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Department of Early Learning and Care

Rulemaking


“Rules” are laws that participants in Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs must apply and follow, such as requirements for Oregon Pre-Kindergarten program or licensed child care. Rulemaking Advisory Committees (RACs) are made up of community members who provide crucial guidance in the rule writing process. Apply to join a RAC and help shape early learning programs in Oregon. 

This page provides the Rulemaking Calendar, Proposed Rules for Public Review and Comment, Rulemaking Advisory Committees that are recruiting or meeting, and Recently Adopted Rules.

Rulemaking Calendar

Visit the Oregon State Legislature, Oregon Transparency Administrative Rules, and Secretary of State’s Oregon Administrative Rules (look for Chapter 414 - Department of Early Learning and Care) webpages for the most accurate laws and rules.

Access the Oregon public meetings schedule 

You are entitled to language assistance service and other accommodation at no cost. If you need help in your language or other accomodations, please contact DELC at DELC.RulesCoordinator@delc.oregon.gov.


Proposed Rules for Public Review and Comment

“Rules” are laws that participants in Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs must apply and follow, such as requirements for Oregon Prenatal-Kindergarten Program or licensed child care. Rulemaking Advisory Committees (RACs) are made up of community members who provide crucial guidance in the rule writing process. RAC members provide input and suggestions for rulemaking while considering equity and fiscal impacts. Apply to join a RAC and help shape early learning programs in Oregon.

RACs meet between one to three times to discuss rule amendments or proposals. RAC members are provided compensation for participation. At this time, RACs are held virtually. Listed below are RACs that are currently recruiting or meeting. If you see a RAC listed, but applications are closed, you can provide feedback by reaching out to the staff contact listed.

You may submit Public Comment to the Department of Early Learning and Care on our Public Comment Form or by emailing DELC's Rules Coordinator at DELC.RulesCoordinator@delc.oregon.gov.

All written comments received during the public comment period will be posted on this site for public transparency.

Effective Date
8/1/2026
Summary

​This section will be updated soon.

Notices

​This section will be updated soon.​

RAC Information
We will update this section of the website with application materials on April 1st. The RAC application period will be from April 1- April 24th.

There will be one RAC meeting on May 13, 2026 from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom.  To watch the RAC meeting, please use this link.

RAC Materials



​

Public Hearings

​A public hearing will be held on May, 20, 2026 at 5:00pm via Zoom.

Public Comments

​The public comment period will be open from May 1 - June 5, 2026. To submit public comment on the proposed rules please use the public comment form.

ELC Materials

Effective Date
6/1/2026
Summary
The Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program helps families pay for child care and registration fees. Initially, families may qualify if they are working, attending school, receiving cash assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – TANF), on medical leave from employment or school, or participating in certain programs with Child Welfare. ERDC is a subsidy program. This means families may still pay part of the child care cost. This is called a copay. The monthly copay is based on family size and income. ERDC also works with partners across the state to help families find and keep child care.   

The Child Care Assistance Program is proposing changes to eight ERDC rules to clean up language, update language based on new laws or policies and ensure that the language is easy to read and understand. This includes an update to the ERDC waitlist rule allowing DELC to turn on or off current exemptions to the waitlist following the passage of SB 1535 (2026). Several changes in this ruleset are necessary for implementation of the new Early Learning Management System (ELMS), which will roll out in Summer 2026. The Child Care Assistance Program is also repealing one outdated COVID-era rule. 

Summary of proposed ERDC rule changes: 

414-175-0002; Definitions 
Rule is being updated to add definitions. The definition for “disenrollment” is to explain when a child is considered disenrolled from their child care provider. The definition for the new “Early Learning Management System (ELMS)” is to explain what DELC will use to manage child care provider licensing, enrollment, and billing and payment processes.       

414-175-0010; Waitlist for ERDC 
This rule is being updated to add language that allows DELC to turn on or off the waitlist exemption reasons. This change aligns with the recent passage of SB 1535 (2026). 

414-175-0011; Certification Period 
Rule is being updated to clarify that ERDC benefits may be terminated mid-certification when the filing group exceeds the resource limit of $1,000,000. This aligns rule with policy intent and current ONE system functionality. 

414-175-0023; Requirement to Establish a Child Care Need and Hours Authorizations 
Rule is being updated to clarify that additional child care hours cannot be authorized when the caretaker reports the additional hours are needed due to inconvenient drop off/ pick up times or to secure overnight care when the caretaker is not participating in overnight activities.  

414-175-0024; Verification Requirements 
Rule is being updated to add that a written or verbal statement from their employer is a valid way that families can verify that they are on medical leave. 

414-175-0035; Specific Financial Requirements 
Rule is being updated to state that Military Transitional compensation income will be treated as unearned income for ERDC. This is a new program that a spouse or child of a military member can receive due to dependent abuse. The rule is also being updated to clarify that all payments received through the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP) is excluded for ERDC.  

