NeighborImpact opens applications for free child care program

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) -- NeighborImpact's Child Care Resources department announced today it is accepting applications for Baby Promise, a no-cost child care program serving eligible families in Central Oregon. The program provides full-time, year-round care through a network of licensed providers for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years.

Families selected for the program are eligible to bypass the waitlist for Oregon's Employment Related Day Care program, commonly known as ERDC. The slots are reserved for families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level, with final eligibility determined by the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Baby Promise covers the full cost of child care and assists families in finding participating providers. In addition to tuition, the program supplies essential items including diapers, wipes, infant formula, meals and snacks for children while they are in care. officials stated these provisions are intended to reduce the financial and logistical challenges often associated with infant and toddler care.

To ensure consistent standards, the program provides participating child care providers with ongoing professional development and coaching from early childhood experts. This support network includes an instructional coach and an infant and toddler specialist. Participating providers may also receive funding for classroom materials designed to support healthy development and learning.

NeighborImpact is a private nonprofit Community Action Agency that has served Central Oregon since 1985. The organization primarily serves Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Its broader mission includes addressing food security, housing, energy assistance, financial empowerment and supportive services.

Families interested in a fully funded slot can complete an application at neighborimpact.org/baby-promise. Those seeking assistance can contact the program via email at babypromise@neighborimpact.org or by calling 541-419-0057.