SALEM, ORE. – The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) secures $7.35 million in federal funding to support early childhood system alignment after submitting a successful proposal last December. The Preschool Development Grant—Birth through Five (PDG B-5) is a competitive federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.
“Oregon’s selection for this award is tremendously exciting,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “This funding will strengthen DELC’s system-building and infrastructure work in partnership with the Governor’s Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable. Together, these efforts will help us move toward a shared, comprehensive vision for early childhood education – one that is coordinated, culturally appropriate, and centered on the strengths of children, families, and early learning professionals.”
Oregon is one of 23 states awarded the grant that covers 12 months of activities designed to enhance the infrastructure for the early childhood education (ECE) system. Funds will support DELC in building a unified early learning system that is rooted in accountability and efficiency, while maximizing family choice.
Previously, Oregon received PDG funds which were vital in understanding the strengths and needs of the early learning and care system prior to the launch of the Department of Early Learning and Care. These funds supported the creation of Raise Up Oregon, the state’s early childhood system plan. They also helped the state build the capacity to support parent choice, improve quality of programs, incorporate best practices in early learning and care, and use data to support improvement and decision-making.
“As we celebrate the Week of the Young Child, we know early investments pay off for young children not only in their earliest years but in setting the course of their life,” said Director Chatterjee. “Securing millions of dollars to our state for much needed early learning system-building and infrastructure is a huge win for the Oregon communities we serve.”
For more information about Oregon’s PDG funding please visit the Preschool Development Grant page of the DELC website.
About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.