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Department of Early Learning and Care

Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA)

Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) responds to the needs of American Indian/Alaskan Native children and their families.

Guiding Principles

These are the Guiding Principles for Tribal Early Learning and Care:

  • Sovereignty and Self-Determination
    Tribal Nations lead the design of early learning systems, ensuring that care and education reflect Tribal priorities, knowledge, and governance.
  • Strong Families and Communities
    Children are raised in healthy, stable, and multigenerational family environments that honor Tribal values and traditions.
  • Culturally Grounded Early Learning
    Families have access to care and education that are high-quality, culturally responsive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
  • Language and Cultural Revitalization
    Tribal languages, stories, and cultural knowledge are reintegrated into instruction and early learning environments, strengthening identity and belonging for future generations.
  • Thriving Children
    Children enter kindergarten ready to learn, confident in who they are, and supported by their families, communities, and cultures.

Committee Representatives

  • Voting Membership
    • 18 members total
      • Two Representatives from each Tribe
  • Advisory Members (Nonvoting)
    • At least two parents or caregivers of a plan child1
    • At least two tribal educators2 or providers of early childhood care or education programs operated by a Tribe
  • Ex Officio (Nonvoting)
    • DELC Early Learning Systems Director
    • Other state agencies 
      • Oregon Department of Education (ODE)
      • Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)
      • Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
      • Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)




Committee Information

More information will be added as it becomes available.

Definitions

1. “Plan child” means a child enrolled in early childhood care or education programs who: 

  1. Is eight years of age or younger;
  2. Is Native American or Alaska Native; and
  3. Has experienced disproportionate results in early childhood care or education due to historical practices, as identified by the Early Learning Council by rule.

2. “Tribal educator” means a teacher, child care provider, administrator or other school or child care employee who:

  1. Is Native American or Alaska Native; and
  2. Provides early childhood care or education services to any children eight years of age or younger.

House Bill 2815-1 Fact Sheet

Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund

Archive

Connect with the Office of Tribal Affairs

To foster continued communication and collaboration, the Office of Tribal Affairs hosts monthly Office Hours on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:00–11:00 AM. We welcome you to join us at this Zoom meeting link.

If this time is not convenient, we are always happy to connect individually. Please feel free to email delc.tribalaffairs@delc.oregon.gov or use our DELC Office of Tribal Affairs Bookings Link to schedule a time that works best for you.

Booking Link

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s Office of Tribal Affairs newsletter is intended to improve the flow of information between DELC and Tribal Leaders, Tribal Advisory Committee members, G2G SB 770 cluster representatives, Tribal CCDF administrators, Tribal early learning and care staff, and OTELA grant and program administrators, among others. 

Sign up to receive future editions of the Office of Tribal Affairs Newsletter below:

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