Licensed Daycare in Oregon
Find the right daycare in Oregon in under 5 minutes. 1,950 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Oregon licensing records.
Oregon childcare by the numbers
Oregon Childcare Licensing
In Oregon, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Oregon: Oregon's Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) subsidy is generous (parents up to 250% federal poverty) but waitlist-heavy. Portland metro hosts most quality programs.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,380/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,080/mo
Oregon Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Oregon runs about $16,560/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Oregon center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Oregon
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Check eligibility for Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC). Most Oregon families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Oregon often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (800) 699-9074.
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3
Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) database and tour during operating hours.
Oregon Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Oregon families can apply for Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (800) 699-9074
Official Oregon & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Oregon — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Oregon is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Oregon?
How much does daycare cost in Oregon?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Oregon?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Oregon daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Oregon
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programOregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 699-9074 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Oregon are compiled from official Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 1,950 Licensed Oregon Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.