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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…
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…
Keep Kids Safe Update
October 16, 2013
URGENT UPDATE: The Oregon legislature passed a bill allowing the production and selling of the “Keep Kids Safe” license plates with the additional charge going to county programs which help prevent child abuse. In Deschutes County the examples are the relief nurseries and parenting classes. The legislation requires we sell…
URGENT: Keep Kids Safe!
October 10, 2013
In 2011 House Bill 3250 was passed by the Oregon Legislature to allow the sale of the Keep Kids Safe (KKS) License Plates through the Oregon DMV and Children's Trust Fund of Oregon. The net proceeds go back to Oregon counties for proven child abuse prevention programs. Children's Trust Fund…
Infographic: Read Aloud
September 4, 2013
15 minutes can add up quickly, as this infographic from www.readaloud.org shows.
Too Small to Fail
June 21, 2013
"These aren't ivy league universities. These are our homes...our future depends on healthy children and strong families." Hillary Clinton
Infographic: A Successful, Productive Adult Starts at Birth
June 21, 2013
What do you think of this path?
The School Ready Child
March 22, 2013
How does a child become "school ready?" This infographic explains: The School Ready Child infographic by sramzee.
Healthy Families Oregon, a Healthy Families America affiliate, Accredited by Prevent Child Abuse America
July 23, 2018
Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) recently announced that the Healthy Families America (HFA) affiliate, Healthy Families Oregon (HFO), has been reaccredited as a provider of high-quality home visiting services to families who want to learn about building a strong relationship with their baby and improving their child’s health, nutrition,…
Child Care Rules Open for Public Comment: CCDF, HB 4065 and Infant Needs
July 17, 2018
As mentioned last month, the Office of Child Care has suspended the larger child care rule process and split it into two phases. The first phase ensures the Office of Child Care meets the new legal requirements for the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), the statutory requirements of HB 4065,…
Oregon Prekindergarten Extended Head Start Duration Pilot
July 11, 2018
The Early Learning Division (ELD) is partnering with six Oregon Pre-kindergarten (OPK) Head Start grantees to offer extended services to participating children and families beginning in the 2018-19 program year. ELD will provide additional funds to grantees to transition 170 enrollment slots from part-day to extended-day services. Along with the…
Temporary Rules Adoption: Some Child Care Rules Effective Immediately
June 29, 2018
On June 11, 2018, the Early Learning Division Office of Child Care received a directive from the Governor’s Office to address an urgent need to increase the availability of information to parents about the child care programs where their children are enrolled. “One of the highest priorities as a state…
Child Care Rules Update: June 22, 2018
June 22, 2018
The Office of Child Care received substantial feedback on proposed rule changes for all child care settings during the public comment period that closed May 21, 2018 and has continued to receive questions and feedback. In an effort to allow more time for public comment, as well as offer additional…
UPDATED: Child Care and Development Fund State Plan 2019-2021 Open for Public Comment
June 7, 2018
Notice of Public Hearing and Comment: The Child Care and Development Fund State Plan maps Oregon’s response to federal requirements under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014. The state plan serves as the application for Child Care and Development Fund allocations and provides descriptions of, and…
New Drinking Water Advisory for Vulnerable Populations Applies To: Vulnerable Populations of the City of Salem, City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association
June 6, 2018
Applies To: Vulnerable Populations of the City of Salem, City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association Does Not Apply To: Healthy individuals over 6, Keizer, Private drinking water wells Results from water quality samples received Wednesday morning (June 6, 2018) indicate that cyanotoxins are…
DRINKING WATER ADVISORY LIFTED: SAFE FOR ALL RESIDENTS
June 4, 2018
The City of Salem has lifted its water advisory for Salem, the City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association. Analysis of drinking water samples collected Wednesday, May 30 and Thursday, May 31 confirm toxin levels are below Health Advisory Levels, and the water is…
Salem drinking water contaminated, children shouldn’t drink tap water
May 29, 2018
DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER – MAY 29, 2018 INFANTS, YOUNG CHILDREN, AND OTHER VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS Applies to City of Salem, City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association https://www.cityofsalem.net/Pages/drinking-water-advisory.aspx WHY IS THERE AN ADVISORY? Low levels of cylindrospermopsin and microcystin (cyanotoxins) have…
Child Care and Development Fund State Plan 2019-2021 Open for Public Comment
May 24, 2018
Notice of Public Hearing and Comment: The Child Care and Development Fund State Plan maps Oregon’s response to federal requirements under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014. The state plan serves as the application for Child Care and Development Fund allocations and provides descriptions of, and…
Public Comment Closing: Licensed Child Care & Regulated Child Care Facilities
May 18, 2018
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: The extended the public comment period for permanent administrative rules relating to licensed and regulated child care facilities is closing on Monday, May 21, 2018 Registered Family 414-205 (5.1.18 Update) Registered Family Rulebook Draft (Tables Included) Certified Family 414-350 (5.1.18 Update) Certified Family Rulebook Draft (Tables Included) Certified Center 414-300 (5.1.18 Update)…
Public Hearing Scheduled & Public Comment Extended: Licensed Child Care & Regulated Child Care Facilities
May 1, 2018
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking & Public Hearing: The Early Learning Council has extended the public comment period until May 21, 2018 for permanent administrative rules relating to licensed and regulated child care facilities. A public hearing has been scheduled for May 15, 2018: Tuesday, May 15, 2018 6:00pm (members of the public…
2018 OREGON CHILD CARE MARKET PRICE STUDY IS NOW AVAILABLE
April 19, 2018
Oregon Child Care Market Price Study The Market Price Study identifies child care prices and geographic distribution of these prices across the state as well as examines geographic patterns in the prices charged by facility by age of child served, type of care, and pricing modes (hourly, monthly, etc). 2018…
Rule Revision: Licensed Child Care & Regulated Child Care Facilities
March 23, 2018
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: The Early Learning Council will begin rulemaking to adopt permanent administrative rules relating to licensed and regulated child care facilities. ORS 329A directs the Early Learning Council to adopt administrative rules relating to licensed and regulated child care facilities to ensure the health and safety of…
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…
