Serving Jackson & Josephine Counties
Call or text: 541.301.7760
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Greetings to our Early Learning Providers and Partners!
As this long and challenging year draws to a close, all of us at Child Care Resource Network are thinking of you, and marveling at how all of you, our early learning community, pulled together in these unpredictable times.
Parents, children, the workforce, and our society depend on access to high quality care. Our entire community needs you, and is deeply grateful for the absolutely essential service you provide.
On a personal note, I will be retiring from my position as CCRN Manager at the end of December. It has been such a privilege to get to know many providers and early educators, who I have come to admire so much, to be part of our amazing early learning community, to assist providers to access support and resources through this difficult time, and to work with the incredible CCRN team, who are the most committed and caring people I know.
This is a time of transformation in our early learning field, directing more funding and support to both families and child care programs. Assisting early educators with funding, training, and education opportunities will help develop a stronger, more prepared workforce that will be paid the compensation they deserve. CCRN will be there assisting, supporting and advocating for our early learning workforce every step of the way, helping to make this vision of the future blossom into reality.
And looking to the immediate future, next quarter there are a lot of workshops coming up. Check the training calendar to see what interests you and think about attending the Preschool-K12 Alignment Summit in January and the Together for Children Winter Conference in February- scroll down for more information.
All of us at CCRN hope you know how much we value and appreciate YOU! With deep affection and respect, we wish all of you health, happiness, and joy in 2022!
Mary Wolf, Molly Clement, Devon Finley, Martha Ibarra, Lorena Juarez, Katrina McGrath, Norma Pantoja, and Candelaria Romero
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If your program is eligible for a child care stabilization grant, and you have not applied yet, do it NOW! The deadline is December 31, 2021. All the information you need to fill out the simple application can be found on the ELD website, including video guides, FAQs, and sample budgets. You do not want to miss this opportunity – many providers have already received substantial payments. Please contact CCRN with any questions or for assistance, we want to be sure you get the support you need and deserve.
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Call or text 541-301-7760
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A Reminder of Three Ongoing CCRN Opportunities: |
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Spark, Oregon’s Continuous Quality Improvement program, comes with lots of benefits and is a great way to demonstrate your program’s commitment to quality care. The Spark website just got a makeover – go to https://oregonspark.org/ to see what you think. Contact CCRN with questions, for information, and to start the Spark journey.
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Focused Child Care Networks (FCCN) are a great way to connect with other providers, get support and resources for your program, and learn and share with your peers, the ones who really understand what you do!
Currently we have an Infant-Toddler Network and a Spanish speaking Family Provider Network up and running, and are planning a network for directors and one for English speaking Family Providers. Please reach out to CCRN if you are interested or have questions. Getting together with your peers and colleagues is a powerful way to share and feel supported. Please consider joining a Network!
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RCC Cohorts are groups of early educators taking a series of FREE RCC classes together, with the goal of earning a certificate or gaining knowledge around a specific area. To see a slide show of the final event celebrating the Infant-Toddler Cohort Initiative, organized by Candelaria Romero, CCRN Infant Toddler Specialist, click the link. Many participants had completed 4 RCC classes together. Infant-Toddler Cohort Celebration
CCRN will be emailing information on how to join new RCC Cohorts, so make sure you are on the CCRN email list and check your inbox frequently.
The celebration was held at CCRN’s new offices at 502 West Main Street in Medford. We are eager to have an open house as soon as large groups are allowed. In the meantime, drop by and see us if you are in the area.
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Early Learning Division Updates |
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As the COVID-19 situation changes, please stay informed by frequently checking the ELD website for the most current information. The website also has information on temporary and permanent rule changes due to the pandemic.
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Preschool Promise Expansion |
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Please see the message from the Early Learning Division and respond to the survey by January 10th if you are interested in becoming a Preschool Promise Provider. Becoming a Preschool Promise provider is a great opportunity for professional growth and advancement. Please note: the survey is not an offer or an application for funding.
