ORS 417.831: Early learning and care plan for Native American and Alaska Native children; grant program; rules.

(1) As used in this section and ORS 417.834 and 417.838: (a) “Caregiver” means an individual who provides ongoing care for a plan child. (b) “Plan child” means a child enrolled in early childhood care or education programs who: (A) Is eight years of age or younger; (B) Is Native American or Alaska Native; and (C) Has experienced disproportionate results in early childhood care or education due to historical practices, as identified by the Early Learning Council by rule. (c) “Tribal educator” means a teacher, child care provider, administrator or other school or child care employee who: (A) Is Native American or Alaska Native; and (B) Provides early childhood care or education services to any children eight years of age or younger. (2) The Department of Early Learning and Care shall develop and implement a statewide early learning and care plan for plan children. In developing the plan, the department shall: (a) In a manner consistent with ORS 182.164 and Executive Order 96-30, consult the nine federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon and state agencies with relevant expertise. Consultation under this paragraph must be undertaken with respect for tribal sovereignty, customs and culture. (b) Solicit input from the advisory committee established under ORS 417.834. (3) The plan developed and implemented under this section must, at minimum, address the following objectives: (a) Support the developmental, child care and educational needs and goals of plan children in a culturally appropriate manner. (b) Increase access for plan children to early learning system resources and programs administered by the department. (c) Support culturally responsive curricula that honor the Native American experience in Oregon, including tribal history, sovereignty issues, culture, treaty rights, government, socioeconomic experiences and current events. (d) Improve early childhood development and kindergarten readiness for plan children. (e) Increase literacy and numeracy levels for plan children between kindergarten and grade three. (f) Provide education, training and professional development opportunities for educators and child care providers who serve plan children. (g) Foster parental and familial engagement in the development and education of plan children. (h) Support the preservation and revitalization of Native American language and culture in Oregon. (4) The plan developed and implemented under this section may provide strategies to: (a) Support experiential curricula, including curricula on Native American language and culture. (b) Increase the number of educators or child care providers who are providing early childhood care or services to plan children. (c) Increase the number of tribal educators who are providing early childhood care or education services to children eight years of age or younger who are not plan children. (d) Prepare plan children for successful transitions, including from prekindergarten through post-secondary education. (e) Achieve any other outcomes identified by rule by the council in consultation with the nine federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon. (5) The department shall establish and administer a grant program to award moneys to each of the nine federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon for the purpose of implementing the objectives and strategies of the plan described in this section. (6) The council, in consultation with the department, shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section, including rules establishing eligibility criteria for receipt of moneys under the grant program. [2021 c.510 §1; 2022 c.13 §1; 2025 c.492 §1]