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Early Learning Division Announces Temporary Changes to Child Care Rules in Response to COVID-19
March 18, 2020
(Salem, Ore) – The Early Learning Division (ELD) is announcing new guidance and temporary changes to support child care providers serving families who provide health, safety, and other essential services to their communities during the coronavirus public health emergency. Authorized under Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-08 issued on…
Oregon expands child care benefits to support families and providers during spread of COVID-19
March 17, 2020
Salem, OR -- To support Oregon’s working families dealing with the spread of COVID-19, Governor Brown directed the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Early Learning Division to make changes to child care benefits. The temporary changes, which are effective immediately, will help more low-income, working families access child…
Child Care Facilities Can Remain Open Through Latest Order
March 17, 2020
(Salem, Ore) – Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced new social distancing orders on March 16, 2020 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which include canceling events and gatherings larger than 25 people. This limit does not apply to child care facilities, which can remain open at this time. “Child…
Child Care Providers in Oregon Not Required to Close During State of Emergency
March 13, 2020
(Salem, Ore) – Following Governor Brown’s statewide school closure announcement in response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Early Learning Division (ELD) is not requiring child care facilities to close at this time. School closures will likely increase the need for child care. “Child care is a critical support for working…
Early Learning Division Extends Deadline to Access Early Learning Funding
March 13, 2020
(Salem, Ore) – The Early Learning Division (ELD) is extending the deadline to apply for Student Success Act grants to Monday, May 4, 2020. The extension includes the four programs within the Early Learning Account: Preschool Promise, Early Childhood Equity Fund, Preschool Promise Fiscal Agent and Oregon Pre-kindergarten. The extension…
State agencies issue COVID-19 guidance to Oregon schools and universities
March 9, 2020
Media contacts: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us Marc Siegel, Oregon Dept. of Education: 971-239-7982, marc.siegel@state.or.us Endi Hartigan, Higher Education Coordinating Commission: 971-701-4032, endi.hartigan@state.or.us State agencies issue COVID-19 guidance to Oregon schools and universities Health officials recommend taking steps to prevent infection and keeping schools open (Portland – March 8, 2020) Public…
Oregon Kindergarten Assessment Results for 2019-20
February 6, 2020
The first few years of a child’s life are a critical time for high quality learning (Salem, Ore) – The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Early Learning Division (ELD) today jointly released results from the 2019-20 Oregon Kindergarten Assessment, which were largely unchanged from the previous year. The…
Funding Opportunities Open to Expand Preschool and Early Learning Services in Oregon
January 31, 2020
(Salem, Ore) – The Early Learning Division is now accepting applications to expand culturally specific early learning programs and infant, toddler, and preschool education programs to serve Oregon’s youngest children and families. The funds are available thanks to the Student Success Act – a historic $1 billion annual investment in…
Oregon Awarded $26.6 Million Federal Grant to Expand Preschool, Early Learning Services
December 23, 2019
(Salem, Ore) – The Early Learning Division was awarded a $26.6 million grant by the federal Administration for Children and Families to improve and expand programs to serve Oregon children and families from birth to age five. The funds will be distributed over three years ($8.9 million annually) and focus…
Governor Brown Appoints New Members of Early Learning Council
October 29, 2019
(Salem, Ore) – Governor Kate Brown and Early Learning System Director Miriam Calderon welcomed six new members to the Early Learning Council this week. “Success in career, college, and the classroom begins with early learning and preparing our children to be lifelong learners,” said Governor Kate Brown. “We know that…
Preparing your child for preschool
August 22, 2019
This month, we share advice and insights from Lindsay Pearson, an Early Learning Division Preschool Program Specialist, on how parents and preschool aged children can start a successful school year. What does learning look like in preschool? In preschool, children learn best through play. Preschool teachers know that play dough…
Redmond Graduates Celebrate Milestone in Early Learning
July 1, 2019
Redmond Graduates Celebrate Milestone in Early Learning Late night studying is part of the daily routine for Maria Martinez of Bend. But she’s not your typical college student. The mother of three, who immigrated from Mexico after middle school, also works a full-time job as a child care provider. This…
Celebrate Summer Reading – Our Staff Share Their Picks
June 17, 2019
Celebrate Summer Reading – Our Staff Share Their Picks We asked ELD staff, including Early Learning System Director Miriam Calderon, to offer some of their favorite summer books for early learners. Research has long supported the benefits of reading aloud to young children, encouraging language development and the relationship…
Temporary Rules Now Permanent
April 15, 2019
On March 28, 2019, the Early Learning Council adopted several temporary child care rules, making them permanent. Here is a summary of those changes: Applicable to all providers: Central Background Registry (CBR) Rules update the crimes that are considered disqualifying conditions for enrolling in the CBR. Also, adds programs that…
Governor Brown issues proclamation for “Week of the Young Child”
April 9, 2019
Giving her support to high quality early learning care and education, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a proclamation for April 8-12, 2019 as “Week of the Young Child.” The week is an annual celebration hosted by NAEYC to spotlight early learning, young children, their teachers, families and communities. Daily themes such as…
Focused Child Care Networks
April 29, 2014

