-winning physician, researcher, and advocate, and California’s first Surgeon General:
“Educators can deliver the daily doses of healing interactions that truly are the antidote to toxic stress. And just as the science shows that it’s the cumulative dose of early adversity that’s most harmful, it also shows that the cumulative dose of healing nurturing interactions is most healing . . . We know that educators are the backbone of our society. As we do this work, I want to encourage you to put your own oxygen mask on first. Because we need you in this fight. We need you in this struggle. In order for any of us to provide that safe, stable, and nurturing environment for the children that we serve, we have to practice self-care so that we can be available. Please make sure to put your own oxygen mask on and practice real care for yourself so that you can be there for the next generation.”
Click here to read the full Edutopia interview.
There are so many ways to show appreciation for educators this week and throughout the year. Click here to read a recent article by Education Week.
A Message from ELD’s Miriam Calderon
This week marks my final week serving as the Early Learning System Director for the state of Oregon. Before I go, I wanted to take one final opportunity to acknowledge you for the incredible work you do for Oregon’s children and families. And, to say thank you for all that we have accomplished together in my nearly four years in this role.
Since starting in 2017, I could not have imagined how far we could go to elevate early childhood in Oregon, and to advance toward a more equitable early learning system. It has been an honor and privilege to serve in this role.
I will carry all of my experiences here to my next role – the successes and the challenges, the many lessons, especially from this last year of COVID-19, and my passion for young children, families, caregivers, and early educators in Oregon. I think we are in a unique moment in our field, and I am excited to take this experience and contribute at the federal level. I look forward to helping shape federal policy for Oregon and other early learning and child care systems in our nation.
In closing, I want to thank Alyssa Chatterjee for stepping in to lead at this important time for early learning and child care in Oregon. I have nothing but excitement and hope about the future direction for early childhood in this state, and have no doubt that the best days yet are soon to come.
With Gratitude,
Miriam
New Research Shows Importance of Child Care for Oregon Families
For Oregon families, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges. It also increased existing barriers to high-quality, affordable early care and education. In Fall of 2020, the Early Learning Division (ELD) contracted with Portland State University’s Center for the Improvement of Child and Family Services and OSLC Developments, Inc. They conducted a statewide survey and listening sessions with families about their child care services, supports, and experiences during the pandemic.
To learn more about the impacts of COVID-19 on families’ experiences with child care, click here.
REMINDERS:
- Share feedback on Oregon’s draft Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State Plan for 2022-2024. ELD invites you to participate in a public hearing on April 27 OR submit a comment through a public feedback form. Learn more: oregonearlylearning.com/administration/state-plans/
- National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (May 7) and National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3 to 7) are coming up! Join ELD in recognizing the MANY ways Oregon educators have made a difference in the lives of children and families. Encourage your community to join in celebrating! Check out these ideas from Child Care Aware of America (click here) and National Parent Teacher Association (click here).
Free Supply Order for Child Care Providers
The Early Learning Division (ELD) wants to help ensure child care providers have personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 1, 2021, Emergency Child Care providers are eligible to receive one free order of supplies by applying through the state’s website: https://supplyconnector.org/states/oregon/free-ppe/.
For more information on eligibility and how to complete an order, click here.
Child Care & Development Fund
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to State, Territory, and Tribal grantees. CCDF supports Oregon’s efforts to provide child care services for low-income families and enhance the quality of child care for all children.
Let your voice be heard and share feedback on Oregon’s draft CCDF State Plan for 2022-2024. ELD invites you to participate in a public hearing on April 27 OR submit a comment through a public feedback form. LEARN MORE: oregonearlylearning.com/administration/state-plans/
Findings from the COVID-19 Vaccine Barrier Survey
In February 2021, the Early Learning Division (ELD) invited child care providers to participate in a survey about their experiences accessing a COVID-19 vaccine and any barriers they may be facing. The survey was open to anyone formally linked with a child care program or facility (in-home, family-based, or center-based care) who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine AND who is at least 18 years old. Click here to learn about the results.
Thank you to all who took time to offer feedback!
Frequently Asked Questions
ELD regularly updates the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the “For Providers” webpage. Below is a summary of new or updated FAQs.
*UPDATED* Q: Once children return to school, they will have a stable group at school and a different stable group at child care. Is this allowed and is this safe?
Yes, it is not expected for child care to mimic the school’s cohorts. Outbreaks in the child care setting are rare. As this is the current practice, ELD allows children to be in different cohorts in school and in child care.
- May 6
-
Health and Safety Guidelines Version 2.0
In mid-May, ELD will publish updates to the “Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care and Early Education Operating During COVID-19.” Register to join a webinar to review Version 2.0 updates on the dates listed below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
For more information, download the flyer: https://oregonearlylearning.com/form_sets/flyer-version-2-0-health-and-safety-guidelines/
Registered Family (RF) and Certified Family (CF) Providers
May 26, 2021 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9128486796876515851Certified Center (CC) Providers
May 27, 2021 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7960682302876105995Spanish-speaking Providers
June 5, 2021 | 9 to 10 a.m.
