(1) As used in this section:

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(a) ‘Local entity’ includes:

(A) An Early Learning Hub designated under ORS § 417.827;

(B) A resource and referral entity;

(C) An education service district;

(D) A federal Head Start program;

(E) A community-based organization; or

(F) Any entity identified by the Department of Early Learning and Care.

(b) ‘Provider’ means a provider of infant and toddler care.

(c) ‘Resource and referral entity’ means a resource and referral entity established under ORS § 329A.100 to 329A.135.

(2) The Department of Early Learning and Care shall administer an infant and toddler care program to improve access to high quality infant and toddler care for families whose incomes, at the time of enrollment, are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

(3)(a) Each biennium, each Early Learning Hub, in consultation with resource and referral entities, shall complete a community plan. The plan must include the following for the region served by the Early Learning Hub:

(A) Identification of priority populations of children and families to enroll in the program;

(B) Assessment of the availability of high-quality infant and toddler care;

(C) Identification of existing providers and opportunities to increase the number and enrollment capacity of providers;

(D) Prioritization of local entities to serve as providers based on community need and enrollment capacity;

(E) Identification of methods for increasing the enrollment capacity of providers and for providing professional development to providers; and

(F) Identification of other services related to infant and toddler care.

(b) After completing a community plan described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, an Early Learning Hub shall submit the plan to the department for approval based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council.

(4)(a) The department shall contract with resource and referral entities to recruit eligible providers to participate in the infant and toddler care program established under this section.

(b) To be eligible to participate in the program, a provider must demonstrate a commitment and ability to:

(A) Address the needs identified in the community plan approved by the department under subsection (3) of this section;

(B) Provide care to infants and toddlers;

(C) Serve families whose incomes, at the time of enrollment, are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines; and

(D) Serve families who otherwise meet criteria established by the Early Learning Council by rule.

(5)(a) The department shall identify a local entity within each Early Learning Hub region that shall be responsible for awarding grants and contracts to providers who meet the eligibility criteria established under subsection (4) of this section.

(b) Before a provider may be awarded a grant or contract under this section, the provider must agree to participate in any quality improvement and professional development activities necessary to meet the standards established by the department.

(6) Resource and referral entities shall:

(a) In consultation with each provider awarded a grant or contract under this section, develop a quality improvement and professional development plan for the provider; and

(b) Provide coaching and other professional development services necessary to execute the plan developed under this subsection. [2019 c.573 § 1; 2021 c.93 § 3; 2021 c.631 § 50]

417.784 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS Chapter 417 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

[1993 c.676 § 16; 1999 c.1053 § 16; 2012 c.37 § 48; 2012 c.97 § 27; repealed by 2012 c.37 § 103 and 2013 c.728 § 12]