414-175-0051; Requirement To Make Copay or Satisfactory Arrangements 
Rule is being updated to change ‘billing form” to ‘billing’ to be more generic so that the word is inclusive of billings completed through ELMS.  

414-175-0075; Child Care Provider Eligibility Standards, Payments Rates, Payment Limits, and Payable Hours 
Rule is being updated to change ‘billing form” to ‘billing’ to be more generic so that the word is inclusive of billings completed through ELMS. 

414-175-0077; COVID-19 Provider Payments (REPEAL) 
Rule is being repealed as the payments described in this rule were specific to covid 19 and are no longer being distributed. 

414-175-0085; Direct Provider Payments 
Rule is being updated to allow Certified Family facility owners to receive ERDC payments and to remove requirement that providers cannot charge ERDC families at a rate higher than they charge other families. This is changing due to ELMS functionality that will pay at the ERDC maximum rate regardless of a provider's own rate. Additionally, removing language that stated that all non-certified center providers would be paid for care already provided. This policy ended July 31, 2021. Rule is also being updated to specify that payments will end for ERDC children when the child has been absent for one full calendar month or the children connection to a provider is ended prior to the next months billing being issued.  ​
Notices
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will be available April 1, 2026.
RAC Information
​RAC applications are open March 9 through March 30, 2026. To apply, use 2026 ERDC RAC Application. ​
​
There will be one RAC meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

To register to watch the RAC, use this Zoom Link​
RAC Materials



​

Public Hearings
​A public hearing will be held on April 29, 2026 at 5:00pm via Zoom
Public Comments
ELC Materials

Effective Date
9/1/2026
Summary


Amendments are proposed to the following Divisions within Chapter 414:

  • Certified Family Child Care Homes (Division 360)
  • Registered Family Child Care Homes (Division 210)
  • Certified Child Care Center (Division 305)
  • Certified Outdoor Nature-Based (Division 320)
  • Early Childhood Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Program (Division 580)

Summary of Changes

DELC is seeking to adopt rules related to suspension and expulsion prevention practices. This will include developing and implementing new policies, expanding communication and collaboration with families regarding challenging behaviors; and specifying requirements to contact DELC's suspension and expulsion prevention program (Every Child Belongs) when a young child is at risk of expulsion.  Proposed rules include new definitions to increase understanding and support implementation of the new rules.

​414-305-0100, 414-210-0100, 414-360-0100, 414-320-0100
Definitions
Key terms and definitions related to suspension and expulsion prevention will be added.

414-305-0200, 414-210-0200, 414-360-0200, 414-320-0200
Policies
Suspension and expulsion prevention policy will be added to the list of policies that must be shared with families and any facility staff. Includes updates to individual child assessment.

414-305-0260, 414-210-0260, 414-360-0260, 414-320-0260
Items available for view
Suspension and expulsion prevention policy will be added to the list of items that must be onsite and available for view.

414-305-0270, 414-210-0270, 414-360-0270, 414-320-0270
Notifications
Adds the use of temporary safety-based intervention to the list of required notifications for families and CCLD.

414-305-0720, 414-210-0720, 414-360-0720, 414-320-0720
Physical Restraint
Additional requirement to contact Every Child Belongs if physical restraint is used more than once on a specific child, if contact has not already been made.

414-305-0750, 414-210-0750, 414-360-0750, 414-320-0750
Suspension and Expulsion Prevention
This is a new section of rules. These rules outline what must be in a program's suspension and expulsion prevention policy. The rules state when a program must request services from Every Child Belongs. This section also includes when a temporary safety-based intervention may be used.

414-305-1050, 414-210-1050, 414-360-1050, 414-320-1050
Care of Children with Specific Needs
Clarifies when a written care plan is needed that facility staff must follow the plan.

414-580-0010
Definitions
Alignment of key terms and definitions from child care facility rules. Adds definition of “planned transition." Removes “coaching" from the definition of Mental Health Consultant. ​


Notices

​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking PDF​​

RAC Information

​

Meeting Details: DELC will host two RAC meetings. One meeting will review proposed rules for certified child care centers and outdoor nature-based facilities and one meeting will review proposed rules for registered and certified family child care homes. The proposed rules for Early Childhood Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Program will be reviewed at both meetings. The meetings will be held virtually. Applications from child care providers and child care representatives will automatically be assigned to the RAC meeting based on care type selected. Other groups will have the opportunity to select the meeting they are interested in participating in.

Certified Center and Outdoor Nature-Based: April 14, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm
Registered and Certified Family Child Care: April 21, 2026 6:00pm-8:00pm

Application Links: Open March 2 – March 27

Application in English/Español​/中文/tiếng Việt/русском: https://forms.office.com/g/u4ZLUa9DL4 
  

Compensation: RAC participants will be compensated for their time.
​​

Questions: If you have questions, please contact Abby Strom abby.strom@delc.oregon.gov​


RAC Materials
Public Hearings
Public Comments
ELC Materials

Proposed - Temporary Rules

Status
Proposed - Temporary Rules
Effective Date
Summary
​​​​No rules are currently open for public review and comment.​
Notices
RAC Information
RAC Materials
Public Hearings
Public Comments
ELC Materials

Recently Adopted Rules

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
3/1/2026
Summary
​Temporary/emergency rules were adopted at the Early Learning Council meeting on February 25th, 2026 for Preschool Promise eligibility rules to incorporate housing costs and streamline income and verification requirements. The temporary rules will be in effect from March 1 to August 23, 2026. The rule amendment to OAR 414-470-0010 was necessary to ensure equitable access to publicly funded early learning programs by acknowledging the significant impact that housing costs have on family economic stability.  

