2026 How to Become a Preschool Teacher in Oregon: Requirements & Certification

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a preschool teacher in Oregon can mean different things depending on where you want to work. A teacher in a public prekindergarten classroom may need a state-issued license through the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), while some private preschools and childcare-based programs may hire educators with an associate degree, early childhood coursework, or documented classroom experience. That distinction matters because it affects your degree choice, timeline, testing requirements, cost, and career options.

This guide explains the practical path to becoming a preschool teacher in Oregon: what education you may need, how licensing works, how alternative routes compare with traditional preparation programs, what professional development is expected, and how to evaluate whether this career fits your goals. It also covers salary considerations, financial aid, specializations, regulations, job outlook, and common mistakes to avoid before investing in a program.

Quick answer: How do you become a preschool teacher in Oregon?

To become a licensed preschool teacher in Oregon, candidates generally need a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field, completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program with supervised teaching experience, required exams such as the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA), fingerprinting and background checks, and an online application through TSPC. Some preschool roles outside public school settings may accept an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), childcare credentials, or relevant experience, but those pathways may not lead to the same licensed teaching roles.

Key Things You Should Know About Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Oregon

• Licensing authority: Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) oversees teacher licensing and sets the standards candidates must meet for state-recognized teaching credentials.
• Education requirement: For a preschool teaching license, candidates are typically expected to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a closely related field and complete an approved teacher preparation program with supervised student teaching.
• Testing requirement: Prospective licensed educators may need to pass Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA), including basic skills and early childhood content assessments. TSPC sets the passing standards for these exams.
• Application steps: Candidates apply through the TSPC website and submit required documentation such as transcripts, exam results, fingerprinting/background check materials, and preparation program verification. Processing times can vary, so applicants should avoid waiting until the last minute.
• License maintenance: Licensed preschool teachers must keep up with professional learning. Oregon requirements referenced for educators include at least 75 professional development units (PDUs) every five years, while other early childhood professional development expectations may use different hour-based renewal cycles.

1. What degree do I need to become a preschool teacher in Oregon?
2. What are alternative certification programs for becoming a preschool teacher in Oregon?
3. How do you get a preschool teaching license in Oregon?
4. What are the continuing education requirements for preschool teachers in Oregon?
5. What specializations are available for preschool teachers in Oregon?
6. How can preschool teachers in Oregon advance their careers?
7. How do Oregon state regulations affect preschool teaching?
8. What is the job outlook for preschool teachers in Oregon over the next 5 years?
9. What skills are essential for success as a preschool teacher in Oregon?
10. Why is cultural competence vital for preschool teachers in Oregon?
11. How can preschool teachers expand their expertise through specialized training?
12. What are the common challenges faced by preschool teachers in Oregon?
13. How do private school teacher requirements in Oregon differ from public school criteria?
14. How can online education programs strengthen preschool teacher credentials in Oregon?
15. How can mentorship and professional networking support career advancement in Oregon?
16. What emerging trends are shaping preschool teaching in Oregon?
17. What financial aid options are available for aspiring preschool teachers in Oregon?
18. How can integrating arts and music enhance early childhood education in Oregon?
19. How can special education training improve preschool teaching outcomes in Oregon?
20. What impact do Oregon teacher certification requirements have on career success?
21. What financing options are available for a teaching credential in Oregon?
22. How can advanced ESL training benefit preschool teachers in Oregon?
23. What are the salary and benefit expectations for preschool teachers in Oregon?

What degree do I need to become a preschool teacher in Oregon?

The degree you need depends on the type of preschool role you want. If your goal is a licensed teaching position in a public school-based preschool or prekindergarten program, plan for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field plus a state-approved teacher preparation program. If you want to work in some private preschool or childcare settings, an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related training may qualify you for entry-level classroom roles, depending on the employer and program rules.

