Resources for Oregon Families

When conducting a search for child care in Oregon, understanding the difference between the types of child care available for your family is important. You may prefer a center-based structure for your child, where the care is in a facility and has larger groups of children. Or, you may prefer a family-based center where the care is in a private home and has fewer children. Within these two options, there are licensed care and license-exempt care.

Types of Child Care

Center Based Child Care

CENTER-BASED

Center-Based Child Care

Some families choose center-based child care because of the classroom-like environment and larger number of children. Center–based programs may have more adults present in the program and might offer more consistent care hours for families. Families may like that their child is with children of the same age.

Home Based Child Care

HOME-BASED

Home-Based Child Care

Some families choose family child care homes because they like the family environment and the smaller number of children. Home-based programs may have the same caregiver for your child and might offer more flexible hours for families that need care in the evenings or weekends. Families with multiple children also like that siblings are cared for together.

Licensed and License Exempt Care

LICENSED

Licensed Child Care

The Office of Child Care conducts regular visits to licensed child care programs to ensure each program is following basic health and safety rules. Licensed programs require that staff have ongoing training and background checks. Programs are required to follow rules about the number of staff that need to be present and the number of children that can be cared for at one time.

LICENSE EXEMPT

License Exempt Child Care

Some families may choose License Exempt caregivers who provide child care in their homes on an informal basis. These caregivers are not required to be licensed if they care for three children or fewer and may be friends or relatives of your family.

HIGH QUALITY CHILD CARE

Spark Rated Programs

Learning is a lifelong process that starts at birth. Quality early care and education programs are important to support your child’s development.

Spark is a statewide resource that is improving the quality of child care in Oregon. It is a voluntary system of supports that helps early learning professionals build on what they are already doing well – giving children positive experiences. Spark builds on Oregon licensing standards and focuses on key areas which research shows have a big impact on children’s growth, health, and well-being.

Go to the Oregon Spark Website
To find out more visit Oregon’s Spark.

Additional Resources

DELC (Department of Early Learning and Care) is responsible for licensing and monitoring child care facilities in the State of Oregon.

211info – A non-profit organization that provides referrals and helps families find & locate childcare options.

The ERDC (Employment Related Day Care) Program  helps families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care, including registration fees. We also work with partners across the state to help families find and keep good child care.

Department of Early Learning and Care Information on  child care, preschool, and home visiting opportunities for families with children from Birth to 5 years.

Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC) supports access in Oregon to parenting education.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) supports parents needing assistance paying for child care through the Employment Related Day Care program (ERDC).

FACTOregon – provides information and resources to empower families experiencing disabilities with children birth-young adult.

Inclusive Partners – Inclusive Partners supports access to child care and inclusive child care opportunities for children with diverse abilities and needs.