Through DELC designed policies and procedures, the rule establishes a new method for determining income eligibility that incorporates housing costs without requiring families to provide extensive documentation. The rule is intended to reduce administrative burden for both families and Preschool Promise eligibility coordinators while maintaining program integrity and compliance with ORS.  

Implementing temporary rules will enable DELC to immediately develop policies and procedures to take housing costs into consideration when determining income eligibility.  
In addition to the temporary rule, DELC is identifying other areas in the Preschool Promise ruleset that could be clarified, strengthened, or updated to support smoother implementation. Additional changes would be made through the permanent rulemaking process. 
Notices

​PSP Temp Rule Notice 03.01.26.PDF​

RAC Information

​A RAC will be held during the permanent rulemaking process.

RAC Materials

​N/A

Public Hearings

​A public hearing will be held during the permanent rulemaking process. 

Public Comments

N/A

ELC Materials

​02.25.26 ELC Rulemaking Memo.pdf

02.25.26 PSP Council Action Request (CAR).pdf

02.25.26 ELC Roll Call and Vote Recording.pdf​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
3/1/2026
Summary
The Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program helps families pay for child care and registration fees. Initially, families may qualify if they are working, attending school, receiving cash assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – TANF), on medical leave from employment or school, or participating in certain programs with Child Welfare. ERDC is a subsidy program. This means families may still pay part of the child care cost. This is called a copay. The monthly copay is based on family size and income. ERDC also works with partners across the state to help families find and keep child care.

Summary of rule changes: 

  • 414-175-0002; Definitions
    Rule is being updated to remove the definition for custodial parent as it is not a term used in the ruleset anymore and expand on the definition of farmland to clarify that this term refers to the land being leased or rented for income and not as part of the business owned by a member of the financial group.  
  • 414-175-0011; Certification Period 
    Rule is being updated to add additional reasons why a case can close mid certification so that all criteria are together in the same rule and not located in multiple rules.  
  • 414-175-0015; Eligibility Group Structure
    Rule is being updated to replace the term caretaker relative with caretaker.
  • 414-175-0023; Requirement to Establish a Child Care Need and Hours Authorizations
    Rule is being updated with language that outlines when ERDC can cover the cost of care for a child participating in distance learning as well as adding the new Office of Child care (OCC) rule numbers for certified family homes and certified centers. This language was previously updated in March 2025 and was inadvertently removed when the rule was updated again in July 2025.   
  • 414-175-0040; Prospective Eligibility and Budgeting
    Rule is being amended to state that when an individual with income is added to an ongoing filing group their income is not countable for the remainder of the certification period.  
  • 414-175-0050; Income Limits and Copay Amounts 
    This rule is being updated with the 2026 Federal Poverty Levels which increases the ERDC income limits and adjusts the limits in the ERDC copay charts. 
  • 414-175-0070; Effective Dates 
    Rule is being updated to remove language that outlines when a copay can increase after adding a new person with income to an existing case during a certification period.  This income will no longer be countable for ERDC.  
  • 414-175-0075; Child Care Provider Eligibility Standards, Payment Rates, Payment Limits, and Payable Hours 
    Updating language to add that Outdoor Nature based programs will be paid at the certified center rate. This language was previously added to the rule in March 2025 and was inadvertently removed when the rule was updated again in July 2025. The rule is also being updated with provider rate increases for license exempt providers. 
  • 414-175-0076; High Needs Child Care Payments 
    This rule is being updated to add additional ways a child may qualify for the high needs program.   
  • 414-175-0080; Eligibility of Child Care Providers 
    Rule is being updated to replace the term caretaker relative with caretaker and to add language that DELC may approve a licensed exempt child care provider who is caring for a child in the child’s home if the provider is enrolled in the Central Background Registry (CBR).
Notices

RAC Information
The RAC application closed on December 26, 2025.

The RAC meeting will be held on January 14, 2026 from 6-7pm. This meeting will be held virtually. (Livestream link)​
RAC Materials

Public Hearings

Due to technical difficulties on February 2nd, a second public hearing will be held on Feb 10, 2026 at 5:00pm. This meeting will be held virtually (Zoom Link) Meeting ID: 160 347 8167​

The public hearing will be held on February 2, 2026 from 5-6pm. This meeting will be held virtually. (Zoom link - Meeting ID: 160-116-2565)

Public Hearing Recording​​​


Public Comments

​The public comment period will close February 6, 2026 at 5pm. If you have any questions, please contact delc.rulescoordinator@delc.oregon.gov​.

