Council repeals and adopts multiple family and ERDC rule amendments

The Early Learning Council voted unanimously to repeal and then adopt updated language for multiple family-related rule sets and ERDC regulations during its meeting. Katie moved the measures and council members signaled unanimous support; the motions covered repeal of older rules dated 12/11/2024 and adoption of amended Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) sections for certified family, registered family, and ERDC rule sets.

"Those in favor, please raise your hand," the chair said before recording unanimous passage for each motion. Council materials list the affected OAR citations and staff told the council the procedural step requires repeal followed by adoption so the new language can replace the prior rule text. No recorded roll-call counts were given in the transcript; minutes state the motions "pass unanimously."

Council members thanked staff for the work on the language changes. The chair said, "I know you've spent untold hours, especially on the certified and registered family rule sets," and praised one-on-one outreach that helped clarify the rules. Staff confirmed the technical edits align with current system functionality and were intended mainly to clarify definitions and applicability across caretaker, applicant, and child roles.

The council also adopted ERDC-specific amendments that include a waitlist exemption related to the Baby Promise program (discussed separately). Staff noted the ERDC changes were previously adopted temporarily in October and, if passed, would take effect January 1, 2025. The council directed staff to post the final rule language and to follow the administrative timelines required for OAR publication and effectiveness.