PSP - RFA - Eastern Oregon Early Learning Hub English.pdf

RFA #S-58800-00017447

Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List for Eastern Oregon Early Learning Hub

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 1 of 31

STATE OF OREGON

COVER PAGE

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF EARLY LEARNING AND CARE

PRESCHOOL PROMISE ELIGIBLE PROVIDER LIST FOR

EASTERN OREGON EARLY LEARNING HUB

Request for Grant Applications (“RFA”)

#S-58800-00017447

Date of Issue: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Closing Date and Time: Monday, August 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST

Single Point of Contact (SPC): Jordyn Stanley

Address: 700 Summer St NE, City, State, Zip: Salem, OR. 97301

E-mail: jordyn.stanley@delc.oregon.gov

The State of Oregon promotes equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 2 of 31

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 GRANT AMOUNT AND DURATION

1.3 ELIGIBILITY

1.4 SCHEDULE

1.5 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPC)

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY AND SCOPE

2.1 AUTHORITY

2.2 DEFINITION OF TERMS

2.3 OVERVIEW

2.4 SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

SECTION 3: PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

3.1 GRANT PROCESS

3.2 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 4: EVALUATION

4.1 RESPONSIVENESS DETERMINATION

4.2 EVALUATION CRITERIA

4.3 POINT AND SCORE CALCULATIONS

4.4 QUALITY EVALUATION

4.5 OTHER ROUNDS OF COMPETITION

SECTION 5: AWARD AND NEGOTIATION

5.1 AWARD NOTIFICATION PROCESS

5.2 INTENT TO AWARD PROTEST

5.3 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

5.4 GRANT NEGOTIATION

SECTION 6: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6.1 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

6.2 OWNERSHIP/ PERMISSION TO USE MATERIALS

6.3 CANCELLATION OF RFA; REJECTION OF APPLICATIONS; NO DAMAGES

6.4 COST OF SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

SECTION 7: LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A: SAMPLE GRANT AGREEMENT

ATTACHMENT B:PRESCHOOL PROMISE GRANTEE OPERATIONS MANUAL

ATTACHMENT C: HUB PRIORITIES FOR SLOT DISTRIBUTION

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 3 of 31

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE

The State of Oregon, acting by and through its Department of Early Learning and Care, (“Agency”), is issuing this Request for Grant Applications (“RFA”) for preschool providers in the Eastern Oregon Early Learning Hub during the 2025–2027 biennium (July 1, 2025– June 30, 2027). Preschool providers who are not currently participating in Preschool Promise and who would like to be awarded Preschool Promise Slots or be added to the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List are invited to submit an application in response to this RFA. If awarded, these providers will either be immediately awarded Preschool Promise Slots or will be placed on the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List.

If successful applicants are awarded a spot on the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List then they will be deemed eligible for Preschool Promise Slots in the event that any such Slots become available before June 30, 2027, within Eastern Oregon Early Learning Hub. These successful applicants will remain in the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List through June 30, 2027. Please note that Agency cannot guarantee that any successful applicants on the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List will eventually be granted any Slots. If the successful applicant is granted Preschool Promise Slots while on the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List Pool, the performance period for such granted Slots lasts until June 30, 2027. At some point on or before June 30, 2027, in the discretion of the Agency, successful applicants who are on the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List may, in Agency’s sole discretion, be asked by Agency whether they wish to remain on the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List.

Agency oversees the Preschool Promise program, which offers free, high-quality preschool to Oregon families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and children in foster care. Preschool Promise is a publicly-funded program that recognizes high-quality care and education happen in a variety of settings.

Preschool Promise Grantees are paid directly by the State of Oregon to offer preschool services to qualifying families.

Additional details are included in the Scope of Activities section.

1.2 GRANT AMOUNT AND DURATION

Agency anticipates the award of multiple Grant Agreements (each a “Grant”) from this RFA. The initial term of each Grant is anticipated to be one (1) year with options to renew in Agency’s discretion. The amount of each Grant will be based on the number of Slots awarded, as follows:

• Base amount: $16,000 per Slot per year

• Transportation enhancement: $1,150 per Slot per year.

• One-time start-up amounts: $2,040 per Slot awarded pursuant to this RF

STANLEY Jordyn * DELC Flag for changing this with other hub

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 4 of 31

1.3 ELIGIBILITY

The following types of entities are eligible to operate Preschool Promise programs:

• Certified Child Care Centers;

• Certified Family Child Care providers;

• Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies;

• Community-Based Organizations;

• Culturally specific organizations;

• Early Learning Hubs as designated under ORS 417.827;

• Education service districts;

• Federal Head Start programs;

• Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) grantees;

• Private preschools;

• Public charter schools;

• Public schools;

• Relief Nurseries as defined in ORS 417.786; and

• Other Child Care Providers as defined in OAR 414-470-0005.

An eligible entity may provide Preschool Promise services at more than one Site. The entity must use a single Application and must provide the information requested by the Application for each Site.