ELC Materials

​01.28.26 Rulemaking Memo

02.25.26 ELC Rulemaking Memo.pdf

02.25.26 ERDC Council Action Request (CAR).pdf

02.25.26 ELC Roll Call and Vote Recording.pdf​​​

​

​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
1/1/2026
Summary

​The Employment Related Day Care Program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care.  The Child Care Assistance Program is making changes to 5 ERDC related rules to clean up language, update language based on new policies and makes sure that the language is easy to read and understand.  ​

414-175-0024: Verification Requirements 
Consolidates verification requirements for the Special Needs Rate (SNR) and Special Needs Age (SNA) into one rule. Clarifies verification standards, including that SNA must be verified at both application and renewal, with self-attestation allowed only in limited circumstances. 

414-175-0030: General Financial Eligibility 
Adds Medical Savings Accounts (MSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) as additional examples of income types considered when determining available earned income. This aligns ERDC rules with ODHS program rules for consistency. 

414-175-0075: Child Care Provider Eligibility Standards, Payment Rates, Payment Limits, and Payable Hours 
Moves SNR verification requirements to OAR 414-175-0024 and updates language for clarity. Revises the rule to reflect 2026 provider rates (effective date only until bargaining is complete) and updates commute time language from “two hours per day” to “25 percent” for alignment with current process and ONE system functionality. 

414-175-0076: High Needs Child Care Payments 
Moves existing supplemental high need payment eligibility language from OAR 414-175-0075 to consolidate requirements. Adds a requirement for a written plan within the last 12 months (with flexibility for program delays) and requires the Department to review the supplemental payment annually. 





Notices

​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

F​inal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking​

RAC Information
​The RAC application closed on 10/7

​The RAC meeting took place on October 15, 2025 virtually on Zoom from 6:00-7:00pm. 

RAC​ Meeting Recording


RAC Materials

​Jan 2026 RAC Packet-EN.pdf

Jan 2026 RAC Packet-SP.pdf

Public Hearings

​Public Hearing: November 12, 5:00-6:00 PM virtual on Zoom

Public Hearing Recording

ERDC Jan 1 2026 Bundle Hearing Officer Report

Public Comments

ERDC Jan 1 2026 - Public Comment Report

​

ELC Materials

​December 2025 Rulemaking Memo​

CAR - ERDC Jan 1 2026 Bundle

12.10.25 ELC Roll Call and Vote Recording.pdf​​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
1/1/2026
Summary
​The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will be creating new Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) for the Early Learning Professional Development system that aim to improve access to jobs in Oregon’s early childhood workforce, as directed by HB2991. It recognizes that many people face barriers when trying to enter or grow in this field, such as; the cost of translation, unclear and inconsistent qualification evaluation, inability to transfer professional development from outside the state, and inability of employers to access registry records. It directs the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to create rules to reduce or remove those barriers. DELC will create a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to gather feedback on proposed amended rules and identify supports that may be needed to implement the amended ruleset and newly proposed rules. ​


Notices

​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Final Notice of Proposed Rulemaking​

RAC Information
The RAC application closed on October 3, 2025

October 16, 2025: 9:00-11:00am, RAC Meeting #1 Recording
October 17, 2025: 12:00-2:00pm, RAC Meeting #2 Recording




RAC Materials

​Early Childhood Workforce Registry RAC Agenda and Materials.pdf

Public Hearings

​Public Hearing: October 27, 5:00-6:00 PM

Public Hearing Recording

Hearing Officer Report - Workforce Registry Ruleset




Public Comments

Public Comment Report - Workforce Registry Ruleset

ELC Materials

​December 2025 Rulemaking Memo​

CAR - Workforce Registry Rules​

12.10.25 ELC Roll Call and Vote Recording.pdf​​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
1/1/2026
Summary
​DELC is seeking applicants to participate in a Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) regarding administrative rules for Certified Family Child Care Homes (Chapter 414, Division 360). Members of the Certified Family RAC will provide valuable feedback on proposed rule changes. ​

Notices

​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Final Notice of Proposed Rulemaking​

RAC Information
Application Closed September 21, 2025​

Meeting Details: DELC will host one RAC meeting. The meeting will be held virtually.
Day: October 7, 2025 Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm on Zoom
Compensation: RAC participants will be compensated for their time.
Questions: If you have questions, please contact Abby Strom abby.strom@delc.oregon.gov
RAC Materials

​CF RAC Agenda and Roster 10.07.2025.pdf

​CertifiedFamilyRAC_10-07-2025.pdf​

Certified Family RAC​ Video​

Public Hearings

​Public Hearing: November 12, 5:00-6:00 PM
Public Hearing Recording

Hearing Officer Report - Certified Family Ruleset

Public Comments

Public Comment Report - Certified Family Ruleset

ELC Materials

​December 2025 Rulemaking Memo​

CAR - Certified Families Ruleset

12.10.25 ELC Roll Call and Vote Recording.pdf​

​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
1/1/2026
Summary
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)’s Birth Through Five Literacy Plan (BT5) sets a vision for improving early literacy outcomes for Oregon children ages birth through five. DELC is developing a set of rules to clarify the purpose of the BT5 Literacy Plan and specify how funding will be administered across grants and contracts in support of implementing the plan. Strategies outlined in the plan include administerin​g funds to support culturally specific early literacy, engage families, train early childhood educators, and support language preservation efforts led by federally recognized tribes in Oregon. ​
Notices

​Initial Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Final Notice of Proposed Rulemaking​


RAC Information

​The RAC application closed September 8, 2025.

