Bill > SB567

This bill establishes a comprehensive child care provider incentive program administered by the Department of Early Learning and Care to support and attract child care providers in Oregon. The program will offer various incentives such as loan repayment subsidies, stipends, scholarships for early childhood professional development, and child care and housing assistance. The Early Learning Council will develop detailed rules for the program, including eligibility criteria that allow providers to qualify for multiple incentives over multiple years. A dedicated Child Care Provider Incentive Fund will be created in the State Treasury, funded through legislative appropriations and potential gifts or grants from public and private sources. The department may contract with public or private entities to help administer the program and will decide on scholarship distributions annually by September 1st for the upcoming academic year. Providers, including micro centers, will be able to participate by committing to provide child care services, with the program aiming to address workforce challenges in the child care sector. The bill will take effect 91 days after the adjournment of the 2025 regular legislative session.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB567