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

Home Based Child Care

HOME-BASED

Home-Based Child Care

Licensed and License Exempt Care

LICENSED

Licensed Child Care

LICENSE EXEMPT

License Exempt Child Care

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

Office of Child Care (OCC) 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.

Oregon Department of Human Services provides information on how to access programs for children and families, such as food assistance, child care assistance, and assistance for children with disabilities.

Oregon Department of Education – Early Learning Division 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.