On April 23, 2014 the Early Learning Division Office of Child Care conducted a webinar around the Focused Child Care Networks grant that is currently open. If you missed it, you can watch the recording here.
Building Early Learning Partnerships for a Strong Foundation in Education
September 13, 2016

The Early Learning Division invites you to participate in an upcoming conference titled Building Early Learning Partnerships for a Strong Foundation in Education. This conference, which will bring providers of early learning services and K-3 educators together for a shared professional learning experience, will take place on November 17-18, 2016…
Preschool Promise, Oregon’s Free Preschool Program, Begins This Month
September 6, 2016

Early Learning Hubs across the State Will Implement Preschool Promise (Salem, Ore.) – Oregon’s innovative free preschool program, Preschool Promise, begins this month with rolling starting dates across the state. Oregon’s mixed delivery preschool pilot supports children and families living at 200 percent of the poverty level. Preschool Promise will…
Text-to-911
August 30, 2016

Text-to-911 planning and implementation is underway in Oregon and Southwest Washington, and should be available throughout Oregon in the next 24 months. The Portland-Metropolitan Region implemented an interim pilot project to receive text-to-911 messages, and after months of successful testing, went live on August 23, 2016. The National Emergency Number…
Webinar for Child Care Center Directors and Certified Family Child Care Owners
August 3, 2016

Join us on a webinar to learn more about the New Health and Safety Training Requirements. August 18th, 2016 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Log into the webinar by using the link below: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/927046517 Dial in: 1 (877) 309 2070 Access Code: 927-046-517 Audio Pin: Given once you are logged in
New Health and Safety Training Requirements
July 26, 2016

The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 requires training and regulation on specific health and safety topics for all caregivers that are licensed or who receive federal child care subsidy funding. The Early Learning Division will be adopting rules on the new training requirements soon. More information…
Early Learning Division and Partners Launch P-3 Resource Site
July 6, 2016

There is a growing recognition that achieving third grade success requires a strong continuum of support starting with prenatal development through third grade (P-3). Oregon’s Early Learning Division and Department of Education are partnering with The Children’s Institute, Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), The Ford Family Foundation, and Portland State University…
Regulated Subsidy Family Home Child Care Rulemaking: Implementing the CCDBG Act of 2014
June 15, 2016

The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 (CCDBG) requires states to develop health and safety requirements for all child care facilities that accept reimbursement through Child Care and Development Fund subsidy payments. Oregon Revised Statutes 329A.505 authorizes the Office of Child Care to conduct on-site inspections when…
Free Baby Sign Language Class
May 24, 2016

Don't miss an opportunity for a Baby Sign Language class on Wednesday, June 1, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. It will be held at Earl Boyles Elementary School, in partnership with Mt. Hood Community College Early Head Start, in the Earl Boyles Infant-Toddler Room (10822 SE Bush St, Portland OR).…
Child Care and Development Block Grant Act Rulemaking
May 5, 2016

The Early Learning Council will begin formal rulemaking to implement the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014. The Act requires states and territories to conduct health and safety monitoring inspections for all child care providers who accept federal funding from the Child Care and Development Fund. The…
Early Childhood Summer Institute
April 28, 2016

Early educators, child care providers, and kindergarten teachers are encouraged to attend the Early Childhood Summer Institute at David Douglas High School-South Campus on June 20-24, 2016. This free professional development opportunity provides multi-day courses that include: Exploring Infant/Toddler Social Emotional Development through a Trauma-Informed Lens So You Want to…
Preschool Promise Awardees
March 23, 2016

Updated: July 11, 2016 As many of you know, Oregon Legislature enacted House Bill 3380, the creation of a new, publicly-funded, high quality preschool system in 2015. The model leverages high-quality, local and culturally-relevant early child care and education programs to help make preschool more widely available. By incorporating a “mixed…
Preschool Promise Administrative Rules
March 16, 2016