• Why early childhood education matters: ECE programs focus on how young children grow, learn, communicate, play, and build social-emotional skills. Coursework commonly includes child development, learning environments, curriculum design, family engagement, assessment, and classroom management.
• Why accreditation matters: Choose an accredited institution and confirm that the teacher preparation program is approved for Oregon licensure if you plan to teach in a licensed public setting. Accreditation affects transfer credit, employer recognition, financial aid eligibility, and licensing review.
• Associate versus bachelor’s degree: An associate degree can help you enter the early childhood workforce faster. A bachelor’s degree typically provides deeper preparation and is more aligned with licensed teaching, lead teacher, and program leadership roles.
• Degree level and career mobility: The Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited in the original article reports average annual pay of $38,000 for preschool teachers with a Bachelor’s Degree compared with $30,000 for those with an Associate’s Degree. Individual salaries vary by employer, location, funding source, role, experience, and benefits. Higher credentials may also support advancement into coaching, supervision, curriculum, or leadership development roles.

Before enrolling, ask the program directly: “Does this degree meet Oregon TSPC requirements for the preschool or early childhood license I want?” That single question can prevent costly detours.

What are alternative certification programs for becoming a preschool teacher in Oregon?

Alternative certification routes are designed for candidates who already have college education, related work experience, or classroom experience and want a faster or more flexible path into licensed teaching. In Oregon, some alternative routes can lead to a certificate or master’s degree and may be completed in as little as one year, depending on the candidate’s background, program format, and district requirements.

Traditional versus alternative certification

How internships and work experience fit into alternative routes

Alternative programs often rely heavily on supervised classroom practice. Candidates may complete practical placements while finishing coursework, and some routes may include paid placements. The key is not simply getting classroom hours; the experience must satisfy the program and licensing requirements.

How a teaching assistant can move toward certification

A teaching assistant who wants to become a certified preschool teacher should usually follow a planned sequence:

• Confirm whether the current employer or Oregon school district can provide sponsorship.
• Apply to an Oregon-approved alternative certification or teacher preparation program.
• Complete required testing, which may include the Oregon Civil Rights Exam and subject matter assessments.
• Work with a mentor while meeting coursework, observation, and performance requirements.
• Keep copies of transcripts, evaluations, test results, and employment verification for the licensing application.

Fast-track and online options

Fast-track programs can be helpful for career changers, but speed should not be the only deciding factor. A faster program is only useful if it is approved, affordable, and realistic with your work schedule. If you are comparing licensure systems across states, this guide to Nevada teaching licensure exams can help you see how state-specific requirements may differ.

How do you get a preschool teaching license in Oregon?

To get a preschool teaching license in Oregon, you need to meet education requirements, complete an approved preparation route, pass required assessments, clear background checks, and submit a complete application to TSPC. The process is manageable, but missing documents or choosing the wrong program can delay licensure.

Step-by-step licensing checklist

1. Choose the correct role target. Decide whether you want a licensed public preschool teaching position, private preschool employment, childcare-based teaching, or eventual leadership.
2. Earn the required degree. For licensure, candidates generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related area.
3. Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. Make sure the program includes supervised student teaching or equivalent clinical experience.
4. Pass required assessments. Candidates may need ORELA exams, including basic skills and early childhood content knowledge assessments, plus any additional exams required by TSPC.
5. Complete fingerprinting and background checks. Oregon requires safety screening for educators working with children.
6. Submit the TSPC application. Apply online and provide transcripts, exam scores, program verification, identification, and background check materials.
7. Monitor the application status. Processing may take several weeks, so apply early and respond quickly to any TSPC request for missing information.
8. Plan for renewal from the beginning. Track professional development hours or PDUs so license renewal does not become a last-minute problem.

Documents you should prepare before applying

• Official transcripts from accredited colleges or universities.
• Verification that you completed an approved teacher preparation program.
• Passing exam scores, if required for your license type.
• Fingerprinting and background check confirmation.
• Documentation of prior teaching or assistant teaching experience, if relevant.
• Application fee and any background check or fingerprinting fees.

Costs and timing

Licensing costs can include application fees, testing fees, fingerprinting, background checks, transcript requests, and program tuition. Because processing times vary, candidates should build extra time into job-search plans and avoid assuming that a submitted application equals immediate licensure. If you are also exploring related child-development careers, this overview of child life specialist job satisfaction may help you compare education-focused and healthcare-adjacent child development paths.

What are the continuing education requirements for preschool teachers in Oregon?

