Q & A: RFP: S-58800-00017446

RFA – PSP – Waitlist for 25-27 Northwest Early Learning Hub

Question: When the Operations Manual references the requirement of approximately 6 hours of programming per day, does that mean a provider must offer one continuous 6-hour preschool session, or would it also meet the requirement if a provider offered two separate 3-hour sessions (AM and PM) that together total 6 hours of programming each day?

We’re trying to ensure we design our program schedule in full compliance with Preschool Promise requirements and would appreciate any clarification you can provide.

Answer: The requirement refers to a 6-hour program day for each class of enrolled children, not a total of 6 hours of programming offered across the day.

For example, if a grantee is awarded 10 slots, those 10 enrolled children must each receive one continuous 6-hour preschool session. Offering two separate 3-hour sessions (AM and PM) that together total 6 hours would not meet the requirement for those 10 slots, because no individual group of children is receiving the required 6 hours of continuous programming.

Question: Number of Preschool Promise Slots and Classroom Staffing

We have two preschool classrooms and are interested in offering Preschool Promise slots. I am currently a Level 10, and my other lead teacher is a Level 4. She has a bachelor’s degree in Art and has many years of experience teaching in private schools before joining our program. She is an amazing teacher and has been an excellent addition to our team.

Amber has also completed Pyramid Model training and has been working with coaches to continue developing her skills and knowledge.

With our current staffing structure and qualifications, would we be able to offer Preschool Promise slots in both classrooms?

Answer: Please refer to Section 2.4.5, Staff Educational Requirements, in the Preschool Promise (PSP) Request for Proposal (RFP) to determine whether your current staff qualifications meet the requirements for PSP.

Please also note that Preschool Promise requires a 1:9 staff-to-child ratio in all PSP classrooms. Grantees may request a waiver to operate at a 1:10 ratio, subject to approval.

Question: Transportation

We are looking into adding transportation for our preschool students. Would Preschool Promise students be allowed to ride the same bus as other students in our program, or would they be required to have a separate bus specifically for Preschool Promise transportation?

Answer: There are no restrictions preventing Preschool Promise (PSP) children from being transported with non-PSP children. Programs requesting the PSP Transportation Enhancement must ensure they have the infrastructure, staffing, and operational capacity to meet all applicable state requirements for transporting preschool-aged children.

This includes compliance with Oregon Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) requirements for licensed early learning programs or Oregon Department of Education (ODE)/Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) transportation regulations for school districts, as applicable. Programs must also comply with all transportation insurance requirements outlined in Exhibit B of the Preschool Promise (PSP) Grant Agreement.

Question: Sharing a Floater

If we have classrooms that are not participating in Preschool Promise, would we be allowed to share a floater between the Preschool Promise classrooms and the other classrooms to provide staff with breaks and additional support?

Answer: Yes. Preschool Promise (PSP) grantees may share a floater between PSP and non-PSP classrooms to provide staff breaks and additional classroom support, provided all PSP staffing requirements and ratios are maintained.

Question: Assistant Teacher Qualifications

Due to the difficulty of finding individuals who meet the requirements to be an assistant teacher at Level 5, is there any flexibility or waiver process available for an assistant teacher who does not currently meet all of the Level 5 requirements?

For example, is there a way to have an assistant teacher hired at a lower level while they work toward meeting the qualifications, or is there another pathway available for programs experiencing staffing shortages?

Answer: Preschool Promise (PSP) grantees may submit a waiver request for staff qualification requirements. However, submission of a waiver does not guarantee approval.

Please refer to page 19 of the Preschool Promise Grant Agreement (Attachment A) for additional information about the waiver process and its requirements.

Question: I am reaching out regarding REDACTED previous Preschool Promise contract and our interest in applying for future Preschool Promise funding.

As you may know, REDACTED was previously contracted through REDACTED. During that contract period, our program received two licensing findings, which ultimately resulted in our Preschool Promise eligibility being discontinued.

At the time we were notified of that decision, I was actively pursuing the findings review process with the Department of Early Learning and Care. I have since received the final determination, which changed the finding from Valid to Unable to Substantiate following the review process. I have attached both the original notice and the findings review letter for your reference.

After receiving this determination, I sought guidance from both our local CCR&R and the Early Learning Hub. Based on those conversations, I was encouraged to move forward with applying for Preschool Promise funding.

Before completing the application, I wanted to reach out for your guidance. Given that the finding was revised through the official review process, I am wondering how you would recommend we address this section of the application and whether any additional documentation should be included beyond the attached findings review.

Losing our Preschool Promise slots had a significant impact on the children and families we serve in REDACTED County. We remain deeply committed to providing high-quality early learning opportunities and have continued to strengthen our program through policy improvements, staff development, and ongoing quality initiatives. We are hopeful that our current standing and the revised findings determination can be considered as part of our application.

I appreciate your time and guidance and look forward to your recommendations on how best to proceed.

Answer: Applicants are not eligible to apply for this RFA if, within the last 24 months, they have had more than two serious valid findings issued by the Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD).

As part of the RFA application review process, DELC will also review any civil penalties and founded Child Protective Services (CPS) allegations. Based on the nature of these findings, an applicant may be determined ineligible for funding.

Question: Thank you so much for today’s Zoom meeting and for all the information you shared. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Preschool Promise.

I have a question about future Preschool Promise slot opportunities. I understand that the current application is intended for providers who are not yet participating in Preschool Promise, and I completely understand that.

I am currently a Preschool Promise provider with four funded slots. I originally received those four slots when I was a Registered Family Child Care provider. Since then, I have become a Certified Family Child Care provider and have now been certified for the past five years.

I was wondering whether I might be eligible to request additional Preschool Promise slots in the future, since certified providers may be eligible to serve up to six slots. I had previously submitted a request to be considered for additional slots, but I wasn’t sure if it was received, so I wanted to kindly follow up.

I would also like to express my interest in any future transportation funding opportunities that may become available. I would be very grateful to be considered if those opportunities arise.

Thank you so much for your time, your guidance, and everything you do to support providers and families. I truly appreciate your consideration.

Answer: Thank you for your interest in receiving additional slots. We encourage you to share your interest with your local Early Learning Hub.

DELC bases slot reallocations on the information received from your local Early Learning Hub, including zip code, provider type, and language of instruction. Please note that DELC considers both existing and new grantees when making slot allocation decisions.

Question: Given a change in finding to “unable to substantiate.”, the director reached out to ask if there is any possibility of Preschool Promise reversing the determination or adjusting it in any way? I directed the director of REDACTED to reach out to Jordyn as the single point of contact. I’m not sure who else to direct them to since this is not exactly about the RFA but the answer will affect whether REDACTED submits an application. Is there someone else at DELC I should direct them to?

Answer: Applicants are not eligible to apply for this RFA if, within the last 24 months, they have had more than two serious valid findings issued by the Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD).

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