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.

Your Spark Journey: A quick guide

1. Submit Spark Application or SPUR

If you are new to Spark, complete the Spark Application Form.

If you are currently participating in Spark, complete the SPUR.

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 Towards 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).

 

 

1. Statewide Engagement

Gather input from families, educators, providers, leaders, & community partners from all across Oregon

2. Listening and Design workgroups

Diverse workgroups conducted in Spanish and English will review findings and co-create recommendations

3. Transition Planning

TRI and Spark rated programs will plan the transition from the current Spark to the Redesigned Spark

4.Spark Accountability Team

The Spark Accountability Team will make recommendations on high level design concepts for the redesigned system

5. Redesign Implementation

TRI will roll out the Redesigned Spark in phases

6. Assessment

The redesigned Spark will be assessed for effectiveness and the Spark Improvement Cycle Plan will be made

Reach Out to Spark

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, participating form, and once that’s done, your updated 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.

To download a file, first click on a folder to see the contents.  Click the Download button to save the file to your computer. To download several files at once, check the boxes next to the download button and click “Download Selected Files.” A zip file will be created.

Spark Helpline – 877-768-8290 or oregonspark@wou.edu

Spark Program Universal Request – Complete a Spark Program Universal Request (SPUR) to ensure your information is up to date and to share more information about continued participation in Spark.

QRIS Resources Website – This easy to use web-based platform offers a wealth of tools, programs, and services to help early childhood professionals manage their programs.

CCR&R Regional Map – Find your local Child Care Resources & Referral agency.

Department of Early Learning and Care 

Oregon Center for Career Development/Oregon Registry Online (ORO) – OCCD promotes professional development to achieve high quality care and education for children, and creates and supports training and education.

Department of Human Services (DHS) – Information for Child Care Providers.

Inclusive Partners –  Inclusive Partners promotes inclusive child care practices that help all children succeed. We provide technical assistance, training and support to child care providers so families of children with higher needs can play, work, and learn together.