Applicant’s Sites must have sufficient physical space to provide Preschool Promise services. If license exempt, minimum requirements are as follows:

• Indoor, open and accessible space: 35 square feet per preschooler

• Outdoor, open and accessible space: 75 square feet per preschooler

An Applicant is not eligible to provide Preschool Promise services pursuant to this RFA if Applicant has previously been awarded a Preschool Promise Grant and, in the two years before submitting an Application in response to this RFA, the Agency notified Applicant that Applicant was not eligible for continuation of a Preschool Promise Grant, or terminated Applicant’s Preschool Promise Grant.

An applicant must have a current active license for the site(s). In progress licenses are not considered active and are not eligible for this RFA.

An Applicant may not provide Preschool Promise services at any Site where, in the two years before submitting an Application in response to this RFA, Agency’s Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) found that Applicant committed more than two serious violations as defined by rule, at any Site where CCLD imposed a civil penalty on the Applicant for conduct related to that Site over the past 12 months from the date Agency makes selection, or at any Site where CCLD has an open investigation of serious violations as defined by rule.

An Applicant is not eligible to provide Preschool Promise services pursuant to this RFA if Applicant or a family member of Applicant has previously been awarded a Preschool Promise Grant and, in the two years before submitting an Application in

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 5 of 31 response to this RFA, the Agency terminated the Preschool Promise Grant after declaring a default.

All sites must be in good standing within the hub region to be eligible.

1.4 SCHEDULE

The table below represents a tentative schedule of events. All times are listed in Pacific Time. All dates listed are subject to change.

Event Date Time

Pre-Application Webinar July 21st 2:00 PM PST English

3:00 PM PST

Spanish

Questions/ requests for clarification due Friday, July 24th 5:00 PM PST

Answers to questions/ requests for clarification issued (approximate) Monday, August 3rd

Closing (Applications due) Monday, August 17th 5:00 PM PST

Issuance of notice of award (approximate) Thursday, September 3rd

Award protest period ends 7 calendar days after notice of intent to award

1.5 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPC)

The SPC for this RFA is identified on the Cover Page, along with the SPC’s contact information.

Applicants must direct all communications related to any provision of the RFA, whether about the technical requirements of the RFA, Grant requirements, the RFA process, or any other provision only to the SPC.

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY AND SCOPE

2.1 AUTHORITY

Agency is issuing this RFA pursuant to its authority under ORS 329.172.

2.2 DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purposes of this RFA, capitalized words will refer to the following definitions:

• “Addendum” or “Addenda” means an addition to, deletion from, a material change in, or general interest explanation of this RFA.

JUNG Dayna * DELC Procurement to update this section.

STANLEY Jordyn * DELC @Dayna- you suggested 9/4, but I don’t work Friday’s so I moved to 9/3. I can also move to 9/7 if that is preferred.

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 6 of 31

• “Affected Applicant” means an Applicant who would be eligible for a Grant in the event their appeal was successful.

• “Applicant” means an entity who submits an Application in response to this RFA.

• “Application” means a written response to this RFA.

• “Certified Family Child Care” means a home-based child care program, with up to 16 children, that is certified under ORS 329A.280.

• “Certified Child Care Center” means a child care facility that is certified to care for 13 or more children, or a facility that is certified to care for 12 or fewer children and located in a building constructed as other than a single family dwelling.

• “Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (‘CCR&R’)” means an entity established in accordance with ORS 329A.100 that provides regional or statewide services including 1) guidance and referrals for parents seeking child care through referrals to 211info; 2) recruiting, training, and supporting early educators to remain in the profession and provide high quality child care programs; 3) the collection of information about the local supply of child care; and 4) community collaboration with Early Learning System partners.

• “Closing” means the date and time specified in this RFA as the deadline for submitting Applications.

• “Community-Based Organization” means a public benefit corporation or private nonprofit organized under ORS Chapter 65, that is representative of a community or significant segments of a community and provides educational or related services to individuals in the community.

• “Early Learning Hub” means an entity designated by regional partners to coordinate early learning services under ORS 417.827.

• “Early Learning System” means the cross sector initiative, inclusive of health, human services, early care and education, housing, etc., working in concert to coordinate policies, programs, and services, create infrastructure, improve integration, and achieve scale.

• “Eligible Provider List” means the list of successful applicants who are eligible for a Grant in the event that additional Slots become available in the respective Early Learning Hub region, subject to the discretion of the Department of Early Learning and Care. There is no guarantee that any successful applicant on this list will be granted Slots if they become available.

• “Evaluation Committee” means the group of people who will evaluate and score

Applications submitted in response to this RFA.

• “Head Start” means a program that promotes school readiness for young children from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 7 of 31

• “Preschool Promise Coach” means a CCR&R employee who provides specific support for quality requirements.

• “Preschool Promise Grantee” means an entity operating a Preschool Promise program with a Grant from Agency.

• “Preschool Promise Specialist” means a CCR&R employee who provides general support for Preschool Promise Grantees.

