April 17, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

Early learning professionals across Douglas, Klamath, and Lake counties received just over $3.2 million through the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure Fund, a statewide initiative supporting construction, renovation and property acquisition for childcare facilities.

A release from the Douglas Education Service District said CCIF was established through House Bill 3005 and is designed to expand childcare capacity and strengthen early learning environments by funding fixed, immovable infrastructure projects that support long-term sustainability.

The release said childcare plays a vital role in the strength and stability of Douglas, Klamath and Lake counties. Yet across the region, providers often struggle with limited space, aging facilities, and the high costs associated with expanding or improving their programs.

Home-based family childcare providers in the three counties led the development and submission of their own CCIF grant applications, while Douglas ESD’s Care Connections & Education provided guidance, technical assistance and resource navigation to strengthen proposals and deepen understanding of CCIF requirements. Through this support, early learning professionals working with Care Connections & Education secured just over $1 million of the money awarded locally for major renovations, new construction, minor repairs and property acquisition across the three counties. Notably, all four home-based family childcare providers supported by Care Connections & Education received grant funding.

For more information about the Douglas Education Service District’s Care Connections & Education program, go to: https://www.672care.org