Apply to be a PFA Provider

Learn more about the PFA site application process

On this page

  1. Preschool for All Provider Information Sessions and Support
  2. Application Overview
  3. Slot Allocation
  4. Application Process Steps
  5. Applications by Setting Type

The Preschool for All Site Application is open July 11, 2025 through September 2, 2025 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Preschool for All Provider Information Sessions and Support

Attend an information session to learn more about being a Preschool for All (PFA) Provider and about the application process. 

Virtual Info Sessions

In-Person Info Session & Office Hours

Join us for an in-person information session at Rockwood Market Hall. After the presentation, staff will be available to meet one-on-one to answer individual questions about joining PFA and about the application process. 

One-on-One Application Support

If you still have questions after attending an information session, request to talk to a Preschool & Early Learning staff one-on-one to answer individual questions about joining PFA and about the application process. 

Application Overview

The Preschool for All Site application opens twice a year: in the late winter/early spring and the summer. Providers who score 70% or above on their application become a qualified provider. Becoming a qualified provider does not guarantee that a provider will receive a Preschool for All contract. Qualified providers remain qualified for five years and do not need to reapply each year. 

Preschool for All providers must have at least three years of experience operating preschool. Experience in operations or management in early learning for groups between 0 and 5 years will be considered. 

Each location's licensing history will also be reviewed as part of the process. We encourage providers to regularly review their licensing history in the child care safety portal to ensure that it is accurate. If you have questions about your licensing history, please reach out to the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Child Care Licensing Division. 

Slot Allocation

Each year, a group of PEL staff and PFA partners decide on the total number of PFA slots qualified providers get. All qualified providers are considered.. The group makes slot decisions based on different information: 

  • how many slots providers ask for
  • preschool site location(s)
  • family needs, and
  • the provider’s experience working with PFA priority populations

The group also uses the following standards when decided on the number of PFA slots for new PFA Providers: 

Certified Family Child Care 

  • New providers who offer infant/toddler care can receive up to 12 seats in their first year 

Registered Family Child Care 

  • New providers can receive up to 6 seats in their first year 

Child Care Centers

  • New Child Care Centers can receive up to 20 seats in their first year

For culturally specific organizations, non-profits, and Head Start agencies, with previous early learning experience they can receive up to their desired amount of seats.

Application Process Steps

  • Step 1: Providers apply.
  • Step 2: Providers whose applications score 70% or above become qualified. All providers are notified via email if they qualified or not.
  • Step 3: Additional information about qualified providers is reviewed for:
    • Experience in early learning management and operations
    • Licensing history
    • Alignment with PFA program expectations (this includes the provider’s application, website, and publicly available information)
  • Step 4: Preschool for All staff follow-up with qualified providers if there are questions about the program meeting PFA expectations. These questions may include inclusion, avoiding suspension and expulsion, and program hours.
  • Step 5: Preschool for All slot allocation. Qualified providers who meet the years of experience, licensing expectations, program hour requirements, and who are committed to following PFA policies continue in the process. All providers are notified if they will receive PFA slots. 

Applications by Setting Type

If you are a:

  • Family Child Care (FCC) Provider 

Please follow the application instructions on this page.

If your organization/business is a:

  • Center,
  • Center with one or more family child care sites
  • Non-Profit or Community-Based Organization,
  • Public Charter School, or a
  • Private School

Please use the RFPQ instructions on this page.

If your organization is a:

  • School District or a
  • Government Organization, including Public Colleges and Universities

Please follow the application instructions on this page.

Last reviewed June 7, 2025

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