The Early Learning Division is currently engaged in work to implement the Preschool Promise program enacted by the Legislature in 2015. Part of implementation will include promulgation of Oregon Administrative Rules to govern the program. The Early Learning Council will begin consideration draft rule language on March 16, 2016. The…
Child Care Development Fund State Plan Public Hearing
February 3, 2016

WHAT: Early Learning Division Child Care and Development Fund State Plan Public Hearing WHEN: February 18, 2016 Hearing begins at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Public Service Building (East Entrance) Basement – Studio A 255 Capitol St NE Salem, OR 97310 View the Public Hearing Notice
Oregon’s Child Care and Development Fund State Plan for 2016-2018: Now Open for Public Comment
December 28, 2015

A draft of Oregon’s Child Care and Development Fund State Plan for 2016-2018 is open for a 60 day public comment period through February 26, 2016. There will be a public hearing on the State Plan on February 18, 2016. Information will be posted on the Early Learning Division website. The…
Early Learning Council Hosts Community Forum in Tillamook
July 15, 2015

The Early Learning Council will be hosting a Community Forum. Date: July 22nd Time: 6:30-8:30 Location: Northwest Regional ESD Service Center, 2515 Third Street, Tillamook, OR 97141 What is it? The Oregon Early Learning Council is holding a forum to hear community input on issues of equity, access, and the…
Early Learning Council Announces Eight Additional Early Learning Hubs
June 25, 2014

(Portland, OR)- Oregon’s Early Learning Council is moving toward establishing more early learning hubs across Oregon. Today the Early Learning Council announced eight applicants who will begin the process to become full-fledged hubs coordinating early education and family support services help to children and families. "Our learning hub model will…
Early Learning Hub Legislative Report
February 3, 2014

Per HB 2013, the Early Learning Division has submitted a report to the Oregon Legislature providing an update on Early Learning Hubs. You may view and download the report here.
Early Learning Update!
May 16, 2013

At our Early Learning Council meeting last week (5/9) students from the Salem Little Friends Montessori School came to sing for Council members and attendees. The Council learned about the school and there were great conversations about approaches to early learning in the classroom prior to Kindergarten. Update #2: Oregon…
Early Learning Updates!
May 7, 2013