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Preschool/K12 Alignment Summit: |
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Thursday, January 20th,
5:30 to 7:30pm, on Zoom
The focus will be on effective outreach from K12 schools to families with children who will be entering Kindergarten in 2022. A $50 gift card will be provided to each participant. Email SORS Executive Director Peter Buckley to be sent registration information. With simultaneous Spanish translation. [email protected]
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Southern Oregon Chapter of ORAEYC Winter Conference: |
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Friday/Saturday, February 25-26
Featuring Lisa Murphy on Zoom
Save the date, and read how Lisa feels about “process art” in a recent Community Playthings newsletter – then register for the conference to hear her engaging high-energy presentations in person.
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ODHS Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Assistance: An Overview for Parents and Providers |
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The Employment-Related Day Care program (ERDC) helps eligible low-income families pay for child care while they are working. Assistance can include the cost of registration fees, including annual enrollment fees, application fees, and initial registration fees. ERDC is a subsidy program, meaning eligible families still pay part of the child care cost.
Click Here for more ERDC Information for parents and families!
ERDC also works with providers and other child care partners across the state to help families find and keep good child care, improve the availability of quality child care in Oregon, and to develop resources for parents and child care providers.
Click Here for more ERDC Information for Child Care Providers.
DHS Child Care Maximum Rates: Click HERE for more information.
UPDATE as of January 1st, 2022
For Families:
Beginning January 1st, 2022 ODHS will be revising the co-pay structure and will be raising the income limits for families from 185% to 200% to better serve struggling families!
For ERDC Providers:
January 1st, 2022 ERDC rate increases to all provider types will occur. Website and information will be updated on or around Jan. 1st. Spark rated programs continue to receive higher reimbursement payments for children enrolled full time. If you are interested in becoming LISTED with ODHS to serve ERDC clients, please call or email CCRN and we can get you the form and assist you in navigating through the process!
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Vacancy Checks for Registered and Certified Family Providers |
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CCRN is required to conduct vacancy checks every quarter to get important data on child care capacity. If you have already responded to the survey or to a call from CCRN, THANK YOU! If we haven’t heard from you yet, please take a moment to send us your vacancy information, or call Katrina McGrath to give her this information over the phone. This is needed by December 31!
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Take a look at a new e-book from Rae Pica’s FREE resource library!
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Babies and toddlers have big feelings that they can’t always control – this information from Zero to Three is a great resource to share with parents.
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What Does Recent Research Say About a Good Bedtime Routine for Children between the ages of 2 and 8?
6 key areas were identified:
- Brushing teeth before bed.
- Time consistency for going to bed.
- Book reading before bed.
- Avoiding food/drinks before bed.
- Avoiding use of electronic devices before bed.
- Calming activities with child before bed including bath, shower, and talking.
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Inclusive Child Care Program
The Inclusive Child Care Program high need pay rate has DOUBLED. Learn more here and if you care for a child who might qualify, contact the CCRN Support Line. Please reach out with questions, concerns, or just to chat about a situation. You will receive a response within two business days.
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The most important take-away may be this thought from Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture:
Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun!
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A Hop, Skip, and a Jump: Creating Your Own Sensory Path
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Please reach out to Child Care Resource Network with questions or for assistance with your child care program. Consider joining a Focused Child Care Network or RCC Cohort and participating in Spark. There are lots of opportunities out there for professional growth and development and we are here to help.
We wish you Happy Holidays!
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Child Care Resource Network
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Preschool Promise Specialist/Coordinator
Child Care Provider Consultant/QI Specialist/Grant Coordinator
Preschool Promise/QI Specialist - English, Spanish
Child Care Provider Specialist - English, Spanish
Administrative Assistant III
QI Specialist/Focused Child Care Network- Spanish
Infant-Toddler Specialist/Focused Child Care Network-English, Spanish
Child Care Resource Network Manager
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