Continuing education helps preschool teachers keep their practice current and maintain eligibility for renewal. Oregon licensing and early childhood professional development expectations can vary by credential and setting, so teachers should confirm their exact renewal rules with TSPC or their employer. Requirements cited for Oregon educators include at least 75 professional development units (PDUs) every five years, while another commonly referenced early childhood renewal expectation is 15 hours of professional development every three years.

Professional development options that can strengthen your practice

• Workshops and seminars: Useful for focused topics such as positive behavior support, family engagement, trauma-informed practice, and classroom routines.
• Online courses: Helpful for working teachers who need flexible scheduling or live far from a training location.
• Conferences: Valuable for learning from early childhood experts and building a professional network.
• College courses: A strong option for teachers pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or leadership roles.
• Employer-based training: Often aligned with curriculum systems, child safety procedures, assessment tools, and program quality standards.

Continuing education should be more than a renewal task. The best professional learning connects directly to the children you teach, the families you serve, and the classroom challenges you face. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) emphasizes that ongoing professional development can improve teaching quality and support better learning experiences for young children.

The chart below displays the top states employing the highest number of preschool teachers per thousand jobs, excluding special education roles:

What specializations are available for preschool teachers in Oregon?

Specializations can help Oregon preschool teachers serve specific student populations, qualify for more advanced roles, and stand out in competitive hiring. They are not always required for a general preschool role, but they can be valuable if you want to work in inclusive classrooms, bilingual settings, specialized programs, or curriculum leadership.

Before paying for a specialization, verify whether it is recognized by TSPC, your employer, or the type of school where you want to work. Some credentials improve practice but do not automatically increase pay or change licensure status. To understand how standards differ across states, you may also compare Oregon requirements with Louisiana teaching standards.

How can preschool teachers in Oregon advance their careers?

Career advancement in early childhood education usually comes from a combination of education, documented classroom success, specialized training, mentoring, and leadership experience. Preschool teachers in Oregon can move beyond classroom teaching, but the best next step depends on whether they want higher pay, broader influence, a different age group, or a leadership role.

A practical advancement plan should include three questions: Which role do I want next? What credential does that role require in Oregon? Will the expected salary or benefits justify the time and cost of additional training?

How do Oregon state regulations affect preschool teaching?

Oregon regulations influence who can teach, how classrooms are staffed, what safety practices programs must follow, and how learning experiences are designed. These rules are not just paperwork; they shape daily routines, classroom capacity, hiring decisions, and teacher responsibilities.

• Child-to-teacher ratios: Oregon mandates a maximum child-to-teacher ratio of 10:1 for preschool classrooms. This ratio affects supervision, activity planning, transitions, and how much individual attention each child can receive.
• Health and safety expectations: Preschool facilities must follow health, sanitation, emergency preparedness, and safety practices. Teachers may be responsible for daily cleaning routines, injury documentation, allergy awareness, and safe classroom setup.
• Licensing requirements: Licensed preschool teachers generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related area, which affects hiring standards in public school-based settings.
• Curriculum expectations: Oregon preschool programs are expected to use developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive approaches that support children’s growth across social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical domains.
• Assessment and reporting: State expectations may require programs to document student progress and program effectiveness. Teachers should be prepared to observe, record, and use child development data responsibly.

Prospective teachers should learn the rules of the setting where they want to work. Public prekindergarten, Head Start, private preschool, faith-based programs, and childcare centers may operate under different combinations of licensing, staffing, curriculum, and funding requirements.

What is the job outlook for preschool teachers in Oregon over the next 5 years?

The outlook for preschool teachers in Oregon is described as favorable, with a projected growth rate of approximately 10% over the next five years according to the Oregon Employment Department. Demand is shaped by population trends, public investment in early learning, availability of childcare programs, and the number of qualified teachers entering the workforce.