The RAC meeting took place on October 9, 2025 virtually on Zoom from 6:00-7:30pm.

RAC Meeting Recording


​
RAC Materials

​BT5 RAC Agenda and Materials 10.09.25.pdf

Public Hearings

​Public Hearing: October 27, 5:00-6:00 PM 

Public Hearing Recording

Hearing Officer Report - BT5 Ruleset


Public Comments

Public Comment Report - BT5 Ruleset

ELC Materials

​Dec 2025 Rulemaking Memo​

CAR - BT5 Ruleset

​12.10.25 ELC Roll Call and Vote Recording.pdf​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/9/2025
Summary

​In December 2024, the ELC adopted administrative rules for certified family child care homes. These rules took effect July 1, 2025. During the implementation process, it was discovered that key safety rules were not incorporated into the final rules that were adopted. The rules of concern are related to Prevention and Management of Hazards OAR 414-360-0840, specifically the prohibition of illegal controlled substances on the premises and a general rule protecting children from water hazards.​

Notices
RAC Information

​RAC's and engagement will be held prior to the 180 day expiration date for temporary rules. 

RAC Materials
Public Hearings
​

Public Comments
ELC Materials

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/1/2025
Summary
The ERDC program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care.​
Notices
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking​​
​
RAC Information
The ERDC program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care.

Questions or concerns? Please contact Regina Siefert at 503-602-8413 or regina.m.siefert@delc.oregon.gov.
RAC Materials
​Meeting Date:

  • April 30, 2025, 6-7 PM
Meeting Materials:


Webinar link:
ERDC RAC April 30, 2025 Recording:
​
Public Hearings
  • ​May 22, 2025. 5:00 PM​

Public Comments

​Public Comment Report - Employment Related Day Care Ruleset

ELC Materials

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
10/1/2025
Summary
Early Learning Hubs play a critical role in connecting and coordinating those services on a regional level. Hubs center the voices of families from communities who face historical and current inequities due to factors such as race, income, zip code, or language. With local leaders a​nd communities, Hubs help build a shared vision and support strategic planning by evaluating regional successes, barriers, and opportunities. Through these partnerships, Hubs coordinate priorities, funding, and services to more effectively meet the needs of early learning and care providers, young children, and families.
Notices
​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
RAC Information
​Participants asked to serve on this RAC will be invited to another RAC for Early Learning Hubs in the fall of 2025.​
​​Name​
Group Representation
​​​Begona Rodriguez
Early Learning Hubs
Damiana Maxwell
Early Learning Hubs
​Lourdes Reyna Alcala
 Early Learning Hubs
Families 
Health services
Cicily Moses
 Early Learning Hubs
Families 
Child Care Providers, including those who accept subsidy
Child Care Resource & Referral
Culturally specific, community-based organizations
Brett Walker
Child Care Resource & Referral
Jessica Nguyen
Early Learning Hubs
Kimberly Brown
Early Learning Hubs
Families
Culturally specific, community-based organizations
Child Care Provider Union
Advocacy organizations
Gretta Sagolla
K-12 education
Diane Wilkinson
Child Care Providers, including those who accept subsidy
K-12 education
Sara Stephens
​​Early Learning Hubs
​Rochelle Williams
​Early Learning Hub representative
K-12 education representative - High Desert ESD backbone organization
Debi Brazelton
Early Learning Hubs
K-12 education
​Lisa Harnisch
Early Learning Hubs
Holly Bartlett

Families
Child Care Providers, including those who accept subsidy
​Anneliese Sheahan
​Child Care Provider Union 
​Natasha Ilys
​Families
Child Care Resource & Referral
Advocacy organizations
Housing services 
​Gillian Wesenberg

​Early Learning Hubs
Families
​Lydia Gray-Holifield
​Early Learning Hubs
Families​
​Megan Glaze
​K-12 education
​Jennifer Laine
​​Early Learning Hubs
​Courtney Little Hoop
​Child Care Resource & Referral
Culturally specific, community-based organizations
​Sabi J Velasco
​Unión de Proveedores de C​uidado de Niños
​

Questions or Concerns? Please contact Early Learning Hub Coordinators, Nancy Hauth at nancy.hauth@delc.oregon.gov or 503-510-6398, or Maria Mendoza at maria.mendoza@delc.oregon.gov or 971-433-7878.
RAC Materials
Meeting Dates:

  • ​April 23, 2025, 4:30-6:00 PM
  • April 24, 2025, 10:00-11:30 AM
  • May 8, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM
Meeting Materials:

Recordings:

Public Hearings
YouTube Recording
  • ​May 12, 2025. 5:00 PM
Public Comments

Public Comment Report - Early Learning Hub Ruleset​


ELC Materials


Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
5/1/2025
Summary
Baby Promise offers free, high-quality early care and education for infants and toddlers from low-income families in Oregon. Serving children ages six weeks to three years, Baby Promise is a publicly funded program that uses CCDF funds to subsidize slots in eligible early learning and care programs to families with children (aged 6 weeks to 3 years) in coastal Douglas, Coos, Curry, Crook, Deschutes. Jefferson, and Multnomah counties.
Notices
​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
RAC Information
Questions or concerns? Please contact Maidie Rosengarden at 503-881-1441 | Maidie.Rosengarden@delc.oregon.gov.

RAC Materials
Meeting Date:

  • March 18th, 2025, 4:00-5:00 PM
Meeting Materials:


Public Hearings
​March 24, 2025, 5:00 PM
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report
ELC Materials

​Baby Promise ELC Roll Call and Vote .pdf​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
3/1/2025
Summary
​The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will be amending Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) for the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program. DELC is facilitating a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to gather feedback on proposed amended rules and identify supports that may be needed to implement the amended ruleset.​


The ERDC rule changes to be addressed at this time include changes to: 
  • 414-175-0006: Authorized Representatives: The term "beneficiary" is being replaced with "caretaker" in ERDC rules for consistency, aligning with the definition in OAR 414-175-0002 and other related rules. 
  • 414-175-0015: Eligibility Group Structure: The sentence "Each individual in the household group who applies for benefits is an applicant" is being removed from this rule to align with the definitions of caretaker and applicant in OAR 414-175-0002. 
  • 414-175-0023: Requirement to Establish a Child Care Need and Hours Authorizations: The change clarifies that distance learning hours are covered only for medical related concerns affecting the child, or household and family members the child has frequent contact with. Additionally, the change will provide clarity and detail on what is considered a medical related concern.​ This restores language removed during a COVID-specific rule repeal and broadens it to include all medical concerns. 
  • 414-175-0050: Income Limits and Copay Amounts: ERDC income limits and copay tiers are being updated for 2025 to align with changes in Federal Poverty Levels (FPLs) and State Median Income. Adding language to clarify that initial income limit standards must be met to determine eligibility before ongoing or exit income limit standards apply.   
  • 414-175-0052: Concurrent and Duplicate Program Benefits: This rule is being updated to remove incorrect language about being part of an OSIP-AB (Oregon Supplemental Income Program - Aid to the Blind) Benefit Group, which was mistakenly included when the ERDC program transferred from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to DELC.  
  • 414-175-0055: Decision Notices: Updated to remove language about Intentional Program Violation (IPV) notices, as ERDC does not cite families for IPVs. It also replaces "caregiver" with "caretaker" for consistency and add new language allowing families to request changes to benefits verbally with a recorded signature, instead of requiring a written 457D form.  ​
Notices
​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
RAC Information
​For questions about participation, please contact Jennifer Heras 503-569-0546 or at jennifer.j.heras@delc.oregon.gov.​
RAC Materials
​Meeting Materials:

Public Hearings
​February 10, 2025, 5:00 PM
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report
ELC Materials

​ERDC ELC Roll Call and Vote.pdf​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/1/2025
Summary
​The Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) is developing Oregon Administrative Rules (O​​​ARs) that apply to Outdoor Nature-Based (ONB) Child Care settings. Due to this development, a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) was formed to gather valuable feedback on proposed rules and identify financial and equity effects that might result from the proposed rule language.​
Notices
​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
RAC Information
​Thank you to the following participants who shared their time and expertise on The Certified Outdoor Nature-Based RAC.



​​Name​
Affiliation
​​​Julie Siestreem
 Tribal Nation Representative
Yondella Hall
Representative from DELC funded early learning programs
​Rachel Turner
 Outdoor learning environment subject matter expert
Rae Alberg
 Parents/family members of children who attend ONB programs
Roxana Wilcox
 Representatives of licensed or recorded programs familiar with outdoor learning environments
Dani Stamm-Thomas
Hub Representative
Katrina Rose 
Child Care Resource and Referral Representative, Jackson County
Abby Hanner
Representatives of licensed or recorded programs familiar with outdoor learning environments
Heather Paladini
Representatives of licensed or recorded programs familiar with outdoor learning environments
Heidi McKay
​​Representatives of licensed or recorded programs familiar with outdoor learning environments
​Amanda Jewart 
​Representatives of licensed or recorded programs familiar with outdoor learning environments
​Karie Jackson
Representatives of licensed or recorded programs familiar with outdoor learning environments
​Dana Ultroske
Outdoor learning environment subject matter expert​
​Deziré Clark-Meindersee
Outdoor learning environment subject matter expert
​
For questions about participation, please contact Kendele Miyasaki, at Kendele.MIYASAKI@delc.oregon.gov​.
RAC Materials
​Meeting Materials:

