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Department of Early Learning and Care

Support Careers in Early Childhood Education

Explore ECE Careers Support ECE Careers ECE Resources

Support Early Learning Careers

Welcome to Building Careers in Early Childhood Education, a dedicated resource for community partners committed to supporting meaningful career pathways. This platform highlights the diverse and rewarding opportunities within the field of early childhood education (ECE), showcasing how it can be a viable and impactful career choice. Explore the variety of roles, from classroom educators to program administrators, and learn how investing in ECE careers not only strengthens the workforce but also enriches the entire community. Join us in championing a profession that shapes the future and drives long-term success for children, families, and society. 

Early childhood job opportunities are expected to grow over the next several years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as a large number of teachers are expected to retire and the emphasis on early childhood education increases. Some 50,000 preschool teaching jobs are estimated to be needed by 2028, along with more than 100,000 kindergarten and early elementary teaching positions. Individuals with a degree in child development or early childhood education can expect a wide range of career options. In addition to the growth in child care jobs, the pandemic highlighted the need for child care in other sectors. In Oregon, initiatives funded by Future Ready Oregon will need child care to succeed. 

Since the pandemic, an increasing number of states are recognizing early care and education as a public good, working toward beginning or expanding state funded child care and pay parity with K-12 teachers. A substantial research base confirms that when children participate in high-quality early childhood education, they are: 

  • More likely to experience improved cognitive and social outcomes
  • More likely to graduate from high school; less likely to require remedial education; and
  • Generally healthier and able to be more productive contributors to their local, state, and national economies. (NAEYC, 2020)

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Resources for Partners

These documents and reports contain useful information and recommendations for partners in Early Childhood Education.

Credit for Prior Learning Benefits
2023 Credit for Prior Learning Annual Report
Importance of ECE and Higher Education
Practicum Position Statement
Higher Education Consortia Success
Importance of Infant Toddler Education

Professional Learning System Overview

The Professional Learning System Office (PLSO) is responsible for coordinating and providing support, in partnership with various agencies, to enhance the quality and access to professional development.

The objective of the PLSO is to drive the transformation and improvement of early learning and care settings throughout Oregon. This DELC office oversees the Professional Learning System for early learning in Oregon.

The Professional Learning System Framework is centered on instigating system change and improvement through various key components, which include Recruitment and Respect, Preparation, Degrees, Credentials, Professional Learning, and Retention.

Diagram of the Professional Learning System Office (PLSO)

DELC's Mission

The Department of Early Learning and Care fosters coordinated culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals.

DELC's Vision

All children, families, early care and education professionals, and communities are supported and empowered to thrive.

DELC Funded Community Partners

Early Learning ​Hubs are community-based conveners that collaborate across sectors to build equitable, integrated, and inclusive early childhood systems within local communities. They leverage state, federal, and co​mmunity resources to support early learning and family services, ensuring all children have access to high-quality early learning opportunities.​​​

The Research Institute logoBased at Western Oregon University, TRI provides research, evaluation, and technical support for early learning and childcare systems. It manages key programs like Oregon’s Quality Recognition and Improvement​ System (Spark) and offers professional development, training, and technical assistance through its Center on Early Learning and Youth Development.​

Early Learning System Initiative logoHoused at Oregon State University, ELSI focuses on professional development for early childhood educators, emphasizing coaching, inclusion, and high-quality teaching. It works with statewide partners to build capacity in Oregon’s early learning workforce and supports ongoing initiatives like the Pyramid Model for inclusion.​​​​

​Oregon Center for Career Development logoLocated at Portland State University, OCCD provides leadership in developing professional development standards for early childhood educators in Oregon. It manages the Oregon Registry and trainer programs, offering professional recognition, career pathways, and financial assistance to early educators.​

​​​Regional CCR&Rs are responsible for supporting key aspects of our childcare system includ​ing promoting recruitment and retention and providing professional learning. CCR&Rs are seen as experts and leaders in supporting quality improvement practices in early learning programs to enhance high quality environments for Oregon’s children. ​



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