Spark Benefits
Parents and Family Caregivers
Spark is a statewide system that provides child care and early learning programs in Oregon with opportunities, resources, and funding to pursue improvement goals that matter most to them. Spark recognizes that every program is unique and supports them where they are, helping them grow in ways that benefit the children and families they serve.
Start your Child Care Search
Finding child care is one of the most important—and often most challenging—decisions families face. It can feel overwhelming to balance options, schedules, costs, and locations while wanting a safe and nurturing environment that supports your child’s growth and well-being.
These resources provide a helpful starting point for exploring child care options that fit your family’s needs. Referrals are not endorsements or guarantees of quality, but families are encouraged to use the available tools and supports to learn more and find the care setting that best fits their child and family.
Ways to Search for Child Care
Explore spark participating programs
Spark participating programs have voluntarily chosen to engage in a process of continuous quality improvement. Some programs have a 3, 4, or 5-star rating, which indicates they have completed a portfolio demonstrating they meet established standards. Other programs may have a C2Q designation, which means they are either still in the process of completing a portfolio or have chosen to participate in a 12-month Quality Improvement Cycle, setting goals that are most important to them.
All Spark programs share a commitment to improving their services, supporting children and families, and making a positive impact. Spark participation status is just one piece of information to help families decide if a program is the right fit. Ratings are not guarantees of quality, and the absence of a rating does not indicate that a program is of lower quality.
Click here for an overview of Spark Ratings (current links to pdf are fine)
Click here for information on Spark Portfolio Domains and Standards
Explore all Programs
- The Find Child Care Oregon (FCCO) database offers detailed information on licensed and non-licensed programs across the state. Families can search programs, view details, and contact providers directly.
- Spark participation and health and safety records for licensed programs are included. FCCO also provides resources and guides to help families explore options and make informed decisions about the programs that best fit their child’s needs.
Need Support
211: If you’d like assistance finding child care, you can call 211 to speak with a trained specialist. They can help provide a list of programs that fit your family’s needs, guide you through your options, and help you locate child care programs in your area. Dial: 211 or 1-866-698-6155 or Text: “children” to 898-211
Referrals provided by 211 are not recommendations and do not guarantee quality. Families are encouraged to use the information, explore program options, and make informed decisions based on what is the best fit for their child and family.
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care website
Explore more resources for families including Family Support services, Help Paying for Child Care, and Child Care Safety. You can request a compliance history call back by contacting the Child Care Licensing Division directly.
Check Safety
The Child Care Safety Portal is a useful tool for checking the safety history of licensed child care programs. Licensed programs are regularly visited by compliance specialists from the Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD), and the portal includes information on any licensing violations, program responses, and a history of serious injuries.
Some programs are not required to be licensed because they are regulated by a different authority, such as a school district. These programs follow their own health and safety standards, and families should contact them directly to learn more about how they ensure a safe environment for children.
Parent and Family Resources
211– A non-profit organization that provides referrals and helps families find & locate childcare options.
Oregon Department of Human Services provides information on how to access programs for children and families, such as food assistance, child care assistance, and assistance for children with disabilities.
Oregon Department of Education – Early Learning Division Information on child care, preschool, and home visiting opportunities for families with children from Birth to 5 years.
VROOM is an app that provides fun and engaging activities for parents and caregivers to encourage learning and development in their children, birth to 6 years.
Just in Time Parenting – A free newsletter provides information on typical child development (prenatal through 6 years) in an easy to read format. (English and Spanish)
FACTOregon – provides information and resources to empower families experiencing disabilities with children birth-young adult.
Inclusive Partners – Inclusive Partners is a statewide program that supports inclusive practices in child care settings.