Thursday will be a busy day at the Somerville Building. The Early Learning Council will convene from 8am-12:30pm. Details below: May 9, 2013 8am-12:30 Somerville Building 775 Court Street NE Salem, OR 97301 Large Conference Room Early Learning System Director Jada Rupley also released her April/May Newsletter this past Monday.…
Rule Revision: Repeal Special Populations & Migrant Seasonal Farm Workers Programs
March 12, 2018
Oregon Administrative Rules - Oregon Department of Education, Early Learning Division OAR Chapter 414, Division 150 Special Populations Program OAR Chapter 414, Division 400 Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Child Care Program The Early Learning Council will begin rulemaking to repeal rules for the Special Populations and Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Child Care…
Public Testimony: Lead Testing in Licensed and Regulated Child Care Facilities
January 24, 2018
The Early Learning Council will continue to accept public testimony for lead testing water in child care facilities until 5pm January 25, 2018. Please send to alyssa.chatterjee@state.or.us. A link to public testimony that was received by the initial January 21, 2018 deadline can be found at this link: https://oregonearlylearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ELD-Public-Testimony-Received_LeadRules.pdf Added 2/23: Additional…
Office of Child Care (OCC) Statutory Workgroup Meets January 17, 2018
January 11, 2018
The Office of Child Care Statutory Workgroup will meet on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. The meeting will be held in Salem, Oregon at the State Capitol, Room H470 from 1:00-3:00pm.* Agenda and meeting materials are posted below. The State Capitol is located at 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. For…
Rule Revision: Reposted Lead Testing in Licensed and Regulated Child Care Facilities
December 5, 2017
The Early Learning Council will begin rulemaking to adopt permanent administrative rules relating to testing water for lead in licensed and regulated child care facilities. These rules have been redrafted with some corrections and additions for public comment. Increasingly, information indicates lead is leaching into water through plumbing and piping. Young…
Rule Revision: Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Rules
November 3, 2017
Oregon Administrative Rules - Oregon Department of Education, Early Learning Division OAR Chapter 414, Division 700 - Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Program The Early Learning Council will begin formal rulemaking to adopt rules governing the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit program. In 2003, the legislature enacted the Oregon Child…
Rule Revision: Relief Nurseries
November 3, 2017
November 2, 2017 The Early Learning Council will begin formal rulemaking to adopt rules governing Relief Nurseries. ORS 417.788 directs the Early Learning Division to support relief nurseries statewide as funding becomes available. 417.788 (1). Section 28, chapter 624, Oregon Law 2013 requires the Early Learning Division to enter into…
Office of Child Care (OCC) Statutory Workgroup Meets November 6, 2017
November 1, 2017
The Office of Child Care Statutory Workgroup will meet on Monday, November 6, 2017. The meeting will be held in Salem, Oregon at the State Capitol, Room 350 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.* Agenda and meeting materials are posted below. The State Capitol is located at 900 Court Street…
Rule Revision: Enrollment in Central Background Registry
October 24, 2017
The Early Learning Council will begin rulemaking to adopt permanent administrative rules relating to enrollment in the Central Background Registry established pursuant to ORS 329A.030. The Early Learning Division Office of Child Care (OCC) administers the Central Background Registry (CBR) pursuant to ORS 329A.030. OCC conducts background checks on individuals…
Office of Child Care (OCC) Statutory Workgroup
August 24, 2017
The Office of Child Care (OCC) Statutory Workgroup will meet on Monday, August 28, 2017, 9:00 to 12:00 noon*. The meeting will be held at the State Capitol Building, Room H470. Statutory Workgoup Agenda Aug 28 meeting DRAFT Agenda: Approve meeting minutes (June 29, 2017 meeting) ORS Chapter 329A overview…
Rule Amendments: License-Exempt Child Care Providers Accepting Federal Subsidies
August 15, 2017
OAR Chapter 414, Division 180. The Early Learning Council will begin rulemaking to amend rules governing license-exempt child care providers accepting federal subsidies. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 requires states and territories to conduct health and safety monitoring inspections for all child care providers who…
Central Background Registry Rule Revision
August 15, 2017
The Early Learning Council will begin rulemaking to adopt permanent administrative rules relating to enrollment in the Central Background Registry established pursuant to ORS 329A.030. The Early Learning Division Office of Child Care (OCC) administers the Central Background Registry (CBR) pursuant to ORS 329A.030. OCC conducts background checks on individuals…
AMENDING RULES GOVERNING VEHICLE USE
June 13, 2017

The Early Learning Council will consider formal rulemaking to amend rules governing vehicle use in Registered Family Child Care Homes (OAR Chapter 414, Division 205); Certified Family Child Care Homes (OAR Chapter 414, Division 350), Certified Child Care Centers (OAR Chapter 414, Division 300), Regulated Subsidy Family Child Care Homes…
License Exempt Providers Rule Revision
November 10, 2016

License Exempt Providers Rule Revision The Early Learning Council will begin formal rulemaking to amend rules governing license exempt child care providers accepting federal subsidies. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 requires states and territories to conduct health and safety monitoring inspections for all child care…
Amending Rules Governing License-Exempt Providers
November 10, 2016

The Early Learning Council will begin formal rulemaking to amend rules governing license-exempt child care providers accepting federal subsidies. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 requires states and territories to conduct health and safety monitoring inspections for all child care providers who accept federal funding from…
Central Background Registry Administrative Rules Revisions
November 10, 2016

