Oregon early-learning agency briefs House committee on licensing, program access and ERDC wait list

Chair Vanessa Hartman opened the informational session of the House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services on Jan. 21 by inviting leaders from the newly formed Department of Early Learning and Care to brief the committee on agency programs, licensing and system challenges.

"House Bill 3073 passed in 2021, creating the Department of Early Learning and Care, and the agency launched officially on July 1, 2023," Alyssa Chatterjee, director of the Department of Early Learning and Care, told the committee as she outlined the agency's mission and program portfolio. The agency's work focuses primarily on prenatal to kindergarten supports and a mix of direct services and system infrastructure.

The briefing gave committee members an overview of childcare licensing, the range of DELC-administered programs, and key system metrics. Alicia Gardner, childcare licensing division director, emphasized the purpose of licensing: "child care licensing keeps kids safe," and described licensing activities that include inspections, provider technical assistance, comprehensive background checks and complaint investigations. Gardner said licensing staff work with other state agencies — including the Oregon Health…