The following words and terms within these rules have the following meanings:

1. (1) “Administrative Overhead” means any dollar that is not spent directly on services for children or on preparing and evaluating services for children. This is the cost of operating administrative functions within the Hub and its subcontractors and may include staff duties such as payroll processing and data entry and non-program related costs including space, supplies and phones.
2. (2) “At Poverty Level” means at 100% of federal poverty guidelines as adopted by the United States Department of Health and Human Service.
3. (3) “Backbone entity” means the organization that provides administrative, operational, and fiscal support to the Early Learning Hub. A backbone entity is an organization that has an aligned mission and the resources to support an Early Learning Hub’s vision, mission, and role in advancing the goals of the regional early childhood system.
4. (4) “Community of interest” means a special population not constrained by geography.
5. (5) “Decision-making authority” means the ability of the Governance Council to make Early Learning Hub decisions independently, as described in ORS 417.827.
6. (6) “Early Childhood Services” means programs and services for children ages prenatal to 6 years of age that address language and literacy development, cognition and general knowledge and learning approaches, physical health and well-being, motor development, and social and emotional development.
7. (7) “Early Learning Hub” or “Hub” is comprised of a Governance Council, which consists of cross-sector partners, Hub Director(s) and staff, and operational support from a backbone entity. A Hub may stand-up their own operational and organizational structures without relying on a backbone entity if able to demonstrate stability to the satisfaction of the Department. Hubs have statutorily designated authority to integrate early learning services across systems and geographic boundaries.
8. (8) Family Advisory Council” means a group of parents and caregivers providing input and guidance to the Governance Council to ensure family voices are central to regional decision-making.
9. (9) “Family Voice and Leadership” means incorporating parent/caregiver and family voice in decision-making processes, with an emphasis on leadership roles.
10. (10) “Governance Council” means a multisector council with decision-making authority, as defined in this rule, who is the independent body responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight for the Early Learning Hub.
11. (11) “In-kind contributions” means contributions to project scope other than cash. In-Kind Contributions include but are not limited to: provision of rent-free space, provision of utilities, provision of custodial services, provision of secretarial services, provision of liability insurance benefits, administrative services, and transportation services.
12. (12) “Kindergarten Readiness Partnership and Innovation Program” or “KPI” is a program that invests in promising models for connecting early learning and Kindergarten across the state, and coordinates regional efforts that address disparities and promote equity in early learning, K-12, and other regional sectors. KPI is focused on Hub- identified priority population(s), particularly children and families that might not have the support they need for a successful transition to kindergarten and/or kindergarten experience.
13. (13) “Operational Support” includes any combination of human resources, fiscal management, signing contracts and accepting responsibility for the Hub’s outcomes, support for operations, supporting the Governance Council.
14. (14) “Priority population(s)” means communities historically marginalized or underserved, including but not limited to communities of color, tribal members, rural families, families of children with a disability, families who have experienced historical trauma, and families experiencing poverty.
15. (15) “System Coordination Funds” or “System Coordination Funding” is the main funding stream provided by the Department of Early Learning and Care for the operation of the regional early learning hubs as outlined in the Early Learning Hub Grant Agreement.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 417.728 & ORS 417.827

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 417.728 & ORS 417.827

History

DELC 6-2025, amend filed 06/25/2025, effective 10/01/2025
DELC 51-2023, minor correction filed 11/01/2023, effective 11/01/2023
ELD 2-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-15-14
ELD 4-2013(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 9-9-13 thru 3-5-14
ELD 1-2013(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-16-13 thru 2-12-14