• Urban demand: Cities such as Portland and Salem are expected to have stronger hiring needs because of population growth and demand from working families.
• Rural access issues: Rural regions may have fewer openings, but they may also face harder-to-fill positions because of limited local training pipelines and childcare access challenges.
• Demographic change: Oregon’s increasingly diverse population can increase demand for teachers with bilingual, culturally responsive, and family-centered teaching skills.
• Public early learning initiatives: Programs such as Oregon Preschool Promise may contribute to new opportunities as access to early childhood education expands.
• Public versus private employment: Public programs may offer more stable benefits, while private preschools may offer different teaching philosophies, smaller communities, or more flexible hiring criteria.
• Economic conditions: During downturns, families may reduce childcare spending, but early education remains a core need for many working households.

Job outlook should not be evaluated only by growth percentage. Candidates should also compare wages, benefits, commute, classroom support, paid planning time, staff turnover, and whether the employer supports licensure renewal and professional development.

What skills are essential for success as a preschool teacher in Oregon?

Preschool teaching requires more than warmth and patience. Oregon preschool teachers need a mix of developmental knowledge, communication skill, emotional steadiness, cultural awareness, and the ability to turn play into purposeful learning.

Strong teachers also understand child development, trauma-informed practice, inclusive instruction, play-based learning, and family partnership. These abilities align with Oregon’s focus on holistic early childhood development.

The following chart illustrates the gender distribution among preschool teachers, highlighting the predominant representation within the profession:

Why is cultural competence vital for preschool teachers in Oregon?

Cultural competence is essential because Oregon preschool classrooms serve children from many linguistic, racial, ethnic, tribal, and family backgrounds. The article’s cited data states that over 20% of preschool-aged children in the state come from non-English-speaking households, which means teachers need strategies that support both language development and belonging.

Culturally competent teaching means learning about children’s identities without stereotyping them. It includes using books and materials that reflect many families, inviting family knowledge into the classroom, respecting home languages, avoiding deficit-based assumptions, and designing routines that help every child participate.

Practical strategies include using bilingual labels, offering picture-based directions, celebrating family traditions with care and consent, communicating with families in accessible language, and choosing stories that represent Oregon’s diverse communities. Teachers can also build cultural competence while gaining classroom experience as assistants. If you are beginning in a support role, this guide on how to become a teacher assistant in Oregon can help you understand an entry-level path into early childhood classrooms.

How can preschool teachers expand their expertise through specialized training?

Specialized training allows preschool teachers to respond more effectively to speech, language, behavior, sensory, and developmental needs. For example, training related to communication disorders can help teachers identify when a child may need referral support and how to create language-rich classroom routines. Educators interested in deeper clinical or interdisciplinary work can review how to become a speech pathologist in Oregon to understand a related career pathway.

The best specialized training is connected to your classroom reality. If many children in your program are multilingual, ESL or bilingual education may be more useful than a general workshop. If your classroom includes children with developmental delays, special education and inclusive practice training may offer the highest value.

What are the common challenges faced by preschool teachers in Oregon?

Preschool teaching is rewarding, but candidates should understand the difficult parts before entering the field. Common challenges include managing group behavior, meeting diverse developmental needs, communicating with families, completing documentation, and preventing burnout.

One common mistake is assuming that loving children is enough. Effective preschool teaching requires planning, stamina, documentation, collaboration, and skillful emotional regulation throughout the day.

How do private school teacher requirements in Oregon differ from public school criteria?

Private preschool and private school employers in Oregon may have more flexibility than public school systems when setting hiring criteria. Some may prioritize classroom experience, a teaching philosophy match, childcare credentials, or specialized methods such as Montessori. Public school-based roles are more likely to require TSPC-aligned credentials and state licensure.

If you are considering private education, review employer requirements carefully rather than assuming one credential works everywhere. This guide to private school teacher requirements in Oregon can help you compare expectations. Private settings may offer instructional flexibility, but they may also vary widely in salary, benefits, planning time, and professional development support.

How can online education programs strengthen preschool teacher credentials in Oregon?

Online education can help Oregon preschool teachers complete coursework, add endorsements, or pursue professional development without leaving the workforce. It is especially useful for rural educators, teaching assistants, working parents, and career changers who need flexible scheduling.

However, online convenience does not guarantee licensure eligibility. Before enrolling, ask whether the program is accredited, whether it is approved for Oregon requirements, and how supervised classroom placements are arranged. Teachers who want broader education training may also compare options such as the best online secondary education programs, especially if they are considering long-term movement into other grade levels or educational roles.