• “Relief Nursery” means a non-governmental, Community-Based Organization, certified by the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries, that seeks to prevent the cycle of child abuse and neglect through programming that focuses on building successful and resilient children, strengthening parenting skills, and preserving families by offering comprehensive and integrated early childhood therapeutic and family support services.

• “Site” means a physical location at which Preschool Promise services are provided.

• “Slot” means a Grant-funded position in a Preschool Promise program; each Slot can be filled by only one child.

• “Spark” means the system established through ORS 329A.261 which establishes a set or progressively higher standards used to evaluate the quality of an early learning and development program and to support program improvement.

• “State” means the state of Oregon.

2.3 OVERVIEW

2.3.1 PRESCHOOL PROMISE

Agency operates programs for young children and their families. These programs prioritize offering high-quality early care and education services to families who face economic challenges.

Preschool Promise is a high-quality, publicly-funded preschool program that serves families living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level and children in foster care. Preschool Promise is delivered in a variety of settings including centers, homes, and schools.

Preschool Promise is a Slot-based program, meaning Preschool Promise Grantees are awarded a certain number of Slots, and eligible children fill these Slots.

2.3.2 BACKGROUND

Preschool Promise was established in 2015 under ORS 329.172, in an effort to expand preschool options available to Oregon children and families. Preschool Promise is currently funded to

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 8 of 31 serve approximately 5,700 children across Oregon.

2.3.3 GOALS

The goal of this RFA is to find eligible providers to reallocate Preschool Promise Slots that have become available during the remainder of the 2025-2026 program year or become available in the 2025-2027 biennium, by amending current grant agreements or issuing new agreements where applicable. DELC is only accepting applications for applicants able to provide services in the Eastern Oregon Early Learning HubIn addition, as described in more details above, another goal of this RFA is to offer interested and eligible applicants the chance to be placed and remain on the Preschool Promise Eligible Provider List and receive Preschool Promise Slots that might become available throughout the 26/27 Program year. For more information, please refer to section 2.4.3.

2.4 SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

As described below, Preschool Promise Grantees will be expected to provide high-quality preschool for eligible children. In addition to Agency-provided support, CCR&Rs are also equipped with information to help Preschool Promise Grantees understand and implement program and quality requirements. Each CCR&R has a Preschool Promise Specialist and a Preschool Promise Coach available at no cost.

2.4.1 Program Requirements

Preschool Promise Grantees will be expected to fulfill the Preschool Promise requirements mandated in ORS 329.172 and the administrative rules in Division 470 of Chapter 414 (OAR 414-470). Awarded applicants are required to provide the following services within the program year. Please note these requirements may differ depending on the length of the program year. Refer to PSP Operations Manual for more information on a typical program year.

2.4.2

Typical Program Year Service Requirements

During a typical Preschool Promise program year, the Applicant shall be responsible for delivering the following services and meeting the following minimum operational standards:

• Program Dates: Start Preschool Promise services no later than September 30 and shall continue providing services through June 30 of the same program year.

• Direct Service Hours: Provide no less than 900 direct service hours during the program year. Direct service hours must be instructional in nature and delivered in accordance with Preschool Promise program standards.

• Program Calendar Requirements: no fewer than 265 consecutive calendar days between the first and last instructional day. Consecutive calendar days shall be interpreted to include weekends and holidays unless otherwise specified by the Agency.

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 9 of 31

Requirements Applicable to Mid‑Year or Prorated Awards

In the event that an award is issued after the typical program start date, the following prorated requirements shall apply:

• Program Service Start: The Applicant shall commence service delivery within 30 calendar days of the award notice, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Agency.

• Prorated Direct Service Hours: For the remainder of the program year in which the award is issued, the Applicant shall provide no fewer than 100 direct service hours per month

• Prorated Program Calendar Requirements: The Applicant shall provide a prorated number of consecutive calendar days between the first and last instructional day for the remainder of the program year. The prorated calendar shall align with the structure and intent of a typical Preschool Promise program year and must be approved by the Agency. 2.4.1.2 Other grantee requirements: the Applicant shall:

• Provide direct service hours of no less than 6 hours per day,

• Provide direct services no less than 4 days per week,

• Provide direct service hours between the hours of 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Program closures should not exceed 21 consecutive calendar days; anything beyond that will need prior Agency approval.

• Serve children who are at least three years of age but not older than five years of age, as determined by the date used to determine kindergarten eligibility;

• Serve families with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and children in foster care;

• Serve eligible immigrant and refugee families;

• Serve eligible children who speak a language other than English at home;

• Serve eligible children who are experiencing housing insecurity;

• Serve eligible families engaged with the child welfare agency;

• Serve eligible children who have identified special education needs;

• Implement a no suspension or expulsion policy in accordance with the Preschool Promise

Grantee Operations Manual, and participate in professional learning, coaching, and other opportunities to increase capacity to support children with challenging behaviors;

• Not collect parent fees from eligible families for services provided during the Preschool Promise program hours;

• Provide adequate and nutritious meals and snacks in alignment with the USDA guidelines.

