You do essential work. You deserve to stay.
Child care providers hold Oregon's economy up and are among its lowest-paid workers. Here's help you can use now, and how we're fighting for pay that lets you stay in the work you love.
The gap we're fighting to close
Sources: UC Berkeley Center for the Study of Child Care Employment, Early Childhood Workforce Index 2024 (2022 data); Oregon State University, 2024–25.
Help you can use now
Getting paid through ERDC
The state pays its share of care for ERDC families, and families pay their copay to you. Maximum rates depend on the child's age, your area, your type of care and the hours. New maximum rates took effect in early 2026. If a complete bill is processed late, you can ask for an extra 9% payment within 30 days.
To become an ERDC provider: pass a background check, finish the required training, and submit the provider listing form. Don't start care until you're approved.
ERDC provider information · Current rates · Direct Pay Unit: 800-699-9074
Starting or growing your program
Your local Child Care Resource and Referral office gives free help with starting a program, business skills and required trainings. Child Care Substitutes of Oregon offers free substitute hours to eligible programs.
Food program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program helps pay for healthy meals and snacks. Family child care homes join through a sponsor; centers apply to the Oregon Department of Education.
Learn about CACFP · 503-947-5600
Scholarships and training
The Oregon Center for Career Development offers scholarships for training and credentials, including one funded by the family child care union contract. Joining the Oregon Registry can also qualify license-exempt providers for a higher ERDC rate.
See scholarships · 503-725-8535
Building and repairs
Oregon's Child Care Infrastructure Fund gave out about $50 million from 2024 to 2026 to build and repair child care space. More than 500 providers applied, asking for over $255 million, and no new round has been announced. We're pushing lawmakers to refill it.
You don't have to fight alone
Licensed family child care providers are represented by Oregon Child Care Providers Together, AFSCME Local 132. License-exempt providers are represented by SEIU Local 503. Together, providers negotiate the rates the state pays.
Child Care for Oregon is fighting for good wages and benefits for every kind of provider, and for funding the state can count on.
Tell lawmakers what it takes to keep your doors open
Providers' stories about rates, waitlists and wages change votes. Share yours through our Voices program, or join us at the Capitol.