Governor Kate Brown Announcement: Face Covering Requirement for K-12 Schools

On Thursday, July 29, Governor Kate Brown directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to create a rule to require masks indoors for K-12 schools statewide for the 2021-22 school year. Click here to download the press release.

This direction by the Governor responds to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s July 27 guidance for fully vaccinated people. Based on the latest science of the spread of the Delta variant, CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

At this time, the rule is in draft form. We anticipate that the rule will not apply to all Oregon child care providers. We expect any program operating in a school building would be subject to this draft rule. This includes public, private, parochial, charter or alternative schools. The rule would require all individuals age two years or older, including students, staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors, to wear masks while indoors. The rule would take effect immediately upon adoption, and affect summer programs taking place in school buildings. ELD will send an update when the rule is adopted with any necessary clarifying details.

As a reminder, in the “Child Care Provider COVID-19 Requirements and Recommendations,” the Early Learning Division recommends face coverings be worn by adults who are not vaccinated, and children in grades kindergarten and up while indoors. The governor is also asking all Oregonians to wear masks indoors as stated in her announcement: “In the meantime, as we ask Oregonians statewide to mask up in public indoor spaces, we will continue working hard to vaccinate more people so we can finally beat this virus once and for all. Vaccines remain the most effective and best way to protect ourselves and our families.”

If you have questions, please contact your licensing specialist or email us at ProviderContact@state.or.us.

Stabilization Grants: Frequently Asked Questions 

Congress set aside funds through the American Rescue Plan Act to support child care providers following the pandemic. Oregon received approximately $250 million in child care stabilization funds. The funds were given to states with specific requirements around applications and distributing the funds. 

Oregon child care providers can expect to apply for additional funding in mid-September from the Child Care Stabilization Fund. Grant applications will be posted on the Early Learning Division website. All applicants who meet the requirements will receive funding. 

To learn more, download the FAQs below. 

New Report: “The Effects of COVID-19 on Oregon’s Early Care & Education Workforce and Programs” 

New research shows the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Oregon’s child care and early care and education programs’ ability to remain open and serve families. ELD contracted Portland State University and OSLC Developments, Inc. to conduct the study, which involved a statewide survey of 3,035 early educators during March of 2021. This survey was open to all early educators across the state of Oregon, including directors, owners, lead teachers, assistant teachers, and aides. The findings highlight inequities, including low wages and layoffs, particularly for early educators of color. 
 
Thank you to all who participated in the survey!  
 
Click here to read a press release and download a report of the survey findings. 

Certified Family and Certified Center Rules: Infant Definition Update

In May, the Early Learning Council voted and approved new language for the infant definition in Certified Family (CF) and Certified Center (CC) rules. The infant definition is now the same across all provider types–the same for CF, CC, and RF providers. The below rule updates were effective immediately upon approval by the Council in May.   

Certified Family child care home OAR 414‐350‐0010 (15) provides the definition: “Infant” means a child who is at least six weeks of age up to 12 months of age. Certified Child Care Center OAR 414-300-0005 (22) provides the definition: “Infant” means a child who is at least six weeks of age up to 12 months of age. These definitions match the current Registered Family definition: “Infant” means a child who is at least six weeks of age up to 12 months of age (OAR rule 414-250-0010 (10).  

Following this change, providers must follow safe sleep rules for all children 12 months and younger. If you have any questions, please contact your licensing specialist or email us at ProviderContact@state.or.us.

Deadline for Supplies: July 16

Oregon child care providers may request supplies from the Early Learning Division (ELD) until July 16, 2021. Free supply packages contain items such as masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes, etc. from ELD’s remaining inventory. Providers who have requested supplies previously are welcome to make another request. To order supplies, visit https://supplyconnector.org/states/oregon/free-ppe/ and complete the order form. Please have your license/provider number and the shipping address for supplies ready.

Child Tax Credit Monthly Benefits Start July 15

Help spread the word of monthly benefits for families! Payments for the new Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan Act start July 15. All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called Head of Household). For every child six to 17 years old, families will get $250 each month, and for every child under six years old, families will get $300 each month.   

Families who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or who signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service will get this tax relief automatically. Families who didn’t make enough to be required to file taxes in 2019 or 2020 can still get benefits. Visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/child-tax-credit/sign-up/ to sign up.

Oregon House Bill 3073 Fact Sheets 

On June 26, 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 3073. HB 3073 creates a new early learning agency – called the Department of Early Learning and Care, or DELC, beginning January 1, 2023. 

ELD recently created a fact sheet that provides a summary of the legislation and an anticipated timeline. Click below to download.  

COVID-19 Recovery: Recommendations and Requirements  

Early Learning Division (ELD) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are reducing requirements for child care providers, as detailed in the letter and “Child Care Provider COVID-19 Requirements and Recommendations” document published on June 25, 2021 and effective on June 30, 2021. Existing COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines will no longer be in effect. 

