Childcare is Fundamental

08/04/2025

Huge thanks to Thrive Umpqua, Umpqua Valley Farm to School and the Umpqua Valley Farmers Market for partnering with Douglas ESD, Care Connections & Education, and the Douglas County Childcare Coalition to host the Bright Bites workshop! Local childcare providers got hands-on experience and practical tools to support healthy eating habits and gardening in early learning settings.

07/22/2025

This is so exciting to see as we lack school age care outside the Roseburg area. The YMCA of Douglas County is expanding quality afterschool options to those in the south Douglas County with a grant from UHA

In South County, where no licensed after-school programs exist, The Y is changing that.

This fall, kids in Myrtle Creek, Tri-City and Canyonville will have a place to learn, move, eat well and be cared for, thanks to a new program led by people who understand what families need.

This means parents won’t have to choose between safety and work. It means kids won’t fall through the cracks after the school bell.

Umpqua Health Alliance is standing with the YMCA and South County families to expand access where it’s long been missing.

06/09/2025

This local article shines a light on the real challenges families and providers face with access to childcare in our community and gives a well-deserved shout-out to the Douglas County Childcare Coalition. A must-read for anyone who cares about supporting working families and strengthening our local economy!

On May 28, Roseburg Professional Childcare closed its doors, leaving families in need of a place to take their children. The closure only furthered a truth that is becoming more

05/09/2025

Early Learning is the profession that allows all other professions to thrive.

Today is Childcare Provider Day! Let's take a moment to celebrate the heart and hustle behind each early learning professional!

Many home-based childcare providers start this journey to care for their own children, and along the way, they discover a passion that grows into a small business.

Thank you to all the staff and childcare providers who nurture, teach, and build brighter futures each day.

04/15/2025

Do you enjoy working with young children? Have you considered starting you own childcare business or working at a home-based or center childcare?

Residents of Klamath and Lake counties are now eligible for $500-$5,000 in bonus and retention payments for entering and staying in the childcare field. Visit https://biz4kids.org/douglas-county-childcare-coalition/ for information and to apply. Care Connections & Education Klamath County Take Root Parenting Connection Lake County Take Root Parenting Connection South-Central Early Learning Hub - for info on Klamath and Lake Counties

The Douglas County Childcare Coalition (DCCC) is a broad-based group of early learning professionals, business leaders, education and workforce partners, faith-based leaders, government officials, and community members committed to improving access to local childcare. Since 2020, the Coalition has f...

01/17/2025

Exciting news! Thanks to a recent Health and Safety grant by the Douglas Co. Childcare Coalition, 11 local childcare providers were able to enhance their facilities, benefiting 128 children. These improvements promote the well-being of children and staff while ensuring essential childcare services continue to support local families. Thank you Umpqua Health

Read more ➡️ https://douglasesd.k12.or.us/2025/01/14/grant-awarded-to-benefit-childcare/

01/08/2025

Do you enjoy working with young children? Have you considered starting you own childcare business or working at a home-based or center childcare?

Residents of Klamath and Lake counties are now eligible for $500-$5,000 in bonus and retention payments for entering and staying in the childcare field. Visit https://biz4kids.org/douglas-county-childcare-coalition/ for information and to apply. Klamath County Take Root Parenting Connection Lake County Take Root Parenting Connection Care Connections & Education

01/07/2025

Huge kudos to the Douglas County Childcare Coalition and their Childcare Incentive Program! Over the past year, they’ve awarded nearly $50,000 to support new early childhood care staff and help providers open or expand home-based or center-based childcare.

These incredible efforts have supported over 160 new childcare slots and helped prevent nearly 170 slots from closing in our community.

Could you qualify for an incentive bonus? Find out today! Visit 👉 https://biz4kids.org/douglas-county-childcare-coalition/

12/20/2024

The Ford Family Foundation released an update on their 2020 Child Care in Rural Oregon recommendations. Much progress has been made but challenges remain. Check it out at https://www.tfff.org/rural-child-care/

11/27/2024

Thank you Brian Prawitz for highlighting how childcare and economic development are connected. Along with affordable housing, transportation, and workforce development, childcare is essential to a thriving community.

Umpqua Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Brian Prawitz talks about economic development issues the local area is facing:

11/18/2024

Oregon recently released a Toolkit for Employers outlining a host of childcare and school age care solutions that can be implemented to support working parents and your organization's bottom line. Check it out below

Oregon Employer’s Child Care ToolkitSupporting Working Parents, Strengthening Your Business Finding affordable, quality child care is a major challenge for working parents. This toolkit offers employers practical, effective solutions that help your team stay productive and loyal while navigating t...

10/24/2024

Is childcare a barrier for parents entering and staying in the workforce and for employers seeking top talent? Don from Express Employment Professionals in Roseburg shares his thoughts below.

Lets make it easier for families to thrive and businesses to grow. Learn more at https://www.childcareis.org/