The Preschool for All family application for the 2025-2026 school year is closed.
- The family application for the 2026-2027 school year will open on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 10AM.
Sign up to be notified about the 2026-2027 family application opening.
Get started with Preschool for All
Preschool for All Eligibility
There are just two eligibility requirements to participate in Preschool for All. Children must:
1. Be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the preschool year, and
2. Have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County.
There are no income eligibility requirements to apply for Preschool for All.
Children who are 5 years old on or before September 1 do not qualify for Preschool for All.
The Preschool for All family application
New to Preschool for All? This this short video is an introduction to the Preschool for All (PFA) family application. You'll learn what it is and what you'll need to get started as you explore preschool options for your child. This video is also available in: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
What to expect in the application process
Step 1: Identify the top eight preschool choices for your child.
Take your time! Placements are not first come, first served.
- Review a full list of Preschool for All locations.
- Use our Preschool Selection Tool to select the right fit for your family.
- For more information about the preschools, learn about school types and questions you may want to ask during a tour or conversation with a provider.
- Two Preschool for All partners are not included in the PFA application portal. Portland Public Schools and KairosPDX have separate application processes. If you are interested in a seat at either of those programs, you can apply directly with those organizations.
Step 2: Submit an application for your child.
Apply online at pfa.multco.us or get help from a Family Navigator.
The application is available in English, Simplified Chinese, Dari, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Step 3: Your family will be contacted if you’re offered a preschool placement.
We contact you if your child is offered a preschool placement.
If no placement is available, your child will be added to the waitlist at all of your selected preschools.
Step 4: You can accept or decline your child’s placement offer.
To secure your child’s spot, be sure to accept or decline the placement offer by the date shared in your email.
If we can’t offer you a seat at your top choice(s) right away, your child will automatically be placed on the waitlist for those sites.
Step 5: If your family has accepted your placement offer, it’s time to enroll at your new preschool!
When a placement offer is accepted, families must contact the preschool program and enroll by the specified due date in their acceptance email.
This video walks you through the family application process and timeline to expect, so you know what happens after you start your application. This video is also available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the application process.
Choosing a Preschool
It is important to research your preschool options and to choose programs that will work well for you and your child. Families can choose up to eight preschools on their application and will only be matched with the sites on their list. We highly encourage families to visit preschool sites before including them on their application.
You can find more information about choosing a preschool in our application portal. You can also learn more about it in this quick video, which is also available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
When choosing a preschool, remember that all our partner programs follow the Oregon Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines in their teaching. Their staff also commit to professional development and get ongoing support. All our preschool partners have also 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)
PFA Priority Populations
Children who currently have the least access to high-quality early learning experiences are prioritized in our outreach. 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 in or at risk of placement in foster care;
- Children from families with low incomes; and
- Children experiencing homelessness.