Childcare is Fundamental

02/17/2026

📣 Program Update
The Douglas County Childcare Incentive Program will be ending in February 2026.

This successful effort helped support 300+ new childcare slots for local families.

✅ Final applications accepted through Feb. 28, 2026
✅ Retention bonuses will continue for approved staff
➡️ Klamath/Lake program will continue

Thank you to our childcare providers for your heart work and heart work. We are grateful for The Ford Family Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation and the John and Ginger Niemeyer Foundation (housed through OCF) for making this program possible 💙

The Douglas County Childcare Coalition, co-led by Care Connections & Education and Business Champions for Kids, is here to provide extra support for those who work in childcare and those starting or growing a childcare business.

02/09/2026

Thank you Aviva Health for being a valued and engaged partner in this work!

02/09/2026

Here is an opportunity for parents, community members and business leaders to share why Childcare matters to working families.

🚨 OREGON FAMILIES: Join us at the Capitol Feb. 16!
We're fighting to:
• PROTECT early learning funding from cuts
• FILL the $88M ERDC budget gap
• ENSURE no family loses care, no provider closes
Child care = workforce = economy. Political games shouldn't hurt our kids.
📍 Salem | 🗓 Feb 16 | ⏰ 9am-5pm
🍽 Lunch & snacks provided
Your voice matters. RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/registerCCFO

12/17/2025

Childcare is fundamental in Douglas County. The Buffett Early Childhood Institute estimates that Douglas Co. loses between 98-149 million annually in lost family income, business income, and tax revenues due to childcare gaps.

Take a listen to this interview with Kyle Bailey where we share how the local Childcare Coalition is helping childcare providers stay open and grow. When providers thrive, parents can work, employers stay staffed, residents have the services they want, and our community prospers.

Robin VanWinkle and Cherry Camonayan of the Douglas Education Service District talk about the Douglas County Childcare Coalition, Care Connections and Education, and other issues involved in having quality childcare in Douglas County.

09/29/2025

We’re thrilled to share the great news that Little Loggers Playschool has successfully moved into a temporary location while their new community building is underway. All without interruption to the families that rely on this care!

A huge thank you to all the parties who helped make this possible, your support keeps vital childcare services open and strong. We’re celebrating this big step forward with Glide Revitalization and Little Loggers, your dedication makes a real difference for families and the whole community. ❤️

09/24/2025

🌟 Attention Douglas County Childcare Providers 🌟
Running into a barrier at your site? Need a little extra support to keep your program open and thriving? The Douglas County Childcare Coalition is here to help.

✅ Small contributions toward projects
✅ Volunteer assistance
✅ Expert advice and connections
✅ Help navigating challenges

Submit a request today through the Coalition Provider Fund’s “Ask for Support” form 👉

The Douglas County Childcare Coalition, co-led by Care Connections & Education and Business Champions for Kids, is here to provide extra support for those who work in childcare and those starting or growing a childcare business.

08/04/2025

Huge thanks to Thrive Umpqua, Umpqua Valley Farm to School and the Umpqua Valley Farmers Market for partnering with Douglas ESD, Care Connections & Education, and the Douglas County Childcare Coalition to host the Bright Bites workshop! Local childcare providers got hands-on experience and practical tools to support healthy eating habits and gardening in early learning settings.

07/22/2025

This is so exciting to see as we lack school age care outside the Roseburg area. The YMCA of Douglas County is expanding quality afterschool options to those in the south Douglas County with a grant from UHA

In South County, where no licensed after-school programs exist, The Y is changing that.

This fall, kids in Myrtle Creek, Tri-City and Canyonville will have a place to learn, move, eat well and be cared for, thanks to a new program led by people who understand what families need.

This means parents won’t have to choose between safety and work. It means kids won’t fall through the cracks after the school bell.

Umpqua Health Alliance is standing with the YMCA and South County families to expand access where it’s long been missing.

06/09/2025

This local article shines a light on the real challenges families and providers face with access to childcare in our community and gives a well-deserved shout-out to the Douglas County Childcare Coalition. A must-read for anyone who cares about supporting working families and strengthening our local economy!

On May 28, Roseburg Professional Childcare closed its doors, leaving families in need of a place to take their children. The closure only furthered a truth that is becoming more

05/09/2025

Early Learning is the profession that allows all other professions to thrive.

Today is Childcare Provider Day! Let's take a moment to celebrate the heart and hustle behind each early learning professional!

Many home-based childcare providers start this journey to care for their own children, and along the way, they discover a passion that grows into a small business.

Thank you to all the staff and childcare providers who nurture, teach, and build brighter futures each day.

04/15/2025

Do you enjoy working with young children? Have you considered starting you own childcare business or working at a home-based or center childcare?

Residents of Klamath and Lake counties are now eligible for $500-$5,000 in bonus and retention payments for entering and staying in the childcare field. Visit https://biz4kids.org/douglas-county-childcare-coalition/ for information and to apply. Care Connections & Education Klamath County Take Root Parenting Connection Lake County Take Root Parenting Connection South-Central Early Learning Hub - for info on Klamath and Lake Counties

The Douglas County Childcare Coalition (DCCC) is a broad-based group of early learning professionals, business leaders, education and workforce partners, faith-based leaders, government officials, and community members committed to improving access to local childcare. Since 2020, the Coalition has f...

01/17/2025

Exciting news! Thanks to a recent Health and Safety grant by the Douglas Co. Childcare Coalition, 11 local childcare providers were able to enhance their facilities, benefiting 128 children. These improvements promote the well-being of children and staff while ensuring essential childcare services continue to support local families. Thank you Umpqua Health

Read more ➡️ https://douglasesd.k12.or.us/2025/01/14/grant-awarded-to-benefit-childcare/