RFA - PSP - Waitlist for 25-27 - Eastern Oregon Early Learning Hub

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is requesting grant applications from preschool providers not currently participating in Preschool Promise to serve the Eastern Oregon Early Learning Hub during the 2025-2027 biennium, with applications due August 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST. Eligible applicants include certified child care centers, family child care providers, community-based organizations, public schools, Head Start programs, and other designated early learning entities serving Baker, Malheur, and Wallowa counties.

Successful applicants must operate programs providing a minimum of 900 direct service hours annually across at least 265 consecutive calendar days, with service hours between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at least four days per week and six hours daily. Class sizes are capped at 18 children with a 1:9 adult-to-child ratio. Lead teachers must hold bachelor's degrees or equivalent credentials; teacher assistants must be certified at Step 5 on the Oregon Registry Online or equivalent. Programs must comply with Oregon's Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines, implement research-based curricula, conduct developmental screenings within 45 days of enrollment, maintain inclusive practices, and prohibit fees for eligible families at or below 200% of federal poverty level or in foster care.

Grant funding is structured at $16,000 per slot annually as the base amount, plus $1,150 per slot for transportation enhancement and $2,040 per slot as one-time startup costs. Administrative costs are capped at 15% of total awarded funds. The initial term is one year with renewal options at DELC's discretion through June 30, 2027.

Applicants are evaluated on 13 criteria totaling 100 points, including program mission, racial and cultural equity, family engagement, financial controls, and business strategy. Applicants must score at least 42 of 60 points in structural components and 28 of 40 points in financial controls to advance. Those scoring all three community needs assessment points (geographic location, setting type, and primary instruction language) receive immediate slot awards; lower-scoring applicants are added to the eligible provider list.

A pre-application webinar is scheduled for July 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PST (English) and 3:00 p.m. PST (Spanish). Questions are due July 24 at 5:00 p.m. PST, with responses issued by August 3. Award notification is anticipated September 3, 2026, with a seven-calendar-day protest period. Selected applicants must commence service delivery within 30 calendar days of award.