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9073589280791625231Upcoming Webinar on Early Childhood Legislation
You’re invited to attend a webinar on Tuesday, May 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. to learn about legislation related to early learning and child care. Early Learning Division joins the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Governor’s Office to host a webinar on House Bill (HB) 3073. Click here for more information on HB 3073, including frequently asked questions.
Click on your preferred language below to submit questions about HB 3073.
English | Spanish | Russian | Vietnamese | ChineseJoin the webinar on Tuesday, May 11 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Join by Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97960874011
Or phone: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 979 6087 4011Thank you, Oregon Early Childhood Educators!
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and Friday, May 7 is National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. We admire Oregon early childhood educators for their passion, talent, perseverance, and BIG hearts. Thank you for supporting children and families, especially during this challenging year. Take care and be kind to yourself! Consider this advice from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, award-winning physician, researcher, and advocate, and California’s first Surgeon General:
“Educators can deliver the daily doses of healing interactions that truly are the antidote to toxic stress. And just as the science shows that it’s the cumulative dose of early adversity that’s most harmful, it also shows that the cumulative dose of healing nurturing interactions is most healing . . . We know that educators are the backbone of our society. As we do this work, I want to encourage you to put your own oxygen mask on first. Because we need you in this fight. We need you in this struggle. In order for any of us to provide that safe, stable, and nurturing environment for the children that we serve, we have to practice self-care so that we can be available. Please make sure to put your own oxygen mask on and practice real care for yourself so that you can be there for the next generation.”Click here to read the full Edutopia interview.
There are so many ways to show appreciation for educators this week and throughout the year. Click here to read a recent article by Education Week.
- April 26
-
A Message from ELD’s Miriam Calderon
This week marks my final week serving as the Early Learning System Director for the state of Oregon. Before I go, I wanted to take one final opportunity to acknowledge you for the incredible work you do for Oregon’s children and families. And, to say thank you for all that we have accomplished together in my nearly four years in this role.
Since starting in 2017, I could not have imagined how far we could go to elevate early childhood in Oregon, and to advance toward a more equitable early learning system. It has been an honor and privilege to serve in this role.
I will carry all of my experiences here to my next role – the successes and the challenges, the many lessons, especially from this last year of COVID-19, and my passion for young children, families, caregivers, and early educators in Oregon. I think we are in a unique moment in our field, and I am excited to take this experience and contribute at the federal level. I look forward to helping shape federal policy for Oregon and other early learning and child care systems in our nation.
In closing, I want to thank Alyssa Chatterjee for stepping in to lead at this important time for early learning and child care in Oregon. I have nothing but excitement and hope about the future direction for early childhood in this state, and have no doubt that the best days yet are soon to come.
With Gratitude,
Miriam
New Research Shows Importance of Child Care for Oregon Families
For Oregon families, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges. It also increased existing barriers to high-quality, affordable early care and education. In Fall of 2020, the Early Learning Division (ELD) contracted with Portland State University’s Center for the Improvement of Child and Family Services and OSLC Developments, Inc. They conducted a statewide survey and listening sessions with families about their child care services, supports, and experiences during the pandemic.
To learn more about the impacts of COVID-19 on families’ experiences with child care, click here.
REMINDERS:
- Share feedback on Oregon’s draft Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State Plan for 2022-2024. ELD invites you to participate in a public hearing on April 27 OR submit a comment through a public feedback form. Learn more: oregonearlylearning.com/administration/state-plans/
- National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (May 7) and National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3 to 7) are coming up! Join ELD in recognizing the MANY ways Oregon educators have made a difference in the lives of children and families. Encourage your community to join in celebrating! Check out these ideas from Child Care Aware of America (click here) and National Parent Teacher Association (click here).
- April 5
-
Free Supply Order for Child Care Providers
The Early Learning Division (ELD) wants to help ensure child care providers have personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 1, 2021, Emergency Child Care providers are eligible to receive one free order of supplies by applying through the state’s website: https://supplyconnector.org/states/oregon/free-ppe/.
For more information on eligibility and how to complete an order, click here.
Child Care & Development Fund
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to State, Territory, and Tribal grantees. CCDF supports Oregon’s efforts to provide child care services for low-income families and enhance the quality of child care for all children.
Let your voice be heard and share feedback on Oregon’s draft CCDF State Plan for 2022-2024. ELD invites you to participate in a public hearing on April 27 OR submit a comment through a public feedback form. LEARN MORE: oregonearlylearning.com/administration/state-plans/
Findings from the COVID-19 Vaccine Barrier Survey
In February 2021, the Early Learning Division (ELD) invited child care providers to participate in a survey about their experiences accessing a COVID-19 vaccine and any barriers they may be facing. The survey was open to anyone formally linked with a child care program or facility (in-home, family-based, or center-based care) who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine AND who is at least 18 years old. Click here to learn about the results.
Thank you to all who took time to offer feedback!
Frequently Asked Questions
ELD regularly updates the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the “For Providers” webpage. Below is a summary of new or updated FAQs.
*UPDATED* Q: Once children return to school, they will have a stable group at school and a different stable group at child care. Is this allowed and is this safe?
Yes, it is not expected for child care to mimic the school’s cohorts. Outbreaks in the child care setting are rare. As this is the current practice, ELD allows children to be in different cohorts in school and in child care.