How can mentorship and professional networking support career advancement in Oregon?

Mentorship can shorten the learning curve for new preschool teachers. A strong mentor can help with classroom routines, family communication, behavior support, licensing paperwork, and career planning. Networking also helps teachers learn about openings, scholarships, training opportunities, and leadership roles before they are widely advertised.

Useful networking options include local early childhood associations, school district professional learning communities, college alumni networks, online educator groups, conferences, and employer-sponsored coaching programs. Teachers who eventually want to move into other grade levels can explore pathways such as how to be a middle school math teacher in Oregon to understand how additional certification may expand career options.

What emerging trends are shaping preschool teaching in Oregon?

Several trends are influencing preschool teaching in Oregon. Early childhood programs are placing more emphasis on inclusive classrooms, culturally responsive teaching, family partnerships, and early identification of developmental needs. Digital tools are also becoming more common, but in preschool they should be used carefully and in age-appropriate ways rather than replacing play, conversation, movement, and hands-on exploration.

Employer expectations are also changing. Teachers may be asked to document learning more consistently, use data to support instruction, collaborate with specialists, and communicate with families across languages and platforms. Some preschool teachers use their early childhood experience as a foundation for moving into elementary education; if that interests you, review how to become an elementary teacher in Oregon.

What financial aid options are available for aspiring preschool teachers in Oregon?

Education costs can be a major barrier for future preschool teachers, especially because early childhood salaries do not always rise quickly enough to offset high debt. Before choosing a program, compare total cost, transfer credit, financial aid eligibility, completion time, licensure alignment, and expected salary in your target region.

• Federal and state grants: The Federal Pell Grant is cited as providing up to $6,495 annually for eligible low-income students. Oregon’s Oregon Opportunity Grant is cited as providing up to $3,500 per year for eligible students.
• Scholarships: Early childhood education scholarships may be available through professional organizations, colleges, employers, and community foundations. The Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children (OAEYC) is cited as offering scholarships for students committed to early childhood work.
• Loan forgiveness: Oregon participates in the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, which can forgive up to $17,500 in federal student loans for qualifying teachers who work in low-income schools for five consecutive years.
• Continuing education support: Current educators may find funding for workshops, coursework, and credential upgrades through employers or state-supported professional development opportunities.
• Work-study and employer tuition assistance: Some colleges offer work-study jobs connected to preschool settings, while some employers help pay for early childhood education coursework.

Questions to ask before borrowing for an ECE program

• Is the program accredited and recognized for Oregon licensing?
• What is the full cost, including fees, books, testing, background checks, and transportation?
• Will my prior credits transfer?
• Does the program help arrange Oregon-based student teaching or practicum placements?
• What roles do graduates usually obtain?
• Does the school publish clear information about financial aid and completion requirements?
• Will the expected salary support my monthly loan payment?

How can integrating arts and music enhance early childhood education in Oregon?

Arts and music can support language, memory, movement, self-expression, listening, social interaction, and fine motor development. In a preschool classroom, this may include rhythm games, singing routines, movement activities, dramatic play, drawing, painting, instrument exploration, and storytelling.

Creative instruction works best when it is developmentally appropriate and connected to learning goals. A song can support transitions. Drawing can strengthen observation and fine motor skills. Movement can help children regulate energy and practice listening. Teachers interested in expanding arts-based expertise can explore how to become a music teacher in Oregon as a related professional pathway.

How can special education training improve preschool teaching outcomes in Oregon?

Special education training helps preschool teachers recognize developmental differences, adapt lessons, support inclusive participation, and collaborate with families and specialists. This is especially important because early support can influence how children communicate, regulate emotions, build relationships, and participate in group learning.

Teachers do not need to become specialists to improve inclusion, but they do need practical tools. These include visual schedules, sensory supports, flexible seating, simplified directions, peer modeling, and observation-based documentation. Educators who want a deeper understanding of disability services and credentials can review special education teacher requirements in Oregon.

What impact do Oregon teacher certification requirements have on career success?

