5 Resources
Oregon's Employment Related Day Care program provides subsidized child care payments directly to approved providers for eligible working families, helping cover the cost of licensed care so parents can stay employed or in school. Call 800-723-3638 during weekday business hours or apply online at oregon.gov to check eligibility. Applications are free. Bring photo ID, proof of income, work or school schedule documentation, and the name of your chosen licensed child care provider.
800-723-3638 · 500 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Salem-Keizer Head Start provides free early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition services, and family support for income-eligible children ages 3-5 and their families in Marion and Polk Counties. Call 503-581-1152 during weekday business hours to inquire about open enrollment and available sites. Enrollment is free for qualifying families. Bring proof of income, child's birth certificate, proof of Salem-Keizer area residency, immunization records, and any relevant medical documentation.
503-581-1152 · 615 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is the state agency that oversees child care provider licensing, quality rating systems, early learning hubs, and subsidy programs across Oregon. Call 503-947-1400 during weekday business hours or visit oregon.gov/delc for information on finding licensed care, understanding subsidy eligibility, and accessing early learning resources. The agency does not provide direct child care but can connect families with the appropriate local programs and services.
503-947-1400 · 700 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Family Building Blocks in Salem provides therapeutic early childhood services, parenting support, and home visiting programs for at-risk families with young children in Marion County. Call 503-566-2132 during weekday business hours or visit familybuildingblocks.org for program details and referral information. Services are free for qualifying families. Referrals come through DHS, medical providers, and self-referral; staff assess family needs and connect parents with therapeutic play, skill-building, and crisis support resources.
503-566-2132 · 2425 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305
Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem provides licensed after-school care and summer programs for school-age children, offering homework help, enrichment activities, and a safe environment during out-of-school hours. Call 503-370-9924 during weekday business hours to check availability and registration. Fees apply but financial assistance and Oregon ERDC child care subsidies may be available. Bring child's school schedule, emergency contacts, and immunization records when registering for after-school or summer sessions.
503-370-9924 · 1395 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301