Marion, Polk counties remain child care “deserts” despite adding more preschool spots

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…