ORS 329.172
Preschool Promise Program

  • grants and contracts
  • report

(1)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

The Preschool Promise Program is established. The Early Learning Division shall administer the Preschool Promise Program as provided by this section. The Preschool Promise Program shall expand preschool options available to the children of this state.

(b)

In administering the Preschool Promise Program, the Early Learning Division shall identify local entities as provided under subsection (3) of this section within the region served by each Early Learning Hub to serve as a preschool provider that meets the eligibility criteria established under subsections (4) and (5) of this section.

(2)

For the purpose of expanding and coordinating preschool options under the Preschool Promise Program, Early Learning Hubs shall:

(a)

Once every two years, in consultation with resource and referral entities established under ORS 329A.100 (“Resource and referral system” defined for ORS 329A.100 to 329A.135) to 329A.135 (Duties of Office of Child Care), complete a community plan. The community plan must include the following for the region served by the Early Learning Hub:

(A)

Identification of priority populations of children and families to enroll in the program;

(B)

Assessment of the availability of high-quality preschool programs;

(C)

Identification of existing preschool providers and opportunities to increase the number and enrollment capacity of preschool providers;

(D)

Prioritization of local entities to serve as preschool providers based on community need and enrollment capacity;

(E)

Identification of methods for increasing the enrollment capacity of preschool providers and for providing professional development to preschool providers; and

(F)

Identification of other services related to preschool programs.

(b)

After completing a community plan described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the Early Learning Hub shall submit the plan to the Early Learning Division for approval based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council.

(c)

Based on the results of the most recent community plan, annually coordinate and collaborate with preschool providers to:

(A)

Determine the preschool program that best meets the needs of eligible children and their families within the Early Learning Hub; and

(B)

Enroll eligible children in preschool programs.

(3)

A local entity may apply to the Early Learning Division to be awarded grants or contracts to be a preschool provider under this section if the local entity is:

(a)

An Early Learning Hub designated under ORS 417.827 (Early Learning Hubs);

(b)

A resource and referral entity established under ORS 329A.100 (“Resource and referral system” defined for ORS 329A.100 to 329A.135) to 329A.135 (Duties of Office of Child Care);

(c)

An education service district;

(d)

A school district;

(e)

A federal Head Start program;

(f)

A community-based organization; or

(g)

Another entity identified by the Early Learning Division.

(4)

A preschool provider that meets the requirements of this subsection may apply to participate in the Preschool Promise Program to receive grants or contracts under the program. The preschool provider:

(a)

Must be establishing a new preschool program or expanding an existing preschool program.

(b)

Must meet or exceed the requirements of subsection (5) of this section.

(c)

May be a federal Head Start program, an Oregon prekindergarten, a child care provider, a relief nursery, a private preschool, a public school, a public charter school, an education service district or a community-based organization that provides a preschool program.

(5)

A preschool provider may participate in the Preschool Promise Program if the provider’s preschool program:

(a)

Provides, at a minimum, the annual number of instructional hours required for full-day kindergarten.

(b)

Takes into consideration the scheduling needs of families who need full-time child care.

(c)

Serves children who:

(A)

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; and

(B)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.
(i)
Are members of families whose incomes, at the time of enrollment, are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines; or
(ii)
Otherwise meet criteria established by the Early Learning Council by rule.

(d)

Provides continuity from infant and toddler services to early elementary grades.

(e)

Demonstrates an ability to maximize available federal, state and local funds.

(f)

Demonstrates quality through meeting standards, including:

(A)

Participating in the quality rating and improvement system for early childhood programs.

(B)

Adopting culturally responsive teaching methods and practices.

(C)

Providing a high-quality, culturally responsive family engagement environment that supports parents as partners in a child’s learning and development.

(D)

Providing high-quality, culturally responsive curricula, assessments and professional development that are linked to one another and to the state’s comprehensive early learning standards.

(E)

Providing a classroom environment that is inclusive of all children, regardless of ability or family income.