• Collaborate with local Early Learning Hubs for outreach and enrollment coordination;

• Participate in Spark;

• Participate in Agency’s monitoring system – collect and provide child and family-level data as requested by Agency;

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners in order to seek resources as needed to fully support children and families experiencing crisis;

• Support potty-training and associated diapering/ toileting needs of all children;

• Be fully staffed and prepared to participate in Preschool Promise professional development and technical assistance opportunities; and

• Meet staffing qualifications and salary guidelines as prescribed in the Preschool Promise

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 10 of 31

Grantee Operations Manual prior to beginning delivery Preschool Promise program services.

2.4.3 Eligible Provider List Requirements

If Slots become available in the respective Early Learning Hub region, and the Applicant is selected and offered Slots by Agency, the Applicant will have 15 calendar days to accept offer of Slots. If accepted, the Applicant must be ready to begin services within 60 calendar days from the date Applicant was notified.

In addition, Applicant must meet, or have met, the following requirements:

• Successfully completed and submitted the RFA application by the established due date.

• Indicated on the RFA their interest in participating in the Preschool Eligible Provider List .

• Begin direct services to eligible Preschool Promise children no later than 60 days from the notification of acceptance to Agency.

• Meet all Preschool Promise grant and quality requirements required by the Preschool Promise program, described in part in this Section 2.4 of this RFA.

• Secure Preschool Promise insurance requirements in accordance with the Agreement before the execution of the grant with Agency.

• Selected Site must be ready to start Preschool Promise services in full 15 calendar days from the start date given above, including but not limited to, ready facilities and hired staff.

• If license is required by the Child Care Licensing Division, Applicant may have no more than two valid serious violations in the past 24 months and no civil penalties in the past 12 months from the date the Agency makes selection.

• Must have obtained minimum scores as indicated on the RFA application.

• Site location, delivery of service, and setting type must be in alignment with the needs of the local community as described by the local Early Learning Hub at the time of the reallocation.

2.4.4 Quality Requirements

Preschool Promise program quality requirements apply to all preschool-aged children within a Preschool Promise program regardless of the child’s funding source. These quality requirements are identified in Agency’s Preschool Promise Grant Agreement (Attachment) and additional information related to the quality requirements is available in Agency’s “Preschool Promise Grantee Operations Manual” which can be found here:

English: PSP Operations Manual_Web_ENG[FINAL].pdf - Google Drive

Spanish: PSP Operations Manual_Web_SP_1[FINAL].pdf - Google Drive

2.4.5 Staff Educational Requirements

Preschool Promise Grantees must staff their programs with highly qualified lead teachers and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWhXH5ACCM_LmBl3zc9nKlGg_fQ3AcAB/view https://drive.google.com/file/d/19Dl-SxDFYYNt3lmRLDT6yGtQZnBL5yig/view

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 11 of 31 teacher assistants.

Lead teacher – There are multiple pathways to become a highly qualified lead teacher:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in: (1) early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education; or (2) a field not related to early childhood education, with completed coursework that is equivalent to a major in early childhood education and sufficient training in early childhood education as determined by Agency; or

• An associate degree with additional training or additional certification in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, as determined by Agency; or

• Child Development Associate (“CDA”) credential or step 8 on the Oregon Registry Online (“ORO”).

Teacher assistant - Teacher assistants must demonstrate competencies as defined by:

• Step 5 on the ORO; or

• CCLD rules for Aid II; or

• A similar standing within the credentialing system for K-12 staff in Oregon.

2.4.6 Contracting Requirements

Preschool Promise Grantees may enter into contracts (e.g., teaching services), but may not contract for the totality of a Preschool Promise program. All teaching contracts must be written and must be pre-approved by Agency. When teaching services are contracted out, the services must be provided by an entity identified as a Provider type in Attachment C. Preschool Promise Grantees remain responsible for ensuring all contractors follow all Preschool Promise program guidance and requirements, including salary and education requirements, and Preschool Promise Grantees must monitor and provide technical assistance to contractors to ensure quality. Preschool Promise Grantees must also ensure contractors carry insurance as required by the Grant.

For Preschool Promise, an owner of multiple Certified Family Child Care providers is considered to be contracting for teaching services. A home-based child care in which the owner is not also the provider, as defined by CCLD, is also considered to be contracting for teaching services.

2.4.7 Progress and Expenditure Reports

Preschool Promise Grantees will be required to track and account for all Grant funds received, and will be required to report on progress and activities, including the number of children and families served. Progress reports will be due monthly.

2.4.8 Financial Controls and Sustainability

Grants resulting from this RFA may be used for costs that are reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the Preschool Promise Program. While this may include an

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 12 of 31 allocation of shared expenses, such as facilities costs and administrative costs, programs may not use Grant funds to cover costs that are not directly related to the Preschool Promise program.