The Early Learning Council will begin rulemaking to revise administrative rules relating to enrollment in the Central Background Registry established pursuant to ORS 329A.030. The Early Learning Division, Office of Child Care (OCC) administers the Central Background Registry (CBR) pursuant to ORS 329A.030. OCC conducts background checks on individuals associated…
State agencies issue COVID-19 guidance to Oregon schools and universities
March 9, 2020
Media contacts: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us Marc Siegel, Oregon Dept. of Education: 971-239-7982, marc.siegel@state.or.us Endi Hartigan, Higher Education Coordinating Commission: 971-701-4032, endi.hartigan@state.or.us State agencies issue COVID-19 guidance to Oregon schools and universities Health officials recommend taking steps to prevent infection and keeping schools open (Portland – March 8, 2020) Public…
Oregon Kindergarten Assessment Results for 2019-20
February 6, 2020
The first few years of a child’s life are a critical time for high quality learning (Salem, Ore) – The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Early Learning Division (ELD) today jointly released results from the 2019-20 Oregon Kindergarten Assessment, which were largely unchanged from the previous year. The…
Funding Opportunities Open to Expand Preschool and Early Learning Services in Oregon
January 31, 2020
(Salem, Ore) – The Early Learning Division is now accepting applications to expand culturally specific early learning programs and infant, toddler, and preschool education programs to serve Oregon’s youngest children and families. The funds are available thanks to the Student Success Act – a historic $1 billion annual investment in…
Oregon Awarded $26.6 Million Federal Grant to Expand Preschool, Early Learning Services
December 23, 2019
(Salem, Ore) – The Early Learning Division was awarded a $26.6 million grant by the federal Administration for Children and Families to improve and expand programs to serve Oregon children and families from birth to age five. The funds will be distributed over three years ($8.9 million annually) and focus…
Governor Brown Appoints New Members of Early Learning Council
October 29, 2019
(Salem, Ore) – Governor Kate Brown and Early Learning System Director Miriam Calderon welcomed six new members to the Early Learning Council this week. “Success in career, college, and the classroom begins with early learning and preparing our children to be lifelong learners,” said Governor Kate Brown. “We know that…
Governor Brown issues proclamation for “Week of the Young Child”
April 9, 2019
Giving her support to high quality early learning care and education, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a proclamation for April 8-12, 2019 as “Week of the Young Child.” The week is an annual celebration hosted by NAEYC to spotlight early learning, young children, their teachers, families and communities. Daily themes such as…
Temporary to Permanent Rules Now Open for Public Comment
February 22, 2019
There are several temporary child care rules in effect and the OCC has started the process to make them permanent. Public Comment period is now open and a Public Hearing is scheduled for 3/6/19. Click here to open the Child Care Rule page for more information.
Oregon Releases Kindergarten Assessment Results for 2018-19
February 14, 2019
Oregon Kindergarten Assessment Results for 2018-19 The first few years of a child’s life are a critical time to invest in high quality learning Media Inquiries: Melanie Mesaros, 503-856-6040 (Salem, Ore) – The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Early Learning Division (ELD) today jointly released results from the…
Governor Brown Kicks Off Raise Up Oregon Plan
February 6, 2019
Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today joined state agencies, Early Learning Council members, and legislators in unveiling Raise Up Oregon: A Statewide Early Learning System Plan, which provides a roadmap for how state and local communities can work together to ensure Oregon’s youngest children can enter school ready to learn. Research shows…
COSA Statewide Early Learning Conference: November 7-9, 2018
October 16, 2018
2018 Statewide Early Learning Conference Join the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators for their sixth annual Statewide Early Learning Conference. This year at the Hilton in Eugene. This conference energizes and empowers attendees to face changes and gain skills. With over 50 sessions, exciting networking opportunities, and thought-provoking speakers, attendees will leave…
You’re invited! Provider engagement session/webinar information
October 12, 2018
October 12, 2018 The Early Learning Division Office of Child Care is hosting a series of in-person Engagement Sessions and Webinars to gather your feedback on upcoming rule changes – including questions, comments, suggestions, ideas, concerns, you name it! As you know a small set of changes to the child…
Oregon Early Childhood Summit: October 24, 2018
October 11, 2018
Oregon Early Childhood Summit: Supporting All Kids in our Programs and Classrooms Watch the Recording Here Join Dr. Walter Gilliam and a panel of colleagues from diverse early childhood settings in Oregon to discuss social emotional development, equity, expulsion, and relational health for our youngest Oregonians. To be held at the…
Reminder: Child Care Rules Community Engagement Sessions This Week
August 6, 2018
Reminder: The Early Learning Division Office of Child Care will be holding online rules engagement session for all licensed child care providers this week. Please see below for additional details. The Early Learning Division recently passed Temporary Rules for each facility, effective July 1, 2018. The Division has also opened…
Child Care Rules Open for Public Comment: Governor’s Directive for Parent Notification
August 3, 2018
The Office of Child Care (OCC) has rules available for public comment from August 1 - September 18, 2018 at 5pm. Comments can be sent to Peter Blume via email at early.learning@state.or.us or via postal service to 700 Summer St NE, Suite 350, Salem, OR 97301. A summary of these…
Child Care Rules Community Engagement Sessions: August 2018
August 1, 2018
The Early Learning Division recently passed Temporary Rules for each facility, effective July 1, 2018. The Division has also opened rules on the Central Background Registry, training requirements, serious injury and reporting, safe sleep, and the use of restrictive infant equipment for public comment through August 20, 2018. Learn more…