(F)

Providing highly trained lead preschool teachers who have:
(i)
At least a bachelor’s degree in:

(I)

Early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education; or

(II)

A field not related to early childhood education if the Early Learning Division, based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council, determines that the teacher has completed coursework that is equivalent to a major in early childhood education and has sufficient training in early childhood education;
(ii)
An associate degree with additional training or additional certification in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, as determined by the Early Learning Division based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council; or
(iii)
Sufficient alternative credentialing to indicate that the teacher is highly trained, as determined by the Early Learning Division based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council.

(G)

Providing lead preschool teachers and teaching assistants with a salary that meets the minimum salary requirements established by the Early Learning Council.

(H)

Providing at least one teaching assistant in each classroom who provides support for academic instruction and who meets the state’s personnel qualification requirements of one of the top two tiers for the quality rating and improvement system for early childhood programs.

(I)

Providing children and families with additional health and child development supports, such as screening, referrals and coordination with health care providers.

(g)

Incorporates best practices in outreach, enrollment and programming for diverse cultural and linguistic populations and children who have been historically underserved in preschool programs.

(h)

Works in collaboration with community programs to ensure that families have knowledge of, and are connected to, community resources and supports to meet the needs of children and families served by the preschool program.

(i)

Participates in an ongoing monitoring and program evaluation system that is used for continuous program improvement.

(6)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

While any moneys received under a grant received or a contract entered into as provided by this section must be used to serve children described in subsection (5)(c) of this section, nothing in subsection (5)(c) of this section prevents a preschool provider from serving additional children, including children who:

(A)

Pay tuition for the preschool program and whose family income at the time of enrollment exceeds 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

(B)

Are funded by the Oregon prekindergarten program, a federal Head Start program or another source of funding.

(b)

If a preschool provider participating in the Preschool Promise Program serves children described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, moneys received under a grant or contract as provided by this section may not be used to pay for expenses incurred for the children described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(7)

A preschool provider participating in the Preschool Promise Program may receive a waiver of any of the requirements described in subsection (5) of this section if the waiver:

(a)

Is for a preschool program that is maintaining progress toward quality; and

(b)

Is anticipated for the first years of the preschool program only.

(8)

To assist the Early Learning Division in administering this section, the Early Learning Council shall:

(a)

Identify resources necessary for the Early Learning Division to develop, support and sustain the implementation of a high-quality preschool program, including evaluations, professional development opportunities, technical assistance, monitoring guidance and administrative assistance.

(b)

Ensure that pathways and supports are available to teaching staff to increase culturally and linguistically diverse staff to teach and assist in preschool classrooms.

(c)

Establish minimum salary requirements and target salary guidelines for lead preschool teachers and teaching assistants at preschool providers participating in the Preschool Promise Program. Minimum salary requirements may be differentiated by program type. Target salary guidelines shall be, to the extent practicable, comparable to lead kindergarten teacher and teaching assistant salaries in public schools. The Early Learning Division shall provide guidelines and technical assistance to preschool providers participating in the Preschool Promise Program to address salary disparities among preschool teachers and preschool staff.

(d)

Develop strategies that strive to increase the mean salary for lead teachers, teaching assistants and other preschool staff employed by preschool providers participating in the Preschool Promise Program.

(e)

Administer waivers as described in subsection (7) of this section.

(f)

Develop strategies to ensure preschool providers have the resources necessary to maintain children in placement in the Preschool Promise Program.

(9)

Each biennium, the Early Learning Division shall submit a report to the Legislative Assembly that describes:

(a)

The number of children served by the Preschool Promise Program, including the number of children:

(A)

Whose family incomes are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines;

(B)

Whose family incomes are between 100 and 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines;

(C)

Who pay tuition;

(D)

Who are eligible for Head Start programs; and

(E)

Who are eligible for early childhood special education.

(b)

The cost to serve each child described in subsection (5)(c) of this section.

(c)

The level of state support received for implementing the Preschool Promise Program.

(d)

The effectiveness of the Preschool Promise Program, including student progress and outcomes.

(e)

Improvements that have been made to the administration and evaluation of the Preschool Promise Program to improve the effectiveness of the program.

(f)

The salary, education levels and turnover rates of lead preschool teachers and teaching assistants employed by preschool providers participating in the Preschool Promise Program.

(10)

The Early Learning Division shall coordinate with the Department of Education and other state agencies in support of the Preschool Promise Program.

