ERDC Enhanced Rate Program (ERP)
Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) is a subsidy program that pays part of the child care costs for families who are working, in school or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) including registration fees. If a parent is eligible for assistance, the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will pay a portion of their child care bill directly to the family’s chosen child care provider through the Direct Pay Unit (DPU). Providers listed with Oregon DELC and caring for children of ERDC assisted families can receive a higher rate of pay by meeting certain training standards. The ERDC Enhanced Rate Program certifies providers who meet these standards.
Apply online or with the application:
To find, sign up and/or get assistance with training sessions available in your area, please contact Central Coordination of Child Care Resource & Referral (CCCCR&R) via email at ccrr@wou.edu or call 800-342-6712 to find your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) program.
For help with rates and payments, please contact the DELC Direct Pay Unit at 800-699-9074.
Education Awards
As of June 16, 2025, the Education Awards funded by the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and administered by the Oregon Center for Career Development (OCCD) have been discontinued with the Education Awards for the 2024-2025 fiscal year being fully awarded. Education Awards have previously been used to provide financial incentives for eligible providers to complete and advance on the Registry Steps. Going forward, DELC will use this funding to provide the Early Learning Degree Pathway (ELDP) Scholarship for early educators seeking degrees and credentials as well as support the timely processing of documents for licensing. DELC and OCCD recognize the positive impact these awards have made and their wide-ranging popularity. We are excited to continue supporting educators in these different ways going forward.
Please review the official statements here:
Oregon Child Care Workforce Recognition Payment Program
In an effort to recognize child care providers across the state of Oregon for their exceptional work, the Oregon Legislature allocated an annual $500 payment to eligible child care providers in 2024 and 2025. The 2025 Workforce Recognition Payment Program is now closed for this calendar year. Providers who have already applied have until November 30th to complete remaining paperwork through Payment Works. An announcement will be made in January regarding 2026 funds.
If you have any questions, please email occdrecognition@pdx.edu for support.
Resources
Forms
Department of Early Learning and Care’s Child Care Licensing Division
Enhanced Rate Program
Oregon Registry Steps
Oregon Registry Training
Scholarships
Voluntary Enhancements