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 anytime 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.
Welcome to our Preschool for All Parent Information Page!
On November 3rd, 2020 voters in Multnomah County overwhelmingly supported the “Preschool for All” ballot measure. Preschool for All (PFA) connects families in Multnomah County to free, inclusive, culturally responsive early education.
Preschool for All began with over 700 preschool seats available for the 2022-23 year. The program will grow over time, increasing the number of providers and families, until there will be a publicly funded preschool seat available to all interested families in 2030.
We are excited that you are considering preschool programs available through Preschool for All for your child. We know that choosing the right preschool for your child is an important decision.
Eligibility
There are just two eligibility requirements to participate. Children must:
- Be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the preschool year, and
- Have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County.
There are no income eligibility requirements for Preschool for All.
Children who currently have the least access to high-quality early learning experiences will be prioritized for the first available slots. 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.
Choosing a Preschool
You can find more detailed information about choosing a preschool in our application portal.
When considering preschool options that meet your needs, keep in mind that all partnering programs use a curriculum that aligns with Oregon Early Learning and Kindergarten guidelines and employ staff who are committed to professional development and receive ongoing support. In addition, our preschool partners have agreed to:
- Create an environment of safety, trust, and belonging for all children and families, with a specific focus on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and Families of Color
- Follow Preschool for All’s policy of no suspensions or expulsions of children
- Fully include children with disabilities and/or special health needs
- Pay staff competitive wages and provide staff benefits
- Be licensed by the State of Oregon Office of Child Care (when required)
For informational purposes, you can download a list of 2024-25 Preschool for All programs. More information about these programs can be found on our application portal.
