Oregon Center for Career Development in Child Care, PSU College of Education, to direct Child Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention Bonus Program
by Sherron Lumley
January 13th 2023
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OCCD Director Sarah Myers, Portland State University
The 81st Oregon Legislative Assembly enacted House Bill 5202 that included a General Fund appropriation of $21 million to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) for Portland State University’s Oregon Center for Career Development in Child Care (OCCD). Of the $21 million, $18.3 million is available to make grants to providers, and $2.7 million pays for administration and program operating costs.
"Recognizing the challenges faced by the workforce shortage in child care professionals and educators, this funding opportunity to OCCD is instrumental and will have a positive impact on our community," says Dr. Jose Coll, Interim Dean of the College of Education, Portland State.
"OCCD is thrilled to be able to offer the Child Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention Bonus Program payments to eligible child care providers currently providing care to children and families in Oregon," says OCCD Director Sarah Myers. "We anticipate reaching approximately 18,000 individuals by issuing $500 payments in 2023 and 2024," she notes. "OCCD is proud to launch this program and thankful for the advocacy efforts of Seeding Justice and Family Forward to secure the investment," says Myers.
Investing in child care providers is essential to retain and grow this workforce to combat labor shortages in the field, and promote professional development to achieve high quality care and education for children.
The program will launch in early 2023. More information about eligibility and how to apply to receive the payment will be posted to the OCCD website and on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) when available. Slava Bakhanovich is OCCD's Scholarship and Incentives Coordinator, who will be overseeing the ongoing work of the Child Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention Bonus Program.