1. (1)

   1. (a) The Department of Early Learning and Care is established.
   2. (b) The functions of the department may be divided into administrative divisions or offices. Each division or office shall be under the supervision of a person appointed by the Early Learning System Director. The appointees serve at the pleasure of the director.

2. (2) The purposes of the department are to:

   1. (a) Ensure that every child in this state is given the best opportunity to succeed in school, work and life by providing:

      1. (A) High-quality early childhood education programs for children from birth through five years of age and child care for children from birth through 12 years of age; and
      2. (B) Care for children who have a physical or developmental disability or who require other specialized care from birth through 17 years of age;
   2. (b) Administer laws and perform functions related to early childhood to ensure that children enter school ready to learn and families are healthy, stable and attached; and
   3. (c) Administer programs in a manner that supports parents’ and providers’ needs and considers the economic security and well-being of parents and providers.
3. (3) The department shall function under and be coordinated by the Early Learning Council.
4. (4) The Early Learning System Director appointed under ORS 326.432 shall serve as the administrative officer of the department.

[2013 c.624 §1; 2015 c.774 §§15,45; 2021 c.631 §11; 2023 c.554 §3]