News

On January 29th, the Early Learning Council passed permanent rules related to the use of marijuana in child care facilities. As has been the case since the temporary rules passed in August, a licensed child care provider cannot be the holder of a registered Oregon Medical Marijuana Program card. These permanent…

A Statewide Snapshot of Early Skills, An Opportunity to Focus on Equity Salem, OR (January 14, 2015)—The results of the 2014-2015 Oregon Kindergarten Assessment were released today. This is the second year the state has collected a snapshot of children’s skills and knowledge when they first enter kindergarten. The state…

Oregon learned this week that it was not selected to receive a Race to the Top–Preschool Development Grant. The grant would have funded high-quality preschool for an additional 1,365 income-eligible children in Oregon. The model outlined in Oregon’s grant application relied on Head Start, private preschools, community-based organizations and schools…

August 19, 2014 (Salem, OR) — Governor Kitzhaber announced today the appointment of Megan Irwin as Acting Early Learning System Director. Ms. Irwin’s appointment follows the retirement of Jada Rupley, whose last day with the Division was August 15. The appointment is immediate. "Megan is an energetic and engaged leader…

On August 6, 2014 the Early Learning Council took unanimous action to adopt child care licensing rules that clarify policies about the use of alcohol and tobacco products as well as illegal controlled substances including medical marijuana. You can find the approved temporary rules below: Central Background Registry Registered Family…

Please take a minute to read OPB's latest article on the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). In 2012, Oregon received $20 million to help rebuild our early learning system, with a particular focus on promoting quality early learning environments in child care settings. As you will read, Oregon's QRIS…

(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…

On June 2nd, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Rob Saxton announced the upcoming Summer Food Service Program which provides free, nutritious meals to students over the summer months here in Oregon. During the school year, many students rely on the free and reduced-priced breakfasts and lunches that schools provide to…

Governor Kitzhaber today gathered with Representatives Val Hoyle and Nancy Nathanson to visit a Eugene early learning provider certified by the Oregon Early Learning Division’s rating system for qualified early learning and child care facilities. Friendship House Preschool is one of 39 sites statewide that has received a star rating…

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.

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.

Jada Rupley, Director of Oregon’s Early Learning Division A visit with some great staff and a quality provider in Redmond Photo 1 – (left to right) – Amy Ibarra, licensing specialist; Henry Oliva, regional manager; and Brian Gerold, licensing specialist. Photo 2 – (left to right) - Amy Ibarra, licensing…

As part of Oregon’s Quality Rating & Improvement System, many early learning programs will begin to participate in developmental screening in 2014. We are currently developing workforce training and resources to support you in this work, and we need your input! If you are an early learning provider in Oregon,…

Another great resource from First Five Years Fund and their Invest In US project.

Another piece of the #GrowAmericaStronger campaign from the First Five Years Fund: the importance of early childhood education.

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 ​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…

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…

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…

(Salem, Ore) – As part of Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-12, child care providers have been ordered to close unless they are providing emergency child care. While the executive order was issued to ensure the safety and health of Oregonians, the governor and the Early Learning Division (ELD) recognize…

(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…

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…

(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…

 (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…

(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…

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…

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…

(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…

(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…

(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…

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…

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 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…

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…