(11)

The Early Learning Division shall prescribe the form and timeline for applications to participate in the Preschool Promise Program. [2015 c.745 §2; 2017 c.140 §1; 2017 c.280 §1; 2019 c.646 §2; 2021 c.93 §1]
Note: The amendments to 329.172 (Preschool Promise Program) by section 26, chapter 631, Oregon Laws 2021, become operative January 1, 2023. See section 64, chapter 631, Oregon Laws 2021. The text that is operative on and after January 1, 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.
329.172 (Preschool Promise Program). (1)(a) The Preschool Promise Program is established. The Department of Early Learning and Care shall administer the Preschool Promise Program as provided by this section. The Preschool Promise Program shall expand preschool options available to the children of this state.

(b)

In administering the Preschool Promise Program, the department shall identify local entities as provided under subsection (3) of this section within the region served by each Early Learning Hub to serve as a preschool provider that meets the eligibility criteria established under subsections (4) and (5) of this section.

(2)

For the purpose of expanding and coordinating preschool options under the Preschool Promise Program, Early Learning Hubs shall:

(a)

Once every two years, in consultation with resource and referral entities established under ORS 329A.100 (“Resource and referral system” defined for ORS 329A.100 to 329A.135) to 329A.135 (Duties of Office of Child Care), complete a community plan. The community plan must include the following for the region served by the Early Learning Hub:

(A)

Identification of priority populations of children and families to enroll in the program;

(B)

Assessment of the availability of high-quality preschool programs;

(C)

Identification of existing preschool providers and opportunities to increase the number and enrollment capacity of preschool providers;

(D)

Prioritization of local entities to serve as preschool providers based on community need and enrollment capacity;

(E)

Identification of methods for increasing the enrollment capacity of preschool providers and for providing professional development to preschool providers; and

(F)

Identification of other services related to preschool programs.

(b)

After completing a community plan described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the Early Learning Hub shall submit the plan to the department for approval based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council.

(c)

Based on the results of the most recent community plan, annually coordinate and collaborate with preschool providers to:

(A)

Determine the preschool program that best meets the needs of eligible children and their families within the Early Learning Hub; and

(B)

Enroll eligible children in preschool programs.

(3)

A local entity may apply to the department to be awarded grants or contracts to be a preschool provider under this section if the local entity is:

(a)

An Early Learning Hub designated under ORS 417.827 (Early Learning Hubs);

(b)

A resource and referral entity established under ORS 329A.100 (“Resource and referral system” defined for ORS 329A.100 to 329A.135) to 329A.135 (Duties of Office of Child Care);

(c)

An education service district;

(d)

A school district;

(e)

A federal Head Start program;

(f)

A community-based organization; or

(g)

Another entity identified by the department.

(4)

A preschool provider that meets the requirements of this subsection may apply to participate in the Preschool Promise Program to receive grants or contracts under the program. The preschool provider:

(a)

Must be establishing a new preschool program or expanding an existing preschool program.

(b)

Must meet or exceed the requirements of subsection (5) of this section.

(c)

May be a federal Head Start program, an Oregon prekindergarten, a child care provider, a relief nursery, a private preschool, a public school, a public charter school, an education service district or a community-based organization that provides a preschool program.

(5)

A preschool provider may participate in the Preschool Promise Program if the provider’s preschool program:

(a)

Provides, at a minimum, the annual number of instructional hours required for full-day kindergarten.

(b)

Takes into consideration the scheduling needs of families who need full-time child care.

(c)

Serves children who:

(A)

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; and

(B)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.
(i)
Are members of families whose incomes, at the time of enrollment, are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines; or
(ii)
Otherwise meet criteria established by the Early Learning Council by rule.

(d)

Provides continuity from infant and toddler services to early elementary grades.

(e)

Demonstrates an ability to maximize available federal, state and local funds.

(f)

Demonstrates an ability to meet quality standards adopted by the Early Learning Council, including:

(A)

Participating in the quality recognition and improvement system for early childhood programs as established by ORS 329A.261 (Development of quality recognition and improvement system).

(B)

Adopting culturally responsive teaching methods and practices.

(C)

Providing a high-quality, culturally responsive family engagement environment that supports parents as partners in a child’s learning and development.

