Quality Care Connections

10/16/2026

Resource Spotlight: Talking with Children About Difficult Things in the News

"Inspired by Fred Rogers’ legacy and drawing from his work, the Fred Rogers Institute creates and offers resources to support children and their caregivers on a variety of important topics that can be challenging to discuss.

We hope these resources help remind families and caregivers of Fred’s message that “When a child learns to trust that there is a loving caregiver right there to help in rough times, he or she can weather most any storm-and ultimately be stronger for the experience.”

Link in comments.

10/15/2026

FREE class with Eugene Public Library!

Join us in-person at the library downtown to explore engaging books, effective read-aloud strategies, and practical ways to create a literacy-rich encironment for children ages 3-5.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 6-8 pm
Optional library tour: 5:30-6 pm

Snacks and drinks included. ORO professional development hours provided.

Registration link in the comments!

10/14/2026

Upcoming FREE event for business owners and directors of large child care/education programs. Come network & learn about business resources available to your center.

Upcoming event for program owners and directors:

We have partnered with Clad Edu for a special event, pairing business training with an opportunity to learn about their financial service as a resource.

Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Location: LCC Main Campus

AGENDA:
6-7 pm: PM (1.00) ORO Credit Provided
7-8 pm: Dinner and Chat with Clad, Child Care Capital

Training Event: "Making Smart Capital Decisions in Child Care" (6-7 pm)

Growth in child care often requires money before the additional revenue arrives. Whether a program is adding classrooms, increasing enrollment, hiring staff, purchasing equipment, improving facilities, or opening another location, leaders need to understand how to determine whether their program can financially support the opportunity.

In this one-hour training, participants explore the difference between operating cash, reserves, debt, grants, and outside capital; identify common reasons child care programs experience funding gaps; and practice evaluating whether a growth opportunity is financially sustainable.

10/12/2026

Play, Notice, Wonder: Creating Classrooms for Inquiry

Upcoming classes sponsored by Lane STEM! Join us for FREE interactive Set 2 classes.

November 14: Observe, Reflect, Invite: Foundations of Emergent curriculum

Spanish language interpretation provided. Registration link in the comments.
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Jugar, Observar, Preguntarse: Creando aulas que fomentan la indagación

¡Próximas clases patrocinadas por Lane STEM! Acompáñenos en clases interactivas GRATUITAS de Nivel 2 (Set 2).

14 de noviembre: Observar, Reflexionar, Invitar: Fundamentos del currículo emergente

Se ofrecerá interpretación al español. Enlace de inscripción en los comentarios.

10/12/2026

We are excited to have Rusty Keeler join us in Eugene November 21st! Check out Rusty's FREE Loose Parts Play Guide below. Event registration link is in the comments!

Check out my FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide! https://rustykeeler.com/opt-in-loose-parts-guide/

10/08/2026

The 2026 Market Price & Supply Study is open! Child care providers, this is your chance to help state and national leaders understand what child care really costs in Oregon and where care is available.
You only need to do ONE of these:
✅Update your Find Child Care Oregon (FCCO) program profile
✅Complete the MPS Study survey
✅Contact your regional CCR&R for other options
Open through December 31.
Learn more at: Learn more at https://findchildcareoregon.com/home/providers/

10/08/2026

Upcoming event for program owners and directors:

We have partnered with Clad Edu for a special event, pairing business training with an opportunity to learn about their financial service as a resource.

Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Location: LCC Main Campus

AGENDA:
6-7 pm: PM (1.00) ORO Credit Provided
7-8 pm: Dinner and Chat with Clad, Child Care Capital

Training Event: "Making Smart Capital Decisions in Child Care" (6-7 pm)

Growth in child care often requires money before the additional revenue arrives. Whether a program is adding classrooms, increasing enrollment, hiring staff, purchasing equipment, improving facilities, or opening another location, leaders need to understand how to determine whether their program can financially support the opportunity.

In this one-hour training, participants explore the difference between operating cash, reserves, debt, grants, and outside capital; identify common reasons child care programs experience funding gaps; and practice evaluating whether a growth opportunity is financially sustainable.

10/07/2026

Upcoming Free Event with Healthy Moves!

Jump, Balance, Play- Movement Skills That Grow With Your Students
Participants will explore a progression of activities — from music and movement, obstacle courses, and hula hoop, to jump rope and conditioning challenges — designed to meet every child at their skill level and take them further.
- Tuesday, October 27th (English) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Set 1 LEC (2.00)
- Physical Activity Materials, Healthy Moves Curriculum, and Refreshments Provided

10/07/2026

Evento Gratis de Healthy Moves -

Salta, Equilíbrate y Juega: habilidades de movimiento que crecen con tus estudiantes
Los participantes explorarán una progresión de actividades: desde
música y movimiento, circuitos de obstáculos y hula hoop, hasta saltar la cuerda y desafíos de acondicionamiento físico, diseñadas para adaptarse al nivel de habilidad de cada niño y ayudarlos a superarse.
- Lunes, 30 de noviembre (español) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Nivel 1 LEC
- Se proporcionarán materiales de actividad física, currículo Healthy Moves y refrigerios

10/06/2026

UPDATE from Spark: Oregon's Quality Recognition and Improvement System.

As you may know, Spark has transitioned to a new Quality Improvement (QI) Cycle system. Qualifying programs can apply to Spark online to begin the process.

Updates to current Spark payments are:
- $500 Goal Setting Payment
- $5,000 monthly drawing for QI-Cycle participating programs
- $250 QI Cycle Reflection Payment
- Additional Preschool Promise Inclusion Goal Payment - DEADLINE November 1st

To learn more and get connected with a Specialist, contact our office today!
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ACTUALIZACIÓN de Spark: el Sistema de Reconocimiento y Mejora de la Calidad de Oregón

Como quizá ya sabe, Spark ha cambiado a un nuevo sistema de Ciclo de Mejora de la Calidad (QI). Los programas que cumplen con los requisitos pueden solicitar participar en Spark en línea para comenzar el proceso.

Las actualizaciones de los pagos actuales de Spark incluyen:

- Pago de $500 por establecer metas
- Sorteo mensual de $5,000 para los programas que participan en el Ciclo de Mejora de la Calidad (QI)
- Pago de $250 por completar la reflexión del Ciclo de QI
- Pago adicional por la meta de inclusión de Preschool Promise — FECHA LÍMITE: 1 de noviembre

Para obtener más información y comunicarse con un Especialista, ¡comuníquese hoy mismo con nuestra oficina!