Newsletter
Special Population Programs
November 10, 2015
Early Learning at Work – November 2015
By: Roman Kultajev
The Early Learning Division administers funds for four special population programs to provide child care subsidies and supplemental funding through child care providers, school districts, local agencies and nonprofit organizations. The Teen Parent Program provides child care subsidies to school districts for teen parents. The schools must have a certified child care center on site to receive funding or apply for start-up funding to establish and operate a center. Being a teen parent is not easy and very often the…
Spotlight on QRIS Standards: Materials for a Purpose
November 10, 2015
Early Learning at Work – November 2015
By: Meredith Russell
Oregon’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) standards were created with input from equity and diversity experts to embed cultural competency and relevance into the standards. Thus while the current portfolio does not include a specific Diversity or Cultural Standard, many of the indicators require evidence of inclusion, diversity, and/or meeting culturally specific criteria. An example of addressing culturally relevant practices is Learning and Development Standard 6, which is about the program’s materials. Programs are required to intentionally provide materials…
Preschool Promise Update
November 10, 2015
Early Learning at Work – November 2015
By: Gwyn Bachtle
When you walk into a high quality preschool, immediately you’ll see learning happening. A high quality program has a sense of purpose, organization, and excitement. When children have access to high quality preschool, they are more likely to be prepared socially and academically for later learning and opportunities. Currently in Oregon there are gaps in who has access to preschool. Affordable high quality, culturally responsive preschool for families experiencing poverty and families of color are very limited. This is where…
Update from Megan Irwin – Early Learning System Director
November 10, 2015
Early Learning at Work – November 2015 Director's Update
By: Megan Irwin
Dear Early Learning Partners, I hope that you have had a fantastic autumn so far and are looking forward to the fast-approaching holiday season. As we close on an incredible year for Early Learning in Oregon, I can’t help but to reflect on the achievements that we have all contributed to this year. Of all the work we did together in 2015, I am most in awe of the historic level of investment we were able to secure to support…
Child Care Provider Spotlight – Kim Hess
November 10, 2015
Early Learning at Work – November 2015
By: Brittany Stenger
Kim Hess, an early learning provider who owns a Registered Family Child Care in Klamath Falls, Oregon, recently accomplished something that has not yet been done in her area. “I was the first and am currently the only Registered Family 3-Star Rated program in Klamath Falls,” Kim said proudly as she spoke of her participation in Oregon’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). “It was a huge milestone for me in my business and it has really encouraged me to…
Teacher Advisory Committee Recruitment
October 10, 2015
Early Learning Update – October 2015
The Office of the Deputy Superintendent at the Oregon Department of Education is creating a state Teacher Advisory Committee (TAC), responsible for advising Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Salam Noor on education initiatives and policies and to provide feedback on how the state can best support Oregon educators and students. Committee members will be selected based on their experience as teacher leaders in Oregon with an eye to ensuring representation of the state’s diversity. The TAC will meet four times…
Early Learning Kindergarten Readiness Partnership & Innovation Program
October 10, 2015
Early Learning Update – October 2015
The Early Learning Kindergarten Readiness Partnership & Innovation Program invests in promising models for connecting early learning and K-3 education across the state, and promotes community and school partnerships that result in measurable increases in children’s readiness for kindergarten. The Program is designed to establish scalable and replicable models for P-3 alignment at the local level, with a focus on shared professional development for early learning providers and kindergarten teachers, supporting successful transitions into kindergarten for all children, and engaging families…
Oregon’s Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS) – Standard Overview
October 10, 2015
Early Learning Update – October 2015
By: Meredith Russell
Support for the Workforce: QRIS standards in action Research and best practices demonstrate that solid business practices in early learning programs support practitioners in serving children and families. Also, solid business practices help keep quality programs in business, providing the important consistency of care for children and working parents. Like most QRIS programs, Oregon’s QRIS has a domain exclusively focused on administration and business practices for large programs. These programs must demonstrate good policies for their business and staff. AB2:…
Remembering Victims of the UCC Tragedy
October 10, 2015
Early Learning Update – October 2015
If you're interested in assisting the victims from the Umpqua Community College (UCC) shooting tragedy, there are a number of ways to donate to make a difference. You can show your support through one of the following actions: Express your care and support on social media with the hashtag #IamUCC. This simple expression of solidarity can show that you stand with the local community college and its staff, students, surrounding community, and others affected by this tragedy. Consider giving a donation…
Preschool Promise in Oregon
October 10, 2015
Early Learning Update – October 2015
Oregon is launching a model for a new publicly-funded, high quality preschool system now known as Preschool Promise. Gwyn Bachtle, the Early Learning Division's coordinator for Preschool Promise, is leading this work with a strong commitment to supporting all of Oregon's young children and families with a focus on equity and expanding opportunities to underserved populations. Why expand public preschool? Young children in every community across Oregon are curious and capable and eager to learn. When children have access to high-quality preschool, they…