(D)

Providing high-quality, culturally responsive curricula, assessments and professional development that are linked to one another and to the state’s comprehensive early learning standards.

(E)

Providing a classroom environment that is inclusive of all children, regardless of ability or family income.

(F)

Providing highly trained lead preschool teachers who have:
(i)
At least a bachelor’s degree in:

(I)

Early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education; or

(II)

A field not related to early childhood education if the department, based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council, determines that the teacher has completed coursework that is equivalent to a major in early childhood education and has sufficient training in early childhood education;
(ii)
An associate degree with additional training or additional certification in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, as determined by the department based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council; or
(iii)
Sufficient alternative credentialing to indicate that the teacher is highly trained, as determined by the department based on rules adopted by the Early Learning Council.

(G)

Providing lead preschool teachers and teaching assistants with a salary that meets the minimum salary requirements established by the Early Learning Council.

(H)

Providing at least one teaching assistant in each classroom who provides support for academic instruction and who meets the state’s personnel qualification requirements as established by rule by the Early Learning Council.

(I)

Providing children and families with additional health and child development supports, such as screening, referrals and coordination with health care providers.

(g)

Incorporates best practices in outreach, enrollment and programming for diverse cultural and linguistic populations and children who have been historically underserved in preschool programs.

(h)

Works in collaboration with community programs to ensure that families have knowledge of, and are connected to, community resources and supports to meet the needs of children and families served by the preschool program.

(i)

Participates in an ongoing monitoring and program evaluation system that is used for continuous program improvement.

(6)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

While any moneys received under a grant received or a contract entered into as provided by this section must be used to serve children described in subsection (5)(c) of this section, nothing in subsection (5)(c) of this section prevents a preschool provider from serving additional children, including children who:

(A)

Pay tuition for the preschool program and whose family income at the time of enrollment exceeds 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

(B)

Are funded by the Oregon prekindergarten program, a federal Head Start program or another source of funding.

(b)

If a preschool provider participating in the Preschool Promise Program serves children described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, moneys received under a grant or contract as provided by this section may not be used to pay for expenses incurred for the children described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(7)

A preschool provider participating in the Preschool Promise Program may receive a waiver of any of the requirements described in subsection (5) of this section if the waiver:

(a)

Is for a preschool program that is maintaining progress toward quality; and

(b)

Is anticipated for the first years of the preschool program only.

(8)

To assist the department in administering this section, the Early Learning Council shall:

(a)

Identify resources necessary for the department to develop, support and sustain the implementation of a high-quality preschool program, including evaluations, professional development opportunities, technical assistance, monitoring guidance and administrative assistance.

(b)

Ensure that pathways and supports are available to teaching staff to increase culturally and linguistically diverse staff to teach and assist in preschool classrooms.

(c)

Establish minimum salary requirements and target salary guidelines for lead preschool teachers and teaching assistants at preschool providers participating in the Preschool Promise Program. Minimum salary requirements may be differentiated by program type. Target salary guidelines shall be, to the extent practicable, comparable to lead kindergarten teacher and teaching assistant salaries in public schools. The department shall provide guidelines and technical assistance to preschool providers participating in the Preschool Promise Program to address salary disparities among preschool teachers and preschool staff.

(d)

Develop strategies that strive to increase the mean salary for lead teachers, teaching assistants and other preschool staff employed by preschool providers participating in the Preschool Promise Program.

(e)

Administer waivers as described in subsection (7) of this section.

(f)

Develop strategies to ensure preschool providers have the resources necessary to maintain children in placement in the Preschool Promise Program.

(9)

Each biennium, the department shall submit a report to the Legislative Assembly that describes:

(a)

The number of children served by the Preschool Promise Program, including the number of children:

(A)

Whose family incomes are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines;

(B)

Whose family incomes are between 100 and 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines;

(C)

Who pay tuition;

(D)

Who are eligible for Head Start programs; and

(E)

Who are eligible for early childhood special education.

(b)

The cost to serve each child described in subsection (5)(c) of this section.

(c)

The level of state support received for implementing the Preschool Promise Program.

(d)

The effectiveness of the Preschool Promise Program, including student progress and outcomes.