The requirements below follow rules adopted by OHA. For requirement details, view pages 1 through 3 (or 4 for Spanish and Russian) of the “Requirements and Recommendations” document.

• A communicable disease management plan
• Exclusion and notification criteria
• Recordkeeping for contact tracing

NOTE: In the section labeled “COVID-19 Exclusion and Notification,” if “should” is mentioned, it is not required.

ELD and OHA list several recommendations for best practices on the remaining pages. These recommendations are not enforced. This includes recommendations for:

• Excluding or monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19.
• Verifying vaccination status.
• Face coverings. For example, all adults are recommended to wear a face covering unless they are vaccinated.
• Stable groups. For example, ELD and OHA recommend keeping adults and children in the same groups as much as possible.
• Handwashing and general hygiene. For example, ELD and OHA recommend always storing hand sanitizer out of reach of children.
• Food and nutrition. For example, recommendations to avoid family-style meals and discontinue use of drinking fountains.
• Ventilation and air flow. For example, recommendations to improve air quality by opening windows and doors, exhausting air from indoors to outdoors, using filtration methods, and (if applicable) ensuring ventilation systems operate properly.
• Cleaning and building maintenance. For example, ELD and OHA recommend the 3-step method: 1. WASH 2. RINSE 3. SANITIZE or DISINFECT.
• Transportation. For example, recommendations for cleaning and sanitizing the transportation vehicle.
• Health education, training and communication. For example, recommendations for including COVID-19 safety precautions in staff orientations, staff trainings, and family support.

If you have any questions, please contact your licensing specialist or email us at ProviderContact@state.or.us.

New Temporary Rules for Licensed Programs

On June 24, 2021, the Early Learning Council approved temporary rules for licensed programs to allow continued use of hand sanitizer in certain circumstances, expanded use of Aide 2 staff, as well as transition time for online CPR training to meet licensing requirements. Click below to view temporary rules by provider type. Click here to view a recording and meeting materials.

The Early Learning Council also adopted temporary rules to implement SB 757. SB 757 modified “conditional enrollment”, which is temporary limited enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR) for child care staff while they await full enrollment. This will help child care programs hire new staff and transition individuals with Emergency Background Checks in a timely manner.

These temporary rules expire 180 days after adoption. ELD will engage the public and present permanent rules for adoption by the Early Learning Council in a future meeting.

Last Call for Supplies

Oregon child care providers are invited to request supplies from the Early Learning Division (ELD) until July 16, 2021. As we move into COVID-19 recovery, this is the final opportunity to access free supply packages containing items such as masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes, etc. from ELD’s remaining inventory. Masks are optional as of June 30, 2021 and are still included in these pre-packed supply kits. Funds to purchase the supplies during the pandemic were approved by the Oregon Legislature in 2020.

Providers who have requested supplies previously are welcome to make another request.

How do I order supplies?

Go to the website (https://supplyconnector.org/states/oregon/free-ppe/) and complete the order form. Please have your license/provider number and the shipping address for supplies ready.

Some care packages are suited for school-age child care and others accommodate the care of young children and infants. Providers can choose one option.

Oregon House Bill 3073 passed by Oregon Legislature

On June 26, 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 3073. HB 3073 creates a new early learning agency – called the Department of Early Learning and Care, or DELC, beginning January 1, 2023.

The Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program, currently administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), would be transferred to DELC on July 1, 2023, aligning all child care administration under one agency. The goals of the new agency are to create a child care and early learning system that is more responsive to the needs of children, families, and providers, particularly our most vulnerable families. A single agency may help Oregon support funding and expansion opportunities, grow the supply of child care, and ensure equitable access.

For more information and updates on this legislation, visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/HB3073.

Happy Pride Month!

Additional resources are included in the June 9 Child Care Updates.

Important Update on Face Coverings and Physical Distancing  

Following the latest guidance from Oregon Health Authority, the Early Learning Division (ELD) updated the requirements and recommendations for face coverings and physical distancing when indoors and outdoors. This includes:   

• When outdoors, face coverings and physical distancing are NOT required for anyone (staff, children, caregivers, visitors, volunteers, etc.).  
• Adults (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) are required to wear face coverings during indoor drop-off and pick-up. When outdoors, ELD recommends that adults maintain six feet of physical distance during drop-off and pick-up if not wearing a face covering.   
• ELD recommends that unvaccinated staff and staff at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness wear face coverings when outdoors if routinely in close contact with children or other adults.  

Click here for full details on the latest updates and to download the full “Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care and Early Education Operating During COVID-19.”

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.

