Barriers to Accessing Child Care Subsidies in Oregon
Abstract
This report was the third of three reports submitted to the Legislative Task Force on Access to Quality Affordable Child Care as instructed by House Bill 2346. This study provides an in-depth examination of experiences with the Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC) program. Interviews were conducted with parents, providers, and Department of Human Services eligibility workers from across the state to identify common experiences and barriers to use of the ERDC program. Overall, parents, providers, and eligibility workers expressed great appreciation for the program, while highlighting many barriers to navigating the program. Findings of barriers and ideas for potential solutions came from the participants lived experiences, providing a unique window into how ERDC policy and practices are understood and experienced by individuals across Oregon.