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
Participation levels include:
- 3-, 4-, or 5-Star Rating: The program has completed a structured Spark portfolio showing that it meets Spark’s quality standards in five domains of practice. You can learn more about Star Ratings and what a Spark portfolio includes below.
- C2Q (Commitment to Quality): The program is completing a 12-month Quality Improvement Cycle which could include working on a Spark portfolio, focusing on goals that are most important to their program.
All Spark programs work to:
- Support children and families.
- Improve program practices over time.
- Set goals and track progress in areas that matter most to the program
Spark participation status helps families know how a program is working to improve and learn about what is most important to the program. Spark Ratings are not a guarantee of quality. Programs without a rating can still provide high-quality care.
Find Child Care Oregon (FCCO) is a free website with information on licensed and license-exempt child care programs in Oregon.
Families can:
- Search for programs and see details about each one.
- Explore a program’s Spark participation.
- View health and safety records for licensed programs.
- Contact programs directly.
- Use FCCO’s guides and resources to learn what questions to ask and what to look for when visiting programs.
All of the resources on FCCO help families make informed decisions and choose the program that best fits their child and family.
Need help finding child care? Visit the 211 website or call to talk with a trained specialist.
Specialists can:
- Help you locate programs in your area.
- Provide a list of programs that match your family’s needs.
- Explain your options and answer questions.
Contact 211:
- Call: 211 or 1-866-698-6155
- Text: “children” to 898-211
Referrals from 211 are not recommendations. Families should conduct their own research by reviewing all available program information and do in-person visits before deciding what works best for their family.
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) provides information and resources for families, including:
- Family support services
- Help paying for child care
- Child care health and safety information
To check a licensed program’s safety record, families can request a compliance history call back on the DELC website or call (503) 947-1400 or (800) 556-6616 during business hours.
The Child Care Safety Portal helps families review the safety history of licensed child care programs.
Licensed programs are regularly visited by compliance specialists from the Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD).
- The portal includes details about:
- Licensing visits
- Violations
- Program responses
- Serious injuries
- Families can use this information to see how programs keep children safe and healthy.
Some types of programs do not need a license because they are regulated by another organization, such as a school district or other governmental agency.
- These programs follow their own health and safety rules.
- They do not have a publicly searchable health and safety record in the state database.
- Families can contact them directly for more information about their safety practices.
Click here for an overview of Spark Ratings in English, Russian, or Spanish
Click here for information on Spark Portfolio Domains and Standards
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 is a statewide program that supports inclusive practices in child care settings.