The Preschool for All family application is closed, and will open for the 2024-25 school year in April.

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Questions to Ask When Choosing a Preschool

We encourage you to learn more about the programs you are considering. Many providers have profiles in our application portal, and you can also email or call providers with your specific questions. Our portal also contains more detailed information about choosing a preschool.

This information can be downloaded in : English | Traditional Chinese | Russian | Spanish | Vietnamese

How will I know this the right fit for my family?


Will my child be safe and healthy?
• Will the same program staff take care of my child regularly?
• Is there a family handbook explaining the policies (such as guidance and discipline)?
• Are healthy meals and snacks provided?
• How many children are cared for daily in the program?



Will my child’s development be supported?
• Is there a daily routine and planned activities?
• How will my child’s home language and culture be supported?
• Are TV, computer, and other screen times limited?

 

Do children and families feel supported by the program?
• Are children and families welcomed by program staff?
• Are families invited to visit and participate in the program?
• How does the program regularly communicate information with families?



What is the experience and education of the staff working with my child?
• How long has the program staff been providing child care?
• What training and education do the program staff have?
• Is the program participating in Oregon’s Spark?

   

Will the environment allow my child to learn and grow?
• Is the environment clean, comfortable, and friendly?
• Is there enough indoor and outdoor space for movement and play?
• Are there enough materials, books, and toys for children?

 

Can you see positive relationships in the program?
• Do program staff smile at, talk with, and listen to children?
• Do program staff play with and read to children?
• Are children playing together?
 


Preschool Setting Types 

All PFA partners will meet basic program standards that align to the State of Oregon Office of Child Care licensing requirements for health and safety, staffing, and programming. Preschool for All requires home-based and child care center providers to be licensed. The State does not require that school district preschools are licensed. 

For more information regarding licensing and unlicensed program requirements you may contact the Oregon Department of Education, Office of Child Care

Home-Based

Families choose home-based providers for different reasons:

  • The home-like environment is appealing to many families.
  • Family child care providers care for fewer children at one time than child care centers.
  • Siblings can be together because most family child care homes have different ages of children enrolled.
  • There are fewer adults that may care for your child on a daily basis.
  • Family child care homes may be more flexible with their hours of operation compared to other types of care.
Center-Based

Some families prefer a center environment for their child. Families choose centers for different reasons:

  • A larger setting in a commercial space is preferred.
  • Children are in the same classroom with their peers.
  • There are more adults/staff on site to provide oversight.
  • There are a variety of teachers with various teaching styles.
  • Some centers have larger outdoor play areas.
Schools and like settings

Other families choose a school setting for their children. Some reasons may include:

  • Families may have older children who are enrolled in the same school.
  • Preschool children become familiar with the school and when entering kindergarten, transition may be easier.
  • Families like the wrap-around services and other support some schools offer.
  • There are more adults/staff on site to provide oversight.
  • The school is in their neighborhood.