(e)

Improvements that have been made to the administration and evaluation of the Preschool Promise Program to improve the effectiveness of the program.

(f)

The salary, education levels and turnover rates of lead preschool teachers and teaching assistants employed by preschool providers participating in the Preschool Promise Program.

(10)

The department shall coordinate with the Department of Education and other state agencies in support of the Preschool Promise Program.

(11)

The department shall prescribe the form and timeline for applications to participate in the Preschool Promise Program.

Source: Section 329.172 — Preschool Promise Program; grants and contracts; report, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors329.­html.

329.005
Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century
329.007
Definitions for chapter
329.015
Educational goals
329.025
Characteristics of school system
329.045
Revision of Common Curriculum Goals, performance indicators, diploma requirements, Essential Learning Skills and academic content standards
329.049
Plan to encourage voter registration and voting
329.065
Adequate funding required
329.075
Statewide implementation
329.085
Assessment of schools and school districts required
329.095
School district and school self-evaluations
329.105
School district and school performance reports
329.115
Oregon Report Card
329.119
Implementation of proficiency education
329.125
Policy on parental and community participation
329.145
Definitions for ORS 329.150 and 329.155
329.150
Services for children and families at school site
329.153
Policy on prevention and cost-effective programs and strategies
329.155
Standards for education programs and programs providing services for children and families
329.156
Creation
329.157
Identification and coordination of existing resources
329.160
Policy on early childhood and parenting education
329.165
Development of long-range plan for serving children and families
329.170
Definitions for ORS 329.170 to 329.200
329.172
Preschool Promise Program
329.175
Early Learning Division to administer Oregon prekindergarten program
329.181
Scholarship program for early childhood care and education professionals
329.183
Prekindergarten Program Trust Fund
329.185
Expansion of Oregon prekindergarten program
329.190
Advisory committee
329.195
Rules for Oregon prekindergarten program
329.200
Report on Oregon prekindergarten program
329.219
Early Learning Division to implement policies and practices related to early childhood professional development systems
329.235
Provision of early childhood education
329.255
Child development specialist program
329.275
State board guidelines
329.385
Child development programs
329.395
Definitions for ORS 329.395 to 329.425
329.415
Operating guides and grant procedures for ORS 329.395 to 329.425
329.425
Grants under ORS 329.395 to 329.425
329.451
High school diploma
329.471
Availability of personally identifiable information in relation to results of performance-based assessment
329.479
Student Assessment Bill of Rights
329.485
Statewide assessment system
329.486
Guidelines for best practices of administering assessments
329.488
Nationally normed assessment
329.489
American Sign Language
329.492
Oregon Studies
329.493
Curriculum relating to Native American experience in Oregon
329.494
Instruction about the Holocaust and genocide
329.496
Physical education participation
329.498
Data related to physical education
329.499
Report to Legislative Assembly on physical education
329.501
Grants for physical education
329.504
Funding for programs that link physical activity and academic achievement
329.603
Coordinated comprehensive school counseling program
329.704
Local 21st Century Schools Councils
329.711
Educational equity advisory committees
329.752
Determination of school type for purpose of federal loan forgiveness programs
329.756
Materials and assistance provided to employees who qualify for public service loan forgiveness program
329.788
Definitions for ORS 329.788 to 329.820
329.790
Findings on teacher and administrator programs
329.795
Beginning teacher and administrator program established
329.800
Application
329.805
Grants-in-aid
329.810
Training for mentors and beginning teachers and administrators
329.815
Mentors
329.820
Evaluation of programs
329.824
Educator professional development program
329.825
Policy on successful and innovative schools
329.830
Establishment
329.832
Legislative findings
329.834
Creation
329.837
Report
329.838
School District Collaboration Grant Program
329.839
School District Collaboration Grant Account
329.841
Statewide education plan for students who are Black or African-American
329.843
Statewide education plan for students who are American Indian or Alaska Native
329.845
Statewide education plan for students who are Latino or Hispanic
329.847
Statewide education plan for students who are minority gender identity or sexual orientation
329.850
Duties of Education and Workforce Policy Advisor
329.860
Outreach to students no longer attending school
329.885
School-to-work transitions and work experience programs
329.901
Collection of student and teacher information
Green check means up to date. Up to date