Grow With Spark
As an Early Learning Educator, you have access to valuable supports through Spark — including expert help and encouragement along the way and financial resources to help you reach your program goals and strengthen your business. Spark meets programs where they are, offering assistance, tools, and connections that make it easier to achieve what matters most to you and the families you serve.
In the past, Spark recognition focused only on programs that could demonstrate they met certain established standards by completing a portfolio and achieving a star rating. Today, Spark has expanded to also recognize programs that are actively pursuing their own goals for growth and improvement. This approach honors the individuality of each program and supports providers in making meaningful progress in ways that reflect their unique strengths, values, and the needs of the children and families they serve.
Who can participate?
Spark is available to all licensed child care and early education programs in Oregon, including:
- Certified Family Child Care
- Certified Center Child Care
- Registered Family Child Care
- Head Start and Early Head Start
- Oregon Pre-Kindergarten
- School-age programs (if licensed)
- Certain programs monitored by agencies other than the Office of Child Care Licensing—such as those operated by school districts, higher education, or tribal agencies are also eligible to participate.
How to Participate in Spark
You’ll receive an email with instructions and links to the forms you’ll need to complete the next steps. Each email and form includes helpful guidance along the way.
Your Spark Journey: A quick guide
1. Submit Your Application (or SPUR)
If you are new to Spark, complete the Spark Application Form.
If you are currently participating in Spark, complete the SPUR and make a request.
The Spark team will review your form and send an email with instructions with links to start your QI Cycle.
2. Start Your QI Cycle
View the QI Cycle Participation Form to access resources for selecting goals. Goals are individualized and should reflect what’s important to your program. If your program is ERDC-listed, you can choose to complete a Spark Portfolio for a star rating as your goal.
3. Apply for Funds
After submitting your QI Cycle Participation Form, follow the instructions in the email to apply for funds. All programs qualify for a $500 Goal Payment, and first-time Spark programs may be eligible for a higher amount.
4. Work Toward Your Goals
Use available resources, tools, and support to achieve your goals. You can reach out anytime, and it’s okay if your goals change—just note updates in your final Reflection.
5. Complete Your QI Cycle
Submit a QI Cycle Reflection after 12 months to assess progress. Receive a $250 incentive and recognition for completed goals. ERDC-listed programs that submitted a portfolio and achieved a star rating may receive additional funds ($500–$2,500 depending on rating and program size).
Explore FREE Resources
Discover a library of free, ready-to-use tools and money-saving opportunities designed to support your program. Find everything from handbook templates and policies to classroom materials, HR resources, and cost-saving programs—all available on the Oregon Early Learning Resources platform.
Reach Out to Spark with the SPUR
The Spark Program Universal Request (SPUR) is your go-to form for any Spark-related needs. Programs use it to:
- Renew or update your rating
- Check for missed Spark funds
- Start a new QI Cycle
- Update program information
- …and more
It’s quick, easy, and ensures Spark can support your program exactly when you need it!
Keep Your Rating Current — and Earn $500!
Has your Spark rating expired or reached the end of its 3-year period? It’s easy to renew with the Spark QI Cycle.
Just complete a SPUR and choose #2 for an updated certificate. You’ll get an email with a link to the QI Cycle Form, and once that’s done, your 12-month certificate will arrive in about 1–2 weeks.
You can apply for the $500 Goal Payment right away and continue working on the goals you selected throughout the 12-month period.
Spark Program Observation
A program observation can be an insightful part of a program’s continuous quality improvement efforts. Continuous quality improvement includes inviting program feedback and reflecting on your program practices to better meet the needs of the children and families that you serve.
Explore FREE Resources
Discover a library of free, ready-to-use tools and money-saving opportunities designed to support your program. Find everything from handbook templates and policies to classroom materials, HR resources, and cost-saving programs—all available on the Oregon Early Learning Resources platform.
Participant Resources
A wide variety of supports are available to help you. Please take advantage of the resources you need to help you succeed.
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