The Preschool for All family application for the 2024-25 school year is open!!
Please visit pfa.multco.us to apply!
Preschool programs are free and start in September 2024 for the 2024-25 school year. The last day to apply is April 30, 2024. Apply any time during the application period; the application review and decision process is not first come, first served. Please take the time to learn more about your preschool choices, and as long as you submit by April 30, your application will be considered in the same way as those who submitted earlier.
You will be asked to choose and rank in your order of preference up to 6 participating preschool programs when you apply. Review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the application process.
Preschool for All: Questions & Answers
Who is eligible for Preschool for All and when can I sign up my child?
There are just two eligibility requirements to participate: children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 and have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County.
The 2023-24 family application for the Preschool for All waitlist slots is currently open.
When will Preschool for All be available to all families in Multnomah County?
The number of Preschool for All seats will grow over time, increasing the number of providers and families, until the system is universally available in 2030. As Preschool for All builds to full capacity, children who currently have the least access to early learning will be prioritized in the outreach and application processes. Children whose families experience barriers accessing preschool include:
- Black, Brown, Native American Indigenous, and all Children of Color;
- children who speak languages other than English;
- children with developmental delays and disabilities;
- children living in or at risk of placement in foster care;
- children from families experiencing low incomes; and
- children experiencing homelessness.
How will the number of children in Preschool for All increase over time?
During the 2022-23 year, there were approximately 700 Preschool for All slots. This exceeded our original goal of 500 slots. There are almost 1400 Preschool for All slots for the 2023-24 preschool year. The number of Preschool for All slots will grow each year, until the program reaches universal access in 2030.
What types of preschool programs are included in Preschool for All?
It is important that families get to choose the type of preschool experience that they want for their child. Preschool for All includes center-based preschool, home-based preschools, preschools in schools, and Head Starts.
I’m a Preschool Provider, how do I participate?
There are two ways for preschool providers to participate in Preschool for All:
- In the Pathways Program, providers partner with Preschool for All to receive coaching and support. The Pathways Program helps providers get ready to apply for PFA seats. Providers can apply to join the Pathways Program now.
- Providers can also apply for Preschool for All seats as a Pilot Site. The number of Preschool for All providers will grow each year as the number of slots increases.
How is Preschool for All funded?
Preschool for All is funded with a marginal personal income tax on the highest income earners who live or work in Multnomah County. This includes individuals with Oregon taxable income over $125,000 and for joint filers with Oregon taxable income over $200,000. Please visit this page for more detailed information for taxpayers and employers.
I’d like to be on the Preschool for All Advisory Committee. How do I apply?
Committee members are appointed by the Multnomah County Chair and serve two-year terms. Please visit the Advisory Committee webpage to learn more.
How do I apply for a position with Preschool for All?
Please visit the Multnomah County jobs site to learn more about available employment opportunities.
How do I learn more about Preschool for All and implementation plans?
Please see the Preschool for All Plan to learn more about the implementation framework. You can also sign up for the PFA newsletter and read previous versions here.
I have additional questions, who should I contact?
Please email preschoolforall@multco.us and we will respond as soon as possible.