Preschool Promise Grantees will be required to submit a detailed budget for Agency approval that outlines the intended use of their Grant funds, including how start-up funds will be used, utilizing an Agency provided template. The budget template will include line items similar to the examples of allowable and unallowable expenses shown below. This is not an exhaustive list.

Cost Example Allowable Start-up Purchase of land, buildings, or vehicles No No New construction and design No No Rent/ lease of space or vehicles directly related to the program

Yes No

Facility improvements (minor repairs or renovations related to health or safety, as approved by Agency)

Yes Yes

Transportation, including maintenance, fuel, insurance, etc. related to the program

Yes No

Travel related to the program (rates may be based on Grantee’s internal policy or government guidelines: www.gsa.gov)

Yes No

Business insurance Yes No Fines, penalties, damages, legal settlements, etc. No No Classroom supplies and equipment to support quality and inclusion activities

Yes Yes

Equipment and computers for program use Yes Yes Materials and supplies directly related to the program

Yes Yes

Curriculum and assessment materials Yes Yes Inclusionary support and practices Yes Yes Professional services costs directly related to the program

Yes No

Food and preparation supplies for enrolled children Yes Yes Health screenings for enrolled children (e.g., vision, hearing, dental)

Yes Yes

Printing and publications, reports, and manuals directly related to the program

Yes No

Salaries and fringe benefits for lead teachers, teacher assistants/ aides, and other staff directly supporting the program

Yes No

Professional development and training for lead teachers, teacher assistants/ aids, and other staff directly supporting the program

Yes No http://www.gsa.gov/

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 13 of 31

Memberships in business, technical, and professional organizations directly related to the child care business

Yes No

Memberships, goods, or services for personal use No No

Meetings (e.g., food, rental of equipment/ space, transportation) directly related to the program

Yes No

Staff entertainment (e.g., alcohol, food, lodging, rentals, transportation, and gratuities)

No No

Promotional items, gifts, gift cards, prizes, etc. No No

Political activities No No Fundraising, loans, and investments management No No Administrative costs, including indirect costs (limited to 15%)

Yes Yes

SECTION 3: PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

3.1 GRANT PROCESS

3.1.1 Public Notice

The RFA, including all Addenda and attachments, is published on Agency’s website at Department of Early Learning and Care : Preschool Promise Directory of RFAs : Programs :

State of Oregon as well as in the Oregon Procurement Information Network (OregonBuys) at

(oregonbuys.gov). RFA documents will not be mailed to prospective Applicants.

Agency will advertise all Addenda on its website and in OregonBuys. Prospective Applicants are solely responsible for checking Agency’s website or OregonBuys to determine whether any Addenda have been issued. Addenda are incorporated into the RFA by this reference.

3.1.2 Questions/ Requests for Clarification

All inquiries, whether relating to the RFA process, administration, deadline, or method of award, or to the intent or technical aspects of the RFA must:

https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/Pages/psp-rfa-directory.aspx https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/Pages/psp-rfa-directory.aspx https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 14 of 31

• Be emailed to the SPC;

• Reference the RFA number;

• Identify Applicant’s name and contact information;

• Refer to the specific area of the RFA being questioned (e.g., page, section, paragraph number, etc.); and

• Be received by the due date and time for questions/ requests for clarification identified in the Schedule.

3.1.3 Pre-Application Conference

A pre-Application conferences will be held at the date and time listed in the Schedule.

Prospective Applicants’ participation in these conferences is highly encouraged but not mandatory.

The purpose of the pre-Application conferences are to:

• Provide an additional description of the Preschool Promise program;

• Go over the application and how to successfully apply;

• Explain the RFA process; and

• Answer any questions Applicants may have related to the Preschool Promise program or the Application process.

Statements made at the pre-Application conference are not binding upon Agency. Applicants may be asked to submit questions in writing.

3.1.3.1 Attendance at Pre-Application Conference

We will have a pre-Application webinar via zoom on July 21, 2026. Please see details below:

July 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST in English Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1654456255

July 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM PST in Spanish Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1655748896

3.1.4 Application Due Date

Applications and all required submittal items must be received by the SPC on or before Closing. Applications received after Closing will not be accepted. All Application modifications or withdrawals must be completed prior to Closing.

Applications received after Closing are considered LATE and will NOT be accepted for evaluation. Late Applications will be returned to the respective Applicant or destroyed.

3.1.5 Application Submission

Applicant is solely responsible for ensuring its Application is received in accordance with the RFA requirements before Closing. Agency is not responsible for any delays by transmission errors or other mistaken delivery. Only complete Applications https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1654456255 https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1655748896

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 15 of 31 submitted by Closing will be scored. Applications submitted by any means not authorized may be rejected. Only the following submission option is permitted for this RFA:

Online. An electronic version of the Application is available on Agency’s website at: https://delc.jotform.com/261885862649981 Applicant must complete the Application online.

