Spark Benefits
Parents and Family Caregivers

Spark is a statewide system that is improving the quality of child care and early learning programs in Oregon. The time your child spends in child care is valuable. Spark supports programs to be the best they can be for your child and family.

Connecting Families

Spark connects families to quality early learning and care programs that prepare your child for kindergarten and lifelong learning.

Providing Quality Improvement

Spark offers coaching, professional development, and resources to help providers improve the quality of care they provide to your child.

Use Spark to Find
Quality Care for Your Child

Early care and education professionals who are part of Spark are committed to providing a quality early learning experience for your child. Working in both center and home based settings, they represent many backgrounds and languages, just like Oregon’s diverse families.

High Quality Early Care & Learning

Quality Early Care Helps Children Succeed

Learning is a lifelong process that starts at birth. The way your child’s brain grows and develops in their earliest years impacts how they learn throughout life.  The early years are important because your child’s brain develops rapidly as they grow.

For even the youngest children, quality early care and education programs are important. When children are prepared for kindergarten with these programs, they are more likely to succeed.

Spark Early Care and Education Programs in Oregon

HELPING OREGON FAMILIES

Spark Rated Programs Since 2013

Spark has been helping families in Oregon since 2013. Are you interested in learning more about what early educators do to receive a Spark rating?

Click here for an overview of the Spark domains & standards.

Click here for an overview of our Spark Ratings.

READING AND LEARNING

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.

Additional Resources

211 Info

This non-profit organization provides  referrals and helps families find & locate childcare options.