The recent investigation into Preschool Promise funding decisions and practices by the Early Learning Division (ELD) found that less than 1% of funding could be defined as alleged waste, and there were no findings of fraud. While the investigation may have an attention-grabbing headline, it misses the larger story. Most notably, the pandemic highlighted the critical importance of child care as a vital service that supported essential workers, and the choices made during that time have led to Oregon’s licensed capacity now exceeding pre-pandemic levels — a testament to the overwhelmingly effective use of funds. 

Rather than focusing on perceived waste, we should be shining a light on the ongoing struggles faced by families across Oregon. Every county in our state is a child care desert for at least one age group, leaving parents and caregivers unable to access the care they need to work, attend school or care for their families. This is the story that deserves our unwavering attention.

If elected leaders want to see increased access to early childhood education and robust oversight of public programs, then they need to fund it. We call on lawmakers to provide the necessary funding to support our early learning community and delivery for Oregon families. At Family Forward, we will continue to advocate for the resources and support that our families and providers need to thrive.