State-funded investments credited with expanding early learning opportunities across Oregon
SALEM, Ore. — Access to child care for Oregon families is steadily improving, especially for preschool-aged children. A new report commissioned by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and produced by Oregon State University’s Child Care Research Partnership shows that just nine of Oregon’s 36 counties are considered child care deserts for preschoolers in 2024—down from 27 in 2018.
The report, titled “Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2024,” defines a child care desert as a community with more than three children for every one available regulated child care slot. These include licensed centers and home-based providers that meet state health and safety standards.
Without public funding, however, every county in Oregon would still qualify as a child care desert for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see state investments delivering real results for Oregon families,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Director of DELC. “More communities now have access to early learning experiences that every child deserves—and that’s a win for our entire state.”
“We’re seeing state and community investments making a difference in the available supply,” added Megan Pratt, lead author of the report and associate professor at OSU’s College of Health. “There’s more child care available now than there has been in the recent past.”
Key Findings from the 2024 Report:
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Only nine counties are now considered preschool child care deserts, down from 27 in 2018.
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All but two counties remain deserts for infant and toddler care.
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Without public funding, all counties would be deserts for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties would be preschool deserts.
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Across Oregon, 1 in 3 children age five and under have access to a regulated child care slot.
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In non-metro counties, between 32% and 100% of slots are publicly funded, compared to 16% to 50% in metro areas not classified as deserts.
The report also notes encouraging growth in family home-based child care, much of which is operated by women-owned small businesses. This is the first increase in registered family home slots since 2016.
What’s Not Included:
The report does not factor in all public investments in child care—such as school district or county-run programs that are not licensed by the state—and does not include the use of subsidy programs like Employment Related Day Care (ERDC). Programs counted in the report include Preschool Promise, Baby Promise, Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten, and federally funded Head Start and Early Head Start.
“With continued federal uncertainty, it’s even more important for Oregon to maintain this progress,” said Chatterjee. “These gains show what’s possible when we prioritize early learning—it’s helping families and building a stronger foundation for our future.”
The report was co-authored by Michaella Sektnan of OSU’s College of Health. To view the full 2024 report, including detailed county maps and infographics, visit:
https://health.oregonstate.edu/early-learners/supply
