Bill > HB2452

This bill establishes a program within the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to provide grants to child care resource and referral entities in Oregon, with the goal of helping parents and guardians access child care services. The grants will support entities that provide comprehensive assistance, including interviewing families to understand their specific child care needs, coaching parents on evaluating and applying to child care providers, vetting providers, and offering lists of suitable care options in the family's primary language. Grant recipients can use the funds for operational expenses like hiring part-time specialists, data collection, interpretation services, technology, and rent. When determining grant amounts, DELC will consider factors such as geographic location, number of families needing services, outreach challenges, and interpretation needs. Recipients must collect and share information about local child care needs with providers, economic development organizations, policymakers, and community partners. The program is initially funded through a General Fund appropriation and is set to operate from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with an emergency clause highlighting its immediate importance for public well-being.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2452