Congratulations on taking your first step toward becoming a child care provider!

Providing child care in your home has several different pathways, and we’re here to help you find the one that’s right for you. Explore your options and connect with our experienced team for guidance, support, and answers to your questions. We’ll help you access the training and resources you need to launch a rewarding career in early childhood care and education.

preschool teacher

License Exempt Care

Oregon does not require some types of child care to be licensed by the Child Care Licensing Division if, for example, you are caring for 3 or fewer children in addition to your own. Learn more about exemptions from licensure and if the care you are providing qualifies. Some families are eligible for assistance to pay for child care through Employment Related Day Care (ERDC). In order to accept these subsidy payments, you must become ERDC listed and complete some training and safety requirements.

Licensed Care

There are two main types of licensure in family child care; Registered and Certified. Registered family child care in Oregon allows a provider to care for up to 10 children in their own home with basic training (10 hrs over two years) and renews every two years with a licensing inspection. In contrast, certified family child care can serve up to 16 children, requires more extensive training (15 hrs annually), annual environmental health and licensing inspections, and yearly renewal. 

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Enriching Childhood Experiences

Establishing your career in the field of early childhood care and education is just the beginning. Let us help you implement fun, engaging curriculum and program management tools that set children and your career on the road for future success.  Check out our extensive list of professional development opportunities that offer both online and in-person options. Be sure to get on our email list too for updates on local opportunities, grants, conferences and more.

Excited children