3.1.6 Modification or Withdrawal of Applications

Any Applicant who wishes to modify or withdraw an Application already received by Agency must do so prior to Closing. Applicant must submit its modification or request to withdraw to the SPC using one of the manners listed in the Application Submission section.

Modifications must denote the specific change(s) to the Application submission. All requests must reference the RFA number.

3.1.7 Application Rejection

Agency may reject an Application for any of the following reasons:

• Applicant fails to comply with all prescribed RFA procedures and requirements;

• Applicant makes any contact regarding this RFA with State representatives such as State employees or officials other than the SPC or individuals the SPC authorizes;

• Applicant initiates inappropriate contact with the SPC;

• Applicant attempts to inappropriately influence a member of the Evaluation Committee;

• Applicant attempts to inappropriately influence another Applicant or inappropriately discourages an eligible entity from submitting an Application; or

• Application is conditioned on Agency’s acceptance of any other terms and conditions or rights to negotiate any alternative terms and conditions that are not reasonably related to those expressly authorized for negotiation in the RFA or Addenda.

3.2 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must complete and submit the Application provided on Agency’s website at:

https://delc.jotform.com/261885862649981

Applicant should use definitive verbs in their narrative to describe what Applicant “will” do rather than aspirational verbs such as “hopes”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, or similar verbs that do not express a firm commitment to undertake a specific action.

3.2.1 Applicant Information

All Applications are public records and are subject to public inspection after Agency issues the notice of intent to award.

https://delc.jotform.com/261885862649981 https://delc.jotform.com/261885862649981

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 16 of 31

SECTION 4: EVALUATION

4.1 RESPONSIVENESS DETERMINATION

Applications received prior to Closing will be reviewed for responsiveness to all RFA requirements. If the Application is unclear, the SPC may request clarification from Applicant.

However, clarifications may not be used to rehabilitate a non-responsive Application. If the SPC finds the Application non-responsive, the Application may be rejected, however, Agency may waive mistakes in its sole discretion.

4.2 EVALUATION CRITERIA

Responsive Applications meeting the requirements outlined in the Application Requirements section will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee. Evaluators will assign a score for each evaluation criterion listed below based on the point award standards listed.

SPC may request further clarification to assist the Evaluation Committee in gaining additional understanding of Applications. A response to a clarification request must be to clarify or explain portions of the already submitted Application and may not contain new information not included in the original Application.

Evaluation Item

Application Question(s) Evaluation Criteria Total Points

Evaluation Item 1:

Program Mission and Vision

Describe your mission and vision for quality preschool programing and equitable outcomes. Include a statement of philosophy that describes your program’s educational purpose, beliefs, goals, and practices. Describe how the educational programming and curriculum you use supports your mission and vision.

How well does Applicant explain their program’s purpose, beliefs, and goals, and how are these put into action? To what extent does Applicant include information about the chosen programming and curriculum and a rationale for selection?

5 pts

Evaluation Item 2: Racial, Cultural, and Linguistic Equity

Describe how your program ensures each child’s racial, cultural, and linguistic development and identity is nurtured and respected.

Include how the curriculum, screenings, assessment, and communications with families are equitably implemented.

How well does Applicant describe how each child’s racial, cultural, and linguistic development and identity is nurtured and respected? To what extent does Application include descriptions of specific actions related to the

10 pts

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 17 of 31 equitable implementation of curriculum, screening, assessment, and communication with families?

Item 3: Family Engagement

1. Describe your approach to family engagement and including family voice in the program. Provide examples of the different ways families can engage in both the classroom and the program overall, and how families are included in decisions about the program.

2. Describe how you learn and share with families about their child’s growth and development and how families are supported to build relationships with staff and other families in the program.

To what extent does Applicant provide examples of practices related to family engagement that demonstrate an understanding of family-centered programming, and how families are supported in relationships with staff and other families? To what extent does Application include descriptions of supports for families to engage with the program at different intensity levels?

How well does Applicant describe how families are informed and kept up to date on their child's growth and development?

Item 4:

Supportive Environments and Ambitious Instruction

1. List the screening tool(s) you use in your preschool program for this site and describe why you chose that tool(s).

2. List the curriculum/curricula you use for this site in your preschool program and describe why you chose the curriculum/curricula.

3. List the child level developmental assessment(s) you use in

How well does Applicant’s plan to implement quality improvement strategies position Applicant for successful interactions and relationships with their local CCR&R and other professional learning organizations? To what extent does Applicant’s plan demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, particularly in the areas of implementing developmentally

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 18 of 31 your preschool program for this site and describe why you chose it/them.

4. Do you participate in Spark (Oregon’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System)? If you are not yet participating in Spark, please identify the date by which you will complete your Spark enrollment.

appropriate curriculum, engaging families, and using ongoing assessment to inform lesson plans?

Does Applicant include examples of efforts to assess program quality and develop plans for improvement as needed?

To what extent is Applicant participating in Spark? If Applicant is not currently participating in Spark, to what extent does Applicant’s plan to participate in Spark support Applicant’s full participation in Spark?

