Preschool spots for Salem-area families are getting easier to find, but care for babies and toddlers remains in short supply, according to a new Oregon State University report.

The report, released in July, looked at child care spots available in every Oregon county as of late 2024, comparing it to similar surveys in 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Despite improvements, both Marion and Polk counties remain child care “deserts,” for preschool age children and children two and under, the study found. That means there’s fewer than one spot in a daycare for every three children that age.

READ IT: Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2024 report

In Marion County, there are enough child care slots to cover 33% of preschoolers and 18% of infants and toddlers, the report said. Both numbers have improved since

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