PENDLETON — More than a dozen providers across Umatilla, Morrow and Union counties have been identified as part of the Preschool Promise Program. With a focus on offering high-quality preschool educational activities, the program is now seeking eligible 3- and 4-year olds to participate.

Providers for Preschool Promise include local school districts, Head Start and private child care programs, said Erin Bartsch, Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub P-3 coordinator. Unlike Head Start, the free program is open to families whose income is at or falls below 200% of the federal poverty level.

“This increases the number of families who could be eligible,” Bartsch said.

Amber Rittenbach, along with her husband, Rory, opened Playtime Education in October 2014. The Pendleton couple left their jobs at Head Start to open the facility when their own child care expenses became too expensive. Camille Munoz, owner of Little Tots Daycare and Preschool in Hermiston, also began providing services in 2014 in order to take care of her own children. Both facilities are part of the Preschool Promise Program.

Both Amber Rittenbach and Munoz said the program ensures quality child care and preschool opportunities are available to a variety of families. Rittenbach said it opens the door to children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition, Munoz said it ensures diversity among the children served, including those with different learning capabilities and cultural backgrounds.

“Part of the reason for opening my own child care is I wanted to provide something affordable for families,” Rittenbach said. “Preschool Promise helps even out prices for private pay families.”

While each provider is autonomous, there is consistency within Preschool Promise programs. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the Oregon Department of Education’s Early Learning Division launched the effort to enhance the state’s ability to provide parents and child care providers with additional early learning resources. Preschool Promise is a model for a publicly funded, high-quality preschool system.

Bartsch said each provider creates their own schedule/calendar, which includes a requirement to provide at least 900 hours of preschool each year. Some of the providers, she said, offer before and after-school care so children can stay in one place throughout the day.

While Munoz dealt with forever changing regulations throughout the global pandemic, the Rittenbachs only recently began providing services again after the novel coronavirus forced their closure in the spring. New guidelines, Amber Rittenbach said, changes the focus from interactive play and the sharing of toys. In addition, she’s seen a decline in families seeking preschool programs.

“I feel like preschool families are being cautious and keeping their kids at home,” Rittenbach said. “It’s such a different environment for kids.”

Families with annual income limits ranging from a household size of two with an income of up to $34,480 to a household of eight with an income limit of $88,240 may be eligible for services through Preschool Promise.

Recognizing that high quality early learning experiences can take place in a wide variety of settings, the program incorporates a mixed delivery approach. It provides opportunities for families to choose a preschool setting that best meets their needs.

Household size income eligibility limit

Two……………………..$34,480

Three……………………$43,440

Four……………………..$52,400

Five………………………$61,360

Six………………………..$70,320

Seven…………………….$79,280

Eight………………………$88,240

For information about the Preschool Promise Program, including the local providers, visit www.bluemountainkids.org. For questions, contact@bluemountainkids.org.