Child Care Rules

Oregon Administrative Rules set forth the Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) requirements for inspecting and licensing those child care facilities subject to Oregon laws governing child care.

Current Child Care Rules

For the most up to date laws and rules, visit the Secretary of State’s Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) webpage and sort for the Department of Early Learning and Care Chapter (414). Temporary and permanent rule changes are incorporated into the official OARs webpage soon after approval by the Early Learning Council.

Open Oregon Administrative Rules Web page in a new window

*PDF and printed versions of the child care rules may not include recent rule revisions while updates are in process.

Rule Books

Rules for Certified Child Care Centers (CCLD-0084):
English | Spanish

Rules for Certified School-Age Child Care Centers (CCLD-0542):
English

Rules for Certified Family Child Care Homes (CCLD-0085):
English | Spanish

Rules for Registered Family Child Care Homes (CCLD-0086):
English|Spanish|Russian|Chinese|Vietnamese|Arabic|Burmese|Somali

Rules for Regulated Subsidy Child Care (UnL-0221):
English|Spanish|Russian|Arabic|Burmese|Somali

Rules for School-Age Recorded Programs (UnL-0645):
English|Spanish

Rules for Preschool Recorded Programs (UnL-0234):
English|Spanish

Recently Adopted Rules or Rule Changes

Provider’s 10-12 year old children not included in Capacity and Staff-to-Child Ratios
Effective January 1, 2024

Registered Family Child Care:

English Spanish Russian Vietnamese Chinese

Certified Family Child Care:

English Spanish

Certified School-Age Centers Rule Updates
Effective January 1, 2024

In December 2023, the Early Learning Council adopted updates to the rules for Certified School-Age Centers. A summary of those changes can be found below.

English

General Rules for All Child Care Facilities

This rule set applies to all child care facilities and includes the following sections:

Complaints and Investigations
Exempt Prohibition, Unlawful Care, Civil Penalties
Operating Hours and Care Not Requiring a License
Union Representation in Contested Case Hearings

English Spanish Russian Vietnamese Chinese

Rule Resources

Certified Child Care Center NEW Rules Webinar

On December 5, 2023, DELC hosted a webinar with general information about the NEW rules for Certified Child Care Centers. You can view a recording of the webinar through the links below. The recording is available in English and Spanish.

Certified Child Care Center Informational Videos

The Certified Child Care Center information video series will help Certified Child Care Center administrators and staff understand new rules thar were effective January 1, 2024. You can visit DELC's YouTube playlist Oregon Certified Child Care Center Rule Informational Series to use this resource!

Certified School-Age Child Care Center Rules Background

School-age Rules: Webinar Video Series

This series was created as an introduction to the rules for Certified School-Age Child Care Centers. The videos provide an overview of the rules, explain key features and how rules are organized, and highlight any changes in rules or new rules. The Office of Child Care is here to support you, your staff, and your program. If you have any questions, contact your Licensing Specialist or call 1-800-556-6616.

Part 1: Videos 1-6

Part 1 of the school-age rules webinar video series is now available. Watch videos 1 through 6 by clicking the button below. Part 1 covers a variety of topics from center capacity to emergency preparedness to positions and qualifications.

Part 2: Videos 7-13

Topics included facility structure, the prevention of hazards, furniture and play materials and outdoor space to illness, injuries, medications, children with special needs, food service, and transportation.

Webinar Playlist