Little Kits Early Care & Education Center to Close Operations on July 2
Little Kits families were informed of the closure via email on May 7.
Why is Little Kits closing?
Due to ongoing financial challenges, OSU‑Cascades made the difficult decision to cease operations of Little Kits under the management of the OSU Family Resource Center. Unfortunately, in Oregon and across the country, childcare remains a challenging model to sustain and subsidize financially, with rising operating costs and limited public funding.
When will Little Kits close?
Little Kits’ last day of operations under the OSU Family Resource Center is planned for July 2, 2026.
Will the Little Kits building serve as a childcare center in the future?
OSU‑Cascades is committed to meeting its obligations to the agencies that provided funding for Little Kits, including Deschutes County, the State of Oregon and the federal government. Those obligations include operating the building as a childcare center for the foreseeable future.
We are currently working to secure an independent childcare provider to lease the Little Kits building and operate a licensed childcare program. As of this time, neither a new provider nor a timeline has been confirmed.
Can I secure care for my family at the new childcare operation?
If a new childcare provider is secured, eligibility, enrollment criteria, tuition and program policies may differ, and current Little Kits families may not qualify. We understand how concerning this uncertainty may be and encourage you to check this FAQ page for updates.
What about the Little Kits staff?
Little Kits staff have been informed of the closure and OSU Human Resources is working with the Little Kits team members to provide them support during this difficult time. We appreciate the deep care, expertise, and commitment this early care and education team have devoted to Little Kits children and families.
How many children are enrolled?
As of last count, 24.
What is the age range for children cared for at Little Kits?
Infant to five years.
When did Little Kits open?
Little Kits ECE Center opened on Monday, August 4, 2025.
Why are you closing the center after just one year?
We believe that a different model will better be able to operate within the space. OSU-Cascades remains committed to supporting childcare needs in Central Oregon and is actively pursuing this option to make space available to other providers in the Little Kits building.
How much do parents pay per child per month?
Rates vary based on the child’s age and the number of days per week they attend, and range between about $920 and $2,340 monthly.
Will parents be asked to pay the same rates despite the Friday closures?
Parents will see the Friday closure reflected in their monthly tuition bill.
What are the operating hours for Little Kits?
Original hours were Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Moving forward until July 2nd, Little Kits is closed on Fridays.
How many paid staff are there?
Little Kits has six full-time staff. The center has also employed about 20 student workers, although that number fluctuates.
Why is the program facing financial challenges?
High quality early care and education, which includes professional compensation for skilled teachers, requires subsidy. Other facilities may be able to operate with lower rates because they offer a different model of care.
Federal funding was used to launch this program. What’s the status of those grants?
About $3.3 million in federal funding (including some funds that were directed through state and county initiatives) was used to construct the building, parking lot, playground and landscaping, and all grants were fully spent.
Is OSU-Cascades standing by its commitment to working on the issue of childcare in Central Oregon?
OSU-Cascades sought funding and constructed the Little Kits building to support childcare needs in our community, and we remain committed to that mission. We’re investigating various options and will share details as soon as a plan is solidified.