Reminders

• On June 8, ELD started a 21-day pause in accepting Emergency Background Checks (EBC) for individuals not enrolled in the Central Background Registry (CBR). ELD expects to return to the standard background check process, as required by Oregon law, on June 29, 2021. Visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/providers-educators/providers-educatorscbr/ for more information and the requirements for enrolling in the CBR. In the event the current COVID-19 state of emergency declaration is extended beyond June 28, 2021, ELD will revisit this policy and notify providers and the public. 
• On June 8, ELD started a 21-day pause in accepting applications for programs who are not licensed or recorded to operate Emergency Child Care (ECC). ELD expects to return to the agency’s standard licensing process, as required by Oregon law, on June 29, 2021. Visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/COVID-19-Resources/Emergency-Child-Care for more information. In the event the current COVID-19 state of emergency declaration is extended beyond June 28, 2021, ELD will revisit this policy and notify providers and the public.
• Thank you to all who attended the Health and Safety Guidelines Version 2.0 Webinars on May 26, May 27, and June 5. Click here to download webinar recordings.  
• Click here for an important recall notice, “Fisher Price Recalls 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers” from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Happy Pride Month!

In June and throughout the year, celebrate the LGBTQ+ movement and people in your community! Take moments to listen, learn, and advocate for inclusivity and equality for ALL Oregonians. Click below for resources on how to support children, families, and staff.  

• How to Make Your School More Welcoming for LGBTQ Families, Edutopia 
• Queer America, Learning for Justice 
• How to Explain Pride Month to Your Child, Parents Magazine 
• The ABCs of Diversity and Inclusion: Developing an Inclusive Environment for Diverse Families in Early Childhood Education, Zero to Three 
• 29 LGBTQ Children’s Books for Families to Read, Chicago Parent 

Bridge Funding (ECC5) Applications Open 

On May 21, Early Learning Division (ELD) announced another grant opportunity for Emergency Child Care (ECC) providers through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. To be considered for an award, eligible ECC providers must complete a brief application by the June 8, 2021, 5:00 p.m. (PST) deadline: https://ode.smapply.org/prog/ecc5/.

To date, ELD has awarded $82.1 in grant funding to providers since the start of the pandemic. This includes the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CARES) Act and Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). Additionally, we anticipate $224 million in future grants later this year from the American Rescue Plan Act, pending approval from the Oregon Legislature.

Included below are a few featured Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and to read all FAQs.

Health and Safety Guidelines Version 2.0

On May 18, the Oregon Early Learning Division published updates to the “Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care and Early Education Operating During COVID-19.”  

Since publishing, ELD has shared important updates on face coverings: 

Providers and staff only, exception to requirement to wear a face covering if: 

• They are fully vaccinated and it has been verified by the program director/provider and; 
• They have a medical condition or disability, as documented by their doctor’s or other medical or mental health professional’s order, that prevents them from wearing a face covering. 

Unvaccinated staff must continue to wear a face covering when children or staff are present regardless of a documented medical condition or vaccination status. 

When Outdoors: If 6 feet of distance can be maintained, all staff may remove their face covering, regardless of vaccination status. School-aged children continue to be required to wear a face covering or may remove their face covering if 6 feet of distance can be maintained.

When Indoors: Fully vaccinated staff are not required to wear face coverings or physically distance inside their facility outside of child care hours. Vaccination status must be verified by the director/provider. Staff and children must continue to wear face coverings when indoors and during child care hours.  

All staff, regardless of vaccination status, can follow 6.2, and remove their face covering during child care hours when they are completely alone in a space. 

ELD Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month  

Join ELD in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! This month and throughout the year, we encourage our staff, Oregon child care providers, and early learning partners to engage, reflect, and grow in their understanding and appreciation of the AAPI identity, culture, and history. How can you support and celebrate with fellow staff members, children, and families?  

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center created a video series for educators, by educators called “We are not a stereotype.” This series explores and challenges the complexity surrounding the term Asian Pacific American, breaking it down into topics that span multiple timelines, geographies, and identities. Click here to access educational videos and resources. 

Other resources:  

• How to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Kids, Parents Magazine  
• Incorporating Asian American and Pacific Islander Experiences in the Early Grades, Edutopia 
• 9 Books to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, PBS for Parents 

New Report: Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2020 

A new report from Oregon State University shows that as of March 2020, all 36 counties in Oregon qualify as child care “deserts” for infants and toddlers. “This report highlights why Oregon needs to continue to invest in child care and focus on strategies that build our supply of affordable, high-quality child care and ensure our existing programs are supported,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Oregon’s acting learning system director in the Early Learning Division. “Many families are struggling to access high-quality child care, and we can’t wait to address the issue.” Click here to read the press release and here to download the report.  

Reminders 

• Visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/COVID-19-Resources/For-Providers for updated tools, FAQs, and the NEW Two-Minute Tips (TMT) resource. ELD worked with Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington to develop TMT handouts that include a brief summary of recommendations for implementing the “Health and Safety Guidelines.”
• Important recall notice for Kidde TruSense Smoke Alarms and combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms that were sold at Walmart, Home Depot, Menards, Amazon and other stores between May 2019 and September 2020. Visit https://bit.ly/3usdOXd for the full recall notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Thank you to all who attended the webinar on House Bill 3073 and the New Department of Early Learning and Care. Visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/HB3073 to download a recording of the webinar and for more information.   

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:

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.