Oregon certification requirements shape career access. The right credential can qualify you for public preschool roles, improve portability across employers, and support advancement into specialized or leadership positions. The wrong program, however, can leave you with credits that do not satisfy TSPC expectations.

Certification also signals that a teacher has met minimum preparation standards in child development, pedagogy, supervised practice, and professional responsibility. For a broader explanation of state benchmarks, review Oregon teacher certification requirements.

What financing options are available for a teaching credential in Oregon?

A teaching credential can involve tuition, exams, application fees, fingerprinting, and unpaid or reduced-paid student teaching time. To control costs, compare public colleges, community college transfer pathways, employer-supported programs, scholarships, grants, and alternative certification options.

The lowest tuition is not always the lowest-cost route if credits do not transfer or the program does not meet licensure requirements. Candidates who want to minimize debt should compare approved pathways and review the cheapest teaching credential program in Oregon as part of a broader cost-and-licensure check.

How can advanced ESL training benefit preschool teachers in Oregon?

Advanced ESL training can help preschool teachers support children who are developing English while also maintaining and valuing their home languages. Useful strategies include visual supports, oral language routines, family language surveys, culturally responsive books, peer interaction, and intentional vocabulary instruction through play.

Teachers who want graduate-level preparation can explore options such as a masters in ESL online. Before enrolling, confirm whether the degree aligns with your career goals, salary expectations, and Oregon credential needs.

What are the salary and benefit expectations for preschool teachers in Oregon?

Preschool teacher compensation in Oregon varies by employer type, region, degree level, years of experience, funding source, and responsibilities. Public school-based positions may offer stronger benefits and salary schedules, while private preschools and childcare-based programs may differ widely in pay, health insurance, retirement options, paid leave, and planning time.

When comparing offers, look beyond hourly or annual wages. Benefits, paid preparation time, classroom support, continuing education funding, paid holidays, and staff turnover can change the real value of a job. Additional credentials and interdisciplinary skills may support broader opportunities; for example, teachers interested in creative instruction may explore how to become an art teacher in Oregon as a related path.

What should you ask before choosing an Oregon preschool teacher pathway?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a program without checking Oregon approval: Always verify licensure alignment before enrolling.
• Assuming all preschool jobs have the same requirements: Public, private, childcare-based, and specialized programs may follow different rules.
• Looking only at tuition: Include testing, fees, background checks, lost work time, transportation, books, and student teaching logistics.
• Ignoring transfer policies: If you start with an associate degree, confirm how credits transfer into a bachelor’s program.
• Waiting to plan for renewal: Track professional development from the beginning of your career.
• Assuming salary outcomes are guaranteed: Pay depends on employer, location, credentials, funding, benefits, and experience.
• Choosing speed over fit: A fast-track program is only useful if it meets Oregon requirements and provides adequate classroom preparation.

Here's What Preschool Teachers in Oregon Have to Say About Their Career?

Key Insights

• Oregon preschool teaching requirements depend on the setting. Licensed public preschool roles generally require a bachelor’s degree, approved preparation, exams, background checks, and TSPC application approval.
• An associate degree can open entry-level early childhood roles, but it may not be enough for licensed public school-based preschool teaching.
• Alternative certification can be useful for career changers and teaching assistants, but candidates must confirm Oregon approval, district sponsorship, field placement rules, and testing requirements.
• Professional development is part of long-term employability. Track PDUs or required hours early and verify renewal rules with TSPC or your employer.
• Specializations in special education, bilingual education, ESL, STEM, arts, or curriculum development can improve classroom effectiveness and may support advancement.
• Do not choose a program based only on speed or tuition. Accreditation, Oregon licensure alignment, transfer credit, field placement access, and total cost are more important.
• Salary and benefits vary widely by employer type. Compare health insurance, retirement, paid leave, planning time, support staff, and professional development funding alongside pay.
• The best path is the one that matches your target role: private preschool, childcare-based classroom, licensed public preschool teacher, lead teacher, specialist, or program leader.

References:

• Teacher Certification Degrees (n.d.). Oregon Alternative Teacher Certification. Teacher Certification Degrees.
• Oregon Department of Education (n.d.). Professional Development in Early Childhood. Oregon Department of Education.