Item 5:

Inclusionary Practices

1. Describe how you prepare the learning environment and staff to be inclusive of all children, regardless of ability, family composition, culture, language, or family income.

2. Describe the processes that your program has in place to sustain attendance and placement for children to prevent expulsions and suspensions.

3. Describe your process for referring children to your regional Early Childhood Special Education provider.

How do you partner with your regional Early Childhood Special Education provider?

To what extent does Applicant describe practices that ensure children with special needs welcomed into the classroom, including ensuring staff receives relevant training? How well does Applicant describe how their program conducts child screenings and assessments, or how Applicant coordinates with a community organization or health care provider to conduct screenings and assessments, and how referrals will be made to connect families and children with needed additional services?

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 19 of 31

4. How do you collaborate with community partners to help families access additional physical and mental health services and other child development supports?

Item 6:

Transitions

1. Describe transitions of new children entering your program, between classrooms, and when transferring to other preschool programs. Please include how children and families are supported during transitions, any routin e meetings or formal agreements with other organi zations, and data sharing related to transitions.

2. Describe how your program encourages and supports preschool children and families transitioning to kindergarten. Please include how children and families are supported during the transition, any routine meetings or formal agreements with other organi zations, and data sharing related to the transition to kindergarten.

How well does Applicant describe an intentional, smooth approach to each possible type of program transition for new children entering the program?

How well does Applicant describe how children and families are supported during these transitions?

Item 7:

Professional Development

Describe your current practice for supporting and/or offering professional development opportunities for preschool staff and list supportive strategies you use

How well does Applicant describe how professional development will be used to ensure lead teachers and teacher assistants have knowledge and skills

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 20 of 31 to ensure staff have access to the opportunities. Examples are, but not limited to, program calendar allows time for staff professional development, paid time for staff to attend trainings, substitute coverage for staff training, compensation for courses, job embedded professional learning, etc.

needed to deliver Preschool Promise, and how they will support teachers to attain credentials? How well does Applicant’s program support staff professional development and educational attainment?

Item 8:

Compensation

Preschool Promise requires programs to meet minimum and target salary ranges for Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers (see Exhibit A, Part 5, of the Sample Grant Agreement).

Programs may provide anticipated salary ranges if staff are not yet hired.

1. List the current or anticipated hourly salary ranges for each position:

• Lead Teacher(s):

• Assistant Teacher(s):

2. Do these salary ranges meet the minimum Preschool Promise salary requirements?

3. (If applicable) If your salary ranges do not meet the Preschool Promise minimums or targets, explain why, describe your plan and timeline to reach the required levels, and note any barriers and how you will address them.

How well does the Applicant’s compensation strategies position Applicant to meet target salaries for lead teachers and teacher assistants? If Applicant is not yet meeting target salaries, to what extent does Applicant have a plan in place to address barriers to reaching target salaries?

Item 9:

Staffing Model

Preschool Promise requires a (1:9) adult-to-child ratio and specific qualification levels for

How well does Applicant describe a program administration and staffing model that ensures the

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 21 of 31 instructional staff assigned to Preschool Promise classrooms. (see Exhibit A, Part 1.2 of the Sample Grant Agreement).

Describe your staffing model for the Preschool Promise classroom(s), including:

• The number and roles of staff who will be assigned to the Preschool Promise classroom

• The qualifications and relevant experience of any staff who will be assigned to the Preschool Promise classroom, if already hired

• How your staffing model will ensure compliance with the 1:9 adult-to-child ratio during all Preschool Promise service hours

• If you are not fully staffed, describe your hiring plan, recruitment strategies, and timeline for hiring qualified staff specifically for the Preschool Promise classroom capacity to complete administrative responsibilities, program oversight, reporting of program data and financial information, and sufficient teaching capacity to implement the Preschool Promise program?

Item 10:

Financial Controls

Describe the financial controls you currently have in place to ensure program stability. Include information about how you track your program revenue and expenses, how you manage your cash flow, and how you allocate the cost of shared expenses across various funding sources (for example, Preschool Promise,

• How strong are Applicant’s current financial controls, including how they track revenue and expenses, manage cash flow, and implement a cost allocation plan. Do

20 pts

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 22 of 31 private pay, ERDC, other program revenue, etc.). In addition, if an in-home provider, provide a description of how you distribute the cost of shared expenses between the residence and the business.

they provide relevant examples?

• To what extent do Applicant’s current financial controls support Applicant’s ability to operate a fiscally responsible and stable Preschool Promise Program?

• To what extent does Applicant include information about their current cost allocation model and a rationale for the selection? To what extent does Applicant’s current cost allocation model demonstrate their understanding of and/or experience with managing shared costs across various funding sources and, if an in-home provider, between the residence and business. Do they include relevant examples?

Item 11:

Business Strategy

Describe your current business strategy. Include your approach to program enrollment; how you manage staff retention and recruitment; what key personnel support the implementation of the business strategy and how many years, and in what role(s), they have been involved in the operation

• How strong is Applicant’s current business strategy and how well aligned is it with Preschool Promise?

