The PFA Provider Application will open March 27, 2026 and close April 28, 2026.
Learn about becoming a Provider at these information sessions:
Tuesday, March 10, 6:00PM - 7:00PM
- This session will be in English with interpretation available
- Virtual on Zoom: Register for Tuesday, March 10
Saturday, March 14, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
- Sessions will be held in English and Spanish, and interpretation for other languages is available by request
- In-Person: Register for English or Register for Spanish
- Rockwood Market Hall, 2nd floor conference rooms
458 SE 185th Ave, Portland, OR 97233
Tuesday, March 24, 6:00PM - 7:00PM
- This session will be in English with interpretation available
- Virtual on Zoom: Register for Tuesday, March 24
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.
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.
How to become a PFA provider
Apply to become a PFA provider
Step 1: Review eligibility requirements
Ensure your program meets the requirements. This includes having an active childcare license.
Step 2: Submit an application
The provider application is open twice each year, typically in late winter/early spring and summer. Visit apply to be a PFA Provider for the application as well as more details on the process.
Step 3: Applications are reviewed and scored
Providers whose applications score 70% or higher become qualified. Qualified providers stay eligible for five years and will be considered for slot allocations each year.
We also review:
- Your experience managing an early learning program
- Your licensing history
- How your program aligns with PFA program expectations
Step 4: Providers are contacted
All providers are notified via email whether their application has been accepted or not.
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.
Step 5: Slots are allocated to qualified providers
The Preschool & Early Learning Division (PEL) allocates slots to PFA providers based on several factors, including geographic distribution and community needs.
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.