Navigating the world of child care can be complex, whether you’re a parent seeking affordable care or someone looking for part-time day care jobs near you. In Oregon, the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program offers crucial support to families, and understanding how it works can be beneficial for both parents and potential caregivers.
Who is ERDC For? Understanding Eligibility for Child Care Assistance
The ERDC program in Oregon is designed to assist families who are residents of the state and need help affording child care so they can work, attend school, or participate in specific family well-being activities. Here’s a breakdown of the key eligibility criteria:
- Residency: Families must live in Oregon.
- Work or Education Requirement:
- Single-parent families: The parent must be employed, enrolled in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Two-parent families: Both parents must be working or in school. (Note: This requirement is waived if parents are receiving TANF. Exceptions may also apply in situations where one parent cannot provide child care due to a medical condition or supervised contact requirements).
- Need for Child Care: Child care must be necessary for parents to maintain employment, continue their education, or engage in family well-being activities.
- Child’s Age:
- Children must be under 13 years old and in need of child care.
- Children aged 13 to 17 may be eligible if they require care due to special circumstances.
- Income Limits: Families must meet specific income limits to qualify for ERDC benefits. These limits are detailed further below.
It’s important to note that the child care provider chosen by the family must be approved to receive ERDC payments. This approval process is separate from being a licensed child care provider.
For families facing financial challenges, exploring programs like TANF in conjunction with ERDC can provide a more comprehensive support system. Contacting your local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office can help determine eligibility for TANF and other assistance programs.
Income Guidelines for ERDC: Initial and Ongoing Eligibility
ERDC utilizes income limits to determine eligibility, with different thresholds for initial application and ongoing benefits. This structure acknowledges that families’ financial situations can improve while still needing child care support.
Initial Income Limits
When first applying for ERDC, there are specific income thresholds that families must meet to begin receiving assistance. As of March 1, 2024, these initial income limits are set at 200% of the federal poverty level. Consult the official ERDC guidelines or your local ODHS office for the most up-to-date income charts based on family size.
Ongoing and Exit Income Limits
To maintain ERDC benefits once enrolled, families must adhere to ongoing and exit income limits. As of March 1, 2024, these limits are more generous, set at 250% of the federal poverty level or 85% of the state median income, whichever is higher. This higher threshold allows families to increase their earnings while still benefiting from child care assistance, promoting financial stability and career advancement.
How ERDC Supports Families: Covering Child Care Costs
Once approved for ERDC, the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) plays a vital role in helping families manage child care expenses. ERDC assistance is designed to be comprehensive, covering various aspects of child care needs related to work, school, and family well-being activities.
Child care assistance through ERDC can cover:
- Work or School Hours: The actual time spent at work or in class.
- Meal Breaks at Work: Recognizing the needs of working parents, meal times during work hours are included.
- Travel Time: Transportation between the child care provider and work or school locations is factored in.
- Night Shift Sleep: For parents working night shifts, sleep hours are covered to ensure adequate rest and well-being.
- Study Time for Students: Students utilizing ERDC can also receive assistance for study hours related to their coursework.
- Family Well-being Activities: Participation in approved family well-being activities is also supported.
Could You Be a Paid Caregiver? Explore Part-Time Day Care Job Opportunities
An interesting aspect of ERDC is the potential for family members, friends, or neighbors to become paid caregivers. This opens up avenues for individuals seeking part-time day care jobs near me while providing familiar and trusted care for children within their community. If you’re interested in exploring part-time day care jobs, particularly within the context of the ERDC program, consider looking into becoming an approved provider. This could be a rewarding opportunity to support families and earn income by providing care in a home-based setting.
For more information on becoming a family, friend, or neighbor caregiver, resources are available in multiple languages.
Navigating the ERDC Waitlist: What Families Need to Know
Due to increased demand and funding limitations, ERDC currently operates with a waitlist. It’s crucial for families applying for assistance to understand how the waitlist works and what to expect.
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Waitlist Impact: If you are already receiving ERDC benefits, the waitlist does not affect you. Your benefits will continue as long as you remain eligible and recertify on time.
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New Applicants: New applicants for ERDC will generally be placed on the waitlist unless they qualify for an exemption.
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Waitlist Exemptions: Certain families are eligible to skip the waitlist and receive expedited access to ERDC. These include:
- Families recently or currently receiving TANF or Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS).
- Families referred by the Child Welfare Division of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
- Families reapplying for ERDC within two months of their previous benefits ending.
- Families eligible for an ERDC contracted slot, such as those in Baby Promise and specific Head Start programs.
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Wait Time Expectations: It’s important to be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait. Families can anticipate being on the waitlist for approximately 18 months, and potentially longer depending on program funding and caseload fluctuations.
ERDC Waitlist FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
The implementation of the ERDC waitlist has led to several frequently asked questions from families seeking child care assistance. Understanding these FAQs can help clarify the process and available options.
Waitlist Exemptions: Who Can Skip the Line?
Q: Can any families skip the waitlist?
A: Yes, as mentioned earlier, certain categories of families are exempt from the ERDC waitlist. These exemptions are in place to prioritize families with urgent needs or those already receiving other forms of assistance. The categories include:
- Families reapplying within two months of previous ERDC benefits ending.
- Families currently receiving TANF.
- Families receiving TA-DVS.
- Families who received TANF or TA-DVS within the 3 months prior to applying for ERDC.
- Families referred by the Child Welfare division of ODHS.
- Families eligible for an ERDC contracted slot (Baby Promise, Head Start programs).
Applying for ERDC and the Waitlist
Q: I don’t currently receive ERDC, but I am interested in help paying for child care. Can I still apply?
A: Absolutely. You can still apply for ERDC even with the waitlist in effect. When you apply, you will be screened to determine if you qualify for a waitlist exemption. If you are exempt, you will proceed directly with the ERDC eligibility process. If you are not initially exempt, you can still complete the full eligibility process to confirm your waitlist status or potential for exemption. If you are placed on the waitlist, you will receive a waitlist number.
Q: How do I apply for ERDC or get a spot on the waitlist?
A: Applying for ERDC and being screened for the waitlist can be done through several convenient methods:
- Online: Visit Benefits.Oregon.gov.
- In Person or by Phone: Contact your local ODHS office or call 1-800-699-9075.
When applying for ERDC, you can also apply for other benefits like SNAP food assistance and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid), streamlining the application process for multiple support programs.
Steps in the ERDC Application Process
Q: What are the steps for applying for ERDC?
A: The ERDC application process involves three main steps:
- Apply: Submit your application online, in person, or by phone using the methods mentioned above. You can also apply for other benefits at the same time.
- Provide Verification: You will need to provide documentation to verify your eligibility, such as pay stubs or proof of income. A program checklist provides examples of required verification. If you are unsure what to provide initially, you can submit verification after your interview.
- Complete an Interview: An interview is a mandatory step to receive ERDC benefits. The interview may be conducted when you submit your application or scheduled later by phone or mail.
ERDC Contracted Slots: Prioritized Child Care Access
Q: What is an ERDC contracted slot?
A: ERDC contracted slots are a specific allocation of child care spaces reserved for families receiving ERDC. DELC contracts with select partners, including Baby Promise and certain Head Start programs, to provide these slots. Contracted slots are located in high-quality child care settings within specific regions of Oregon, ensuring access to quality care for participating families and potentially creating more “Part Time Day Care Jobs Near Me” within these contracted facilities as they are assured of funding.
What to Expect on the Waitlist
Q: I was just added to the ERDC waitlist. What should I expect?
A: After being placed on the waitlist, you will receive a notification containing your waitlist number, information about your right to appeal the decision, and resources that may assist you in finding alternative child care arrangements while you wait. You will also receive periodic updates while you are on the waitlist.
When funding becomes available, families will be selected from the waitlist based on their waitlist date, with those added earliest being invited to apply for ERDC first. Once selected, you will receive a notice with instructions on how to reapply for ERDC within 45 days.
Q: What does my waitlist number mean?
A: Your waitlist number reflects your position based on the date and time you were added to the waitlist. While it indicates your place in line initially, a lower number does not guarantee immediate access to ERDC. Waitlist numbers are not updated as families are removed from the list. It’s also possible for families with changed circumstances to become eligible to skip the waitlist, regardless of their number.
Q: Am I guaranteed a spot on ERDC if I’m on the waitlist?
A: Unfortunately, being on the waitlist does not guarantee ERDC benefits. The waitlist duration is estimated to be at least 18 months, depending on funding levels and program participation. When you are invited to reapply after being selected from the waitlist, your eligibility will be reassessed based on your income and family circumstances at that time.
Q: Once I am pulled off the waitlist, will I need to reapply?
A: Yes. Being selected from the waitlist means you are invited to reapply for ERDC. You will need to complete the reapplication process to determine your eligibility based on your current circumstances when funding becomes available.
Q: I’m on the waitlist, but my circumstances have changed, should I reapply?
A: Yes, if your circumstances change and you believe you may now qualify for a waitlist exemption, it is advisable to reapply. As a reminder, categories that may qualify for exemption include families experiencing domestic violence, those who have recently lost TANF benefits, or those referred by Child Welfare services. Reapplying ensures your current situation is considered for potential expedited access to ERDC.
Information for Current ERDC Recipients
Q: If I already get ERDC, is there anything I need to do to keep my benefits?
A: If you are currently receiving ERDC, the waitlist does not affect your benefits. Continue to receive your benefits as usual. To maintain your ERDC, remember to renew your benefits on time. You will receive a renewal notice when it’s time to recertify. Reapplying for ERDC within two months of your benefits ending allows you to skip the waitlist during the renewal process. You can initiate your renewal up to 45 days before your eligibility period ends through the online portal, by contacting your local office, or by phone.
Resources for Finding Child Care and Additional Support
Q: I need help paying for child care now. How can I learn about other affordable child care programs I may be eligible for?
A: DELC offers various programs to assist families with child care costs. Explore programs like Preschool Promise and Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) as potential alternatives. Early Learning Hubs and 211info are valuable resources for connecting with different programs and support services in your area.
Q: If I am approved for ERDC, will I have to pay anything?
A: ERDC is a subsidy program, meaning that while it significantly reduces child care costs, many families still contribute a portion, known as a copayment. As of August 2023, the average copay for ERDC recipients was approximately $10, with copays currently capped at 7% of a family’s monthly income.
ERDC Waitlist Resources: Accessing Further Information
For more detailed information and resources related to the ERDC waitlist and child care assistance in Oregon, refer to the following:
ERDC Waitlist One-Pager:
English | Español/Spanish | Русский/Russian | 繁體中文/Chinese(Traditional) | Tiếng Việt/Vietnamese
ERDC Family Resource Guide:
English | Español/Spanish | Русский/Russian | 繁體中文/Chinese(Traditional) | Tiếng Việt/Vietnamese
211 and Early Learning Hubs:
Contact 211 for personalized assistance:
- Dial 211 or 1-866-698-6155
- Text “children” to 898211
- Email [email protected]
- Visit 211Info
Find your local Early Learning Hub through DELC’s finder:
Open DELC’s Early Learning Hub Finder
By understanding the ERDC program, both families seeking affordable child care and individuals looking for “part time day care jobs near me” can navigate the child care landscape in Oregon more effectively. ERDC not only supports working families but also creates opportunities within the child care sector, fostering a stronger community for children and caregivers alike.