Public Hearings
​February 24, 2025, 5:00 PM
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report
ELC Materials

ONB ELC Roll Call and Vote.pdf​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
1/1/2025
Summary
​The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) amended Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) for the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program. DELC is facilitated​​ a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to gather feedback on proposed amended rules and identify supports that may be needed to implement the amended ruleset. ​The RAC was held on September 17, 2024.
Notices
​Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
RAC Information
​For questions about participation, please contact Jennifer Heras 503-569-0546 or at jennifer.j.heras@delc.oregon.gov.
RAC Materials
​Meeting Materials:

Public Hearings
​October 16, 2024, 5:00 PM
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report
ELC Materials

​

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/1/2025
Summary
​The Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) is revising the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that apply to Certified Family and Registered Family Child Care Homes. Due to the revision, a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) was formed to gather valuable feedback on proposed rules and identify financial and equity effects that might result from the proposed updates.
Notices
​Certified Family Draft Rule Notice
Registered Family Draft Rule Notice
RAC Information
RAC Materials
​Meeting Materials:

Recordings:

Public Hearings
​October 28, 2024, 5:00 PM (Certified Family Child Care Rule Changes)
October 29, 2024, 5:00 PM (Registered Family Child Care Rule Changes)
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report - Certified
Hearing Officer Report - Registered
ELC Materials

​CF/RF ELC Roll Call and Vote.pdf

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/1/2025
Summary
​DELC is proposing to adopt procurement rules that outline the Department's procurement and contracting policies and procedures. These proposed rules codify the Department’s current procurement procedures, which are guided by the Public Contracting Code and the Attorney General Model Rules. 
Notices
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
RAC Information
​RAC Participants

​​Name​
Affiliation and Region
Theresa Martinez  
 Child Care Resource & Referral Agency; Portland 
Ann​eliese She​ahan
Child Care Provider Union - AFSCME; Gladstone
​Tiffiny Price
 Child Care Provider; Eugene
Jesse Burrows 
Child Care Provider Union - AFSCME; Portland
Mireya Rodriguez
Family; The Dalles
​
RAC Materials
Public Hearings
​May 22, 2024, 5:00 PM
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report
ELC Materials

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/1/2024
Summary
​DELC became an independent state agency on July 1, 2023. ORS 192.324(7) requires each public body to publish its procedure for making public records requests. These proposed rules clarify the definitions and process for making public records requests for public records when DELC is the custodian.
Notices
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
RAC Information
RAC Participants
​
​​Name​
Affiliation and Region
Ton​ya Coker
 Child Care Provider; Salem
Ann​eliese She​ahan
Child Care Provider Union - AFSCME; Gladstone
​Tiffi​n​y Graven
 Child Care Provider; Portland 
Denise Hudson
 Child Care Resource & Referral Agency; Redmond
Nancey Patten
 Child Care Resource & Referral Agency; The Dalles
Trina Nichols-Reyes 
Child Care Provider; Gladstone
Jesse Burrows 
Child Care Provider Union - AFSCME; Portland
Quentyn Zbikowski
Family; Medford
​
RAC Materials
Public Hearings
May 23, 2024 5:00 PM
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report
ELC Materials

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/1/2025
Summary
​DELC is revising the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that apply to Certified Family and Registered Family Child Care Homes. Due to this revision, a Community Workgroup was formed to assist with creating rule language on a set of topics that were identified during the recent listening sessions with family child care providers. OARs related to both license types were reviewed during the Workgroup. This work was completed prior to the development of each ruleset which will be reviewed by a Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) later this year.
Notices
RAC Information
​Thank you to the following workgroup participants who shared their time and expertise on the Family Child Care Rule Revision Workgroup.​​


​​Name​
Affiliation and Region
​​​Anna Pickel
Certified Family Child Care/AFSCME
​Heidi Lawler
Certified Family Child Care - Portland
​Gabrielle Escaler​​a
Registered Family Child Care - Springfield
Carmen Wolf
Certified Family Child Care - Hermiston
Lorena Moehring
Registered Family Child Care - St. Helens
Kelly Heichel
​​Certified Family Child Care - Roseburg
Tina Barnes 
Registered Family Child Care - Springfield
Rose Daily
Registered Family Child Care - North Bend
Denise Hudson
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) - Deschutes County
Dani Stamm Thomas
​​HUB Representative - Clackamas County
​Anneliese Sheehan 
​AFSCME
​Rosbinda Umanzor
Registered Family Child Care - Beaverton
​Xochilt Jimenez-Avilia
Registered Family Child Care - Gresham​
​Flor Silva
​Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) - Washington County
​Claudia Morales
​Registered Family Child Care - Beaverton
​
RAC Materials
​Meeting Materials:

Recordings:


Public Hearings
Public Comments
ELC Materials

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/1/2025
Summary
The ERDC program helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care.