• To what extent does Applicant demonstrate strong experience as a preschool provider that can manage staff

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 23 of 31 of a preschool or early childhood education program; how you determine financial sustainability; how you track progress of your business strategy; and, how Preschool Promise fits (or would fit) into your overall business strategy.

retention and recruitment and program enrollment?

Do they include relevant examples?

• How well does Applicant track progress related to implementing the business strategy? Do they include relevant examples?

Item 12:

Oversight and Authority

Describe how financial duties are managed to ensure appropriate checks and balances. Include a description of the controls for financial oversight, who has budgetary authority, and who has spending authority within your business.

To what extent does Applicant have current and operative financial controls in place to ensure appropriate checks and balances, financial oversight, and clear budgetary and spending authority? Do they include relevant examples?

Item 13:

Accounting

Describe in detail your general accounting processes, which may include the use of a bookkeeper, accounting software, tax preparer, etc. Include how you currently track and maintain financial records and how you would adjust your accounting processes if awarded a Preschool Promise grant.

To what extent does Applicant list and describe current accounting processes sufficient to track and manage Grant funds, including who and/or how they manage bookkeeping, accounting procedures, payroll, and taxes? Do they include relevant examples?

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 24 of 31

4.3 POINT AND SCORE CALCULATIONS

The SPC must total the scores for each of the above criteria, together with community needs score. After totaling the points, SPC must determine rank order for each respective Application and Applicant, with the highest score receiving the highest rank, and successive rank order determined by the next highest score.

Point Award Standards:

Exceeds Standards

• Response demonstrates an excellent understanding of the requirements of the Grant and the new or proven approach significantly exceeds performance or capability standards.

• Response has several exceptional strengths that will significantly benefit children and families being served.

• Response has no weaknesses; normal provider effort and normal DELC monitoring will be sufficient to minimize risk.

• Response is extensive, detailed, and exceeds all requirements and objectives;

and therefore, has a high probability of meeting the requirements with little or no risk to DELC or state.

Acceptable

• Response demonstrates understanding of the requirements of the Grant and the approach meets performance or capability standards.

• Response has strengths that will benefit children and families being served.

• Response has minimal material weaknesses.

• Close DELC monitoring will probably minimize any difficulties of risk.

• Response generally meets requirements; therefore, has an acceptable probability of meeting the requirements.

Inconsistent

• Response demonstrates a limited understanding of the requirements of the Grant and the approach, and only marginally meets performance or capability standards necessary for minimal program performance.

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 25 of 31

• Response has minor omissions and demonstrates a misunderstanding of the requirements that may be corrected or resolved through clarification requested by DELC.

• Response has weaknesses that could potentially cause some disruption of schedule, increase in cost, or degradation of performance even with close DELC monitoring.

Does Not Met Standards

• Response demonstrates a misunderstanding of the requirements of the Grant and the approach fails to meet performance or capability standards.

• Response has major omissions and inadequate detail to assure the evaluators the Applicant has an understanding of the requirements.

• Response proposes an unacceptable risk and cannot meet the requirements without major negotiations.

Points possible and award standards are as follows:

Section

Maximum Points Available for This Criteria

Does Not Meet Standards

Inconsistent Acceptable Exceeds Standards

Total Score

Structural Components

Program Mission and

Vision

5 0-1 2-3 4 5

Racial, Cultural, and

Linguistic Equity

10 0-4 5-6 7-8 9-10

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 26 of 31

Family Engagement

5 0-1 2-3 4 5

Supportive Environments and Ambitious Instruction

10 0-4 5-6 7-8 9-10

Inclusionary Practices

10 0-4 5-6 7-8 9-10

Transitions 5 0-1 2-3 4 5

Professional Development

Compensation

Staffing Model

5 0-1 2-3 4 5

Financial Controls and Sustainability

Financial Controls

20 0-7 8-13 14-17 18-20

Business Strategy

10 0-4 5-6 7-8 9-10

Oversight and Authority

5 0-1 2-3 4 5

Accounting 5 0-1 2-3 4 5

Total Points Possible

100 Total Points Awarded 0

DELC RFA, updated 08302023 Page 27 of 31

4.4 QUALITY EVALUATION

The SPC will total the points for each Application. Each Application that exceeds the initial Quality Evaluation thresholds will be eligible for additional evaluation to determine whether each of Applicant’s Sites is aligned with the needs of its community.

Quality Evaluation Thresholds:

• Structural Components of the Preschool Promise Program – 42 out of 60 total points

• Financial Controls and Sustainability – 28 out of 40 total points

Only applicants that meet thresholds listed above will be eligible to advance in the selection process and be eligible to be added to the PSP Eligible Provider List.

If Agency determines, in its sole discretion, that an insufficient number of Applicants received at least 70% of the total points available, Agency reserves the right to reduce the 70% threshold to ensure a sufficient number…