Multnomah County’s Preschool for All (PFA) application for the 2024-25 year will close on Tuesday, April 30. PFA preschool programs are free and new seats start in September 2024. Children who will be 3 or 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024 and who have at least one parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County are eligible to apply. Families can learn more or apply at https://www.multco.us/preschool.
Preschool for All is an opportunity for every three-and four-year-old in Multnomah County to access a joyful, quality preschool experience and the program is excited to welcome over 600 new students this year. With more than 2,000 seats for the 2024-25 year, Preschool for All remains on track to achieve its goal of universal access for all Multnomah County residents by 2030.
Families can choose up to six participating preschool programs on their application, including preschool programs in schools, home-based family child care, or center-based care. This variety of program models provides flexibility to families in order to best meet their needs, and supports the program’s efforts to build a robust preschool infrastructure in our community. Once the application window closes on April 30, there will be additional opportunities for waitlist spots available on a rolling basis throughout the summer. However, most of the slots will be filled during this spring primary application period.
All applications submitted by April 30, 2024 will be considered at the same time. Placements will not be made on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s not too late to apply. Applicants are encouraged to take the time they need to research preschool options, talk to providers, and visit programs before making selections.
Importantly, there are no income requirements for family eligibility, although capacity is limited. The program prioritizes children with the least access to high-quality preschool, including:
- Black, Brown, Native American Indigenous, and all Children of Color
- Children who speak languages other than English
- Children with developmental delays and disabilities
- Children in or at risk of foster care placement
- Children from low-income families
- Children experiencing homelessness.
Seventy-six percent of children enrolled in PFA this year were able to enroll in their family’s first choice preschool, and 93% enrolled in one of their top three choices. More details on implementation progress can be found in this PFA Fast Facts resource.
“We’ve got such a good variety of settings and providers with such a strong diversity of backgrounds,” said Leslee Barnes, director of the Preschool & Early Learning Division. “I’m excited for new families to take a look at the programs we’re partnering with and find the provider that’s right for them.”
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