Rule amendments will include changes to:

  • Direct Provider Payments (414-175-0085): specify child care billing forms cannot be issued or reissued more than 12 months from the month that care was provided for budgetary reasons. 
  • Eligibility Group Structure (414-175-0015): clarify current policies on the five eligibility determination groups (EDG), household, filing, financial, need and benefits and will have no fiscal impacts for the agency, families, or providers. 
  • Definitions (414-175-0002): updating definition of Illegal activity to state that working in the marijuana or psilocybin industry is considered an "illegal activity.”  
  • General Financial Eligibility (414-175-0030): explains that working in the marijuana industry is considered an “illegal activity” under this rule as considered under federal law. ​
Notices
RAC Information
​Meeting Date:

  • May 2, 2024, 6:00-7:00 PM
RAC Participants:

​​Name​
​​Organization
​​​Jessica Porter
​​Early Learning Hub, Baby Promise; Coos Bay
​Anneliese Sheahan
Child Care Provider Union -AFSCME; Gladstone
​Rachael Lamet
Child Care Provider Union -AFSCME, Certified Family Provider; Salem
April Paul ​
​​Baby Promise  CCR&R; Redmond 
Natasha Ilys
211 – Provide child care referrals
Courtney Veronneau
​​Family Forward; Portland
Angela Zbikowski 
​​Foster Parent; Medford
Keisha Brewster
​Family​
Maria Del Carmen Perez Guzman
ERDC Certified Family Provider; Gervais
Ashley Records​
​​ERDC Certified Family Provider; Hermiston
​Liceth Montiel Lopez
​ERDC Certified Family Provider; Beaverton
​Lorena Samano Lopez
​ERDC Certified Family Provider; Tualatin
​Stephanie Lilly 
​Child Care Provider; Coos Bay ​
​
Questions or Concerns? Please contact Jennifer Heras, 503-569-0546, jennifer.j.heras@delc.oregon.gov.​​
RAC Materials
Public Hearings
​May 20, 2024, 5:00 PM
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report
ELC Materials

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
7/1/2025
Summary
​During the 2023 legislative session, House Bill 2717 passed and requires the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to create a pathway to license child care programs that primarily serve children in outdoor settings.
Notices


​

RAC Information
​DELC hosted a community workgroup to support the development of Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) for these programs. The goal of the workgroup was to gather valuable feedback on topics that pertain to outdoor learning environments and discuss how OARs can be structured to support the health and safety of children in these programs.

Thank you to the following workgroup participants who shared their time and expertise on the Outdoor Nature-Based Workgroup Committee.​
​
​​Name​
​​Organization
​​​Rachel Turner
​​Operat​ors of Outdoor Nature-Based Programs Recorded through CCLD
​McKenzie Purdom
​​Operators of Outdoor Nature-Based Programs Recorded through CCLD
​Amy Nelson​
​​Operators of Outdoor Nature-Based Programs Recorded through CCLD
​Rebeca McDermitt​
​​Representatives from culturally specific organizations working with young children
​​Rayanna Van Dine
​Child Care Resource and Referral representatives
​​Melissa Moore
​​Operators of Outdoor Nature-Based Programs Recorded through CCLD
​Joseph Flaherty
​​Operators of Outdoor Nature-Based Programs Recorded through CCLD
​​​Sage Halvorson
​Parents/family members of young children​
​​Rhonda Schock
​​Operators of Outdoor Nature-Based Programs Recorded through CCLD
​Kendal Talcot​
​​Operators of Outdoor Nature-Based Programs Recorded through CCLD

RAC Materials
Public Hearings
Public Comments
ELC Materials

Status
Recently Adopted
Effective Date
5/1/2025
Summary
DELC has drafted the ruleset listed below, that allows for the adoption of the two documents (Guidebook and Manual) to guide implementation of the program until a larger ruleset is drafted and put forward to the Early Learning Council and the public. This first step allows DELC to place Baby Promise in RULE to guide implementation, while providing time for a larger ruleset to be drafted, tentatively planned for 2025.​
Notices
RAC Information
Rules for the Baby Promise Program were drafted in 2021 – 2022 but were not formerly adopted. Currently, the program does not have any rules to guide implementation of the program. The purpose of the RAC meetings is to review the two guiding documents for the Baby Promise Program and gather input and insight from RAC members regarding the documents.

Questions or Concerns? Please contact Maidie Rosengarden at 503-881-1441 | Maidie.Rosengarden@delc.oregon.gov
RAC Materials
​Meeting Dates:

  • ​Day 1: Feburary 20, 2024, 3:30 - 5:00 PM
  • Day 2: February 27, 2024, 3:30 - 5:00 PM
  • Day 3: March 5, 2024, 3:30 - 5:00 PM​​
Meeting Materials:

Public Hearings
​March 11, 2024, 5:00 PM
Public Comments